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A Simple Psychophysiologic Technique Which Elicits the Hypometabolic Changes of the Relaxation Response

Beary, John F. BS; Benson, Herbert MD; Klemchuk, Helen P. AB

Thorndike Memorial and Channing Laboratories, Harvard Medical Unit, Boston City Hospital, 818 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02118 Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115

Address for reprint requests: Herbert Benson, MD, Thorndike Memorial Laboratory, Boston City Hospital, 818 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02118

Received for publication May 18, 1973; revision received July 27, 1973.

Supported in part by grants from the United States Public Health Service (HL 14486-02, RR-76 from the General Clinical Research Centers Program of the Division of Research Resources, and HL 10539-07) and the General Service Foundation.

Psychosomatic Medicine 36(2):p 115-120, March 1974.

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Abstract

Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and respiratory rate are significantly decreased during the practice of a new, easily-learned relaxation technique. The elements of the technique are a mental device to prevent distracting thoughts, a passive attitude, decreased muscle tonus, and a quiet environment which is as free of visual and auditory stimuli as possible. Sitting quietly with the eyes either open or closed failed to produce the same changes. These physiologic changes are consistent with an integrated hypothalamic response resulting in hypothesized decreased sympathetic activity. This response has recently been termed the “relaxation response.”