R
Relaxation therapies
Definition
Relaxation is a generic term covering a range of techniques which release physical and mental tension from the body and are useful for people with conditions in which stress and anxiety are precipitating or exacerbating factors.
Deep relaxation uses a quiet environment with the person lying supine and involves a process of total body relaxation resulting in a profoundly relaxing effect; conversely, brief relaxation, derived from progressive relaxation and autogenic training, allows the person to achieve an immediate state of relaxation when faced with a stressful situation; while rapid relaxation uses environmental objects as cues to induce relaxation such as a wrist-watch or telephone. Differential relaxation concentrates on controlling muscle tension and teaching the person to become aware of tension levels within various muscle groups and may be used in conjunction with cue-controlled relaxation. Electro-dermal response biofeedback uses sensors to monitor and feedback skin conductance in order to treat anxiety disorders, chronic pain and stress. Behavioural relaxation training is an aspect of cognitive behavioural therapy in which the client self-induces relaxation by assuming the appearance of being relaxed (whatever their feelings), thus inducing genuine feelings of relaxation. Brainwave training/neurofeedback teaches patients to identify, control and enhance brainwave activity in order to treat addictions, seizures and sleep disorders. The Mitchell method is based on the principle of reciprocal inhibition, i.e. when one group of muscles is working, the opposite group of muscles is relaxed; it aims to reduce stress and relax the mind by recognizing the difference between muscular tension and relaxation, combined with visualization and a breathing technique in which the person is encouraged to ‘sigh out slowly’, focussing on expiration, rather than inhalation.
Safety:
Relaxation training is contraindicated in acute psychotic states or those susceptible to psychosis but may benefit the patient during a non-active period of illness; trance-like states can lead to feelings of disorientation and depersonalization and should not be entered into for long periods of time. Emotional abreaction may occur.
Biofeedback
Description
Biofeedback involves educating clients about body movements by using monitors or computer-aided graphical instrumentation to monitor, amplify and feedback physiological information to enable them to exert conscious control over autonomic functions. It works on the principle inherent in any learning – that information or knowledge about results is necessary to acquire a skill; in this case, greater control over a biological function such as heart rate or blood pressure. Biofeedback instruments include monitors to measure skin resistance, skin temperature, muscle activity and electroencephalograph monitors.
Floatation therapy
Description
Floatation therapy is thought to induce deep relaxation via severely reduced sensory input. The person floats in a solution of salt water, warmed to blood heat, in near or complete darkness and in complete silence or with music or nature sounds if preferred, so that the brain releases endorphins, leading to pain relief and feelings of euphoria.
Jacobson’s progressive relaxation
Description
This technique is based on the theory that thinking is related to muscle state, thus muscle relaxation produces a calm and peaceful state of mind, calming the whole person, leading to greater clarity of thought and a greater facility to think through and solve emotional problems. Full training takes approximately 50 sessions, as only two new muscle groups are introduced at each session.
Meditation
Description
Mindful meditation encourages the person to be mindful of all surrounding sensations, including feelings, images, thoughts and sound, with the aim of cultivating an intentionally non-reactive, non-judgemental, moment-to-moment awareness. Meditation requires a quiet environment, comfortable position and sometimes a mental tool, such as a mantra. Active meditation employs breathing, movement, visualization and exercises to improve self-awareness.
Snoezelen
Description
Snoezelen was developed from the Dutch words meaning ‘sniffing’ and ‘dozing’ at the Hartenburg Centre in the Netherlands and focuses on sensory perception. A Snoezlen room consists of pleasurable sensory experiences of light, colour, sound and smell to induce feelings of relaxation and calm. The basic room colour can be black or white, a white room being most suitable for light and colour therapy using bubble tubes and fibreoptics, while a black one is for sound rhythms using a variety of musical pitches, sounds and musical instruments, visual tracking, deep relaxation and concentration. Benefits of this therapy have been noted in a range of conditions including dementia, learning difficulties, autism and physical conditions where stress, pain and anxiety are a factor.
