|
|||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
About Autogenic TrainingAutogenic training is a relaxation technique developed by the German psychiatrist Johannes Schultz and first published in 1932. The technique involves the daily practice of sessions that last around 15 minutes, usually in the morning, at lunch time, and in the evening. During each session, the practitioner will repeat a set of visualisations that induce a state of relaxation. Each session can be practiced in a position chosen from a set of recommended postures (e.g. lying down, sitting meditation, sitting limp like a rag doll, etc.). The technique can be used to alleviate many stress-induced psychosomatic disorders. Autogenic training is a method for influencing one's autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS has far reaching effects, including: heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, perspiration, diameter of the pupils, micturition (the discharge of urine), and sexual arousal. Whereas most of its actions are involuntary, some ANS functions work in tandem with the conscious mind, such as breathing. Schultz emphasized parallels to techniques in yoga, meditation, as well as progressive relaxation. Autogenic Training restores the balance between the activity of the sympathetic (flight or fight) and the parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system. This has important health benefits, as the parasympathetic activity promotes digestion and bowel movements, lowers the blood pressure, slows the heart rate, and promotes the functions of the immune system. Autogenic Training is counter-indicated, which means it needs to be adapted, and must be practiced regularly to reap its benefits. It has been used for a myriad of conditions including:
| |||||||||||
More Articles on Autogenic Training |
|
||||||||||