Muscle Relaxation To The Max!

By Molly Luffy
Expert Author
Article Date: 2003-06-19

You've heard about the benefits of relaxing your muscles in order to reduce stress, right?

Well "progressive muscle relaxation" takes this concept to a new level! This deep relaxation technique can be used to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, insomnia and certain types of chronic pain. In fact, this form of relaxation is used by physicians (in combination with standard therapies) for a number of conditions, including headaches, cancer pain, high blood pressure, and digestive disturbances. The concept is that tensing or tightening, one muscle group at a time followed by a release of the tension helps create deep relaxation in the body.

Progressive muscle relaxation can be learned by nearly anyone and requires only 10-20 minutes per day. You can practice this technique seated or lying down in a quiet place. Tense each muscle group for 5-8 seconds and then release. While releasing the tension, try to focus on the changes you feel when the muscle group is relaxed. Then stay relaxed for 15-30 seconds and move on to the next muscle group. Try it. It feels awesome! For a free on-line lesson on this technique, check out http://www.work911.com/cgi-bin/links/jump.cgi?ID=1615