relaxation responsePDF

							MEDITATION                                                        The relaxation response
In order to release this build up of tension, we use a technique which triggers off what we

call the Relaxation Response.

The Relaxation Response is the exact physiological opposite to the automatic response

known as the Fight or Flight Response.

In the Fight or Flight Response, the appearance of danger automatically makes us suddenly

produce adrenalin which makes our hearts beat faster, speeds up the action of the lungs

and provides more available oxygen and energy for our body to cope with the danger.

When the Relaxation Response is triggered off, the exact opposite happens.

The heart rate goes down, the heart’s activity slows, the respiratory or breathing rate also

slows down.

The whole body goes into a deep state of rest, the whole body relaxes, the muscles slacken

and release the tension that we store up in them.

The Relaxation Response can be triggered off in a number of ways.

The most efficient and easily learned method is by a meditation technique.



Reproduced from ‘The ISIS Stop Smoking Programme’ with the kind permission of Paul Sulzberger