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Home /
Special Subjects /
Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine /
... /
Relaxation Techniques /

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine
Overview of Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine
Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture
Ayurveda
Biofeedback
Chelation Therapy
Chiropractic
Cupping
Diet Therapy
Guided Imagery
Homeopathy
Hypnotherapy
Magnet Therapy
Massage Therapy
Meditation
Moxibustion
Naturopathy
Reflexology
Reiki
Relaxation Techniques
Scraping
Therapeutic Touch
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

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Relaxation Techniques

By

Denise Millstine

, MD, Mayo Clinic

Last full review/revision Feb 2019| Content last modified Feb 2019
Click here for the Professional Version

Relaxation, a type of mind-body medicine, includes practices specifically designed to relieve tension and stress. The specific technique may be aimed at the following:

  • Controlling the stress response (via the sympathetic nervous system)

  • Lowering blood pressure and heart rate

  • Easing muscle tension

  • Altering brain wave activity

Relaxation techniques may include or be combined with meditation, guided imagery, or hypnotherapy.

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