Relaxation therapies include a range of techniques such
as autogenic training, various forms of meditation,
progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and paced
respiration. The goal of these therapeutic approaches is
overall relaxation and stress reduction. Practice can produce
a set of physiologic changes that result in slowed respiration,
lowered pulse and blood pressure, an increase in alpha wave
brain activity, and possibly even reduction in the body's
inflammatory response mechanism (Lutgendorf, 2000). This can
have a positive impact on health and improve symptoms in many
acute and chronic illnesses and conditions, including pain.
Relaxation training may decrease pain, depression and disability
(Barkin, 1996). According to the 1996 National Institutes of
Health report on the treatment of chronic pain and insomnia,
there is strong evidence for the effectiveness of relaxation
techniques in reducing chronic pain in a variety of medical
conditions. Effects may include reduced pain and muscle tension,
reduced anxiety and insomnia, and increased activity level
(Good 1996, Carroll, 1998; Mandle, 1996).
Meditation
Meditation is a specific type of relaxation intervention
that also can have an effect on pain. Results suggest that
meditation can result in a higher tolerance to pain; decreased anxiety, stress and depression; increased activity levels; decreased use of pain-related medications; and increased levels of self-esteem (Mills, 1981; Kabat-Zinn, 1985; Harmon, 1999). The meditative technique based on increased awareness and staying in the moment, called mindfulness meditation, has been successfully used in treatment programs to reduce pain and improve mood in patients with chronic pain from a variety of conditions, including facial pain, coronary and noncoronary chest pain, gastrointestinal pain, low back, neck and shoulder pain and headache (Kabat-Zinn, 1982).
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