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- $Unique_ID{BRK00036}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Progressive Muscle Relaxation}
- $Subject{stress muscles relaxations Mental Emotional Conditions Condition
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation relaxed musculature tension Tense relaxing
- stresses tensions musculoskeletal system behavior behaviors}
- $Volume{E-23, M-18}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
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- QUESTION: A friend of mine seems to have become a totally new person. He
- used to be one of the most uptight people I knew. Now there's a new relaxed
- way about him. He told me he does something called Progressive Muscle
- Relaxation. Please tell me what this is.
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- ANSWER: Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that aids in stress
- reduction by working through each muscle group in the body to remove stress.
- It is based on the concept of the mind-body connection--that relaxation of
- the musculature produces mental relaxation. The technique involved is
- actually quite simple, the effect quite successful. The best way to do
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation is in a recliner with head and foot rests, but a
- couch or a pad on the floor with a pillow under the head will serve well too.
- The room should be quiet and peaceful, with no phones or other interruptions.
- Soft background music can be used if you want. Clothing should be loose and
- comfortable and no shoes should be worn.
- You should begin by lying down and stretching comfortably. Arms and legs
- should not be crossed. Breathe deeply, then begin by clenching each hand to a
- tense state, and then release that tension. Concentrate on the difference
- between the tense and relaxed muscles. Proceed to tense and relax each part
- of the arms--the forearms, biceps, triceps, neck, shoulder, upper back. Then
- go on to the facial area. Wrinkle up your forehead, then release the tension.
- Tense up your eyebrows, then release. Proceed to the jaws, lips, tongue,
- throat area, and neck. Now do the same tensing and relaxing procedure going
- down slowly through your entire body.
- Take time several times a week to practice this relaxing technique, and
- perhaps you too will feel like a new person.
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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