Relaxed body assures relaxed mind. There is a wide array of various relaxation methods the main objective of which is striving for the body-mind equilibrium. Some of them are rather familiar to everybody, some were probably heard of by health-conscious people only. Leaving the majority of them out, we would like to offer five techniques that in our opinion can best encourage the natural relaxation response from the body.
#1. Deep Breathing
Being probably the simplest relaxation technique breathing is used in many relief practices. It is not hard to learn and can be practiced anywhere. Additionally, it is the quickest way of promoting relaxation. During abdominal breathing more oxygen is being inhaled. More oxygen means less tension. Less tension means more body and mind relaxation. This relaxation technique can be also combined with others (imagery, aromatherapy, music).
#2. Massage Therapy
There is nearly a hundred of various massage styles. All of them are used for stress relief, body relaxation and overall well-being promotion. Depending on the objective of the massage, the applied techniques are selected. Thus, in body relaxation only gentle techniques are used. These are gliding, stroking, hand rolling, kneading, shaking, passive stretching, rubbing, etc. These techniques relax the muscles and make the body fluids move. The result of such a massage is muscle tightness release, improved circulation and whole body relaxation. If you can not do it through sports or something like that, you can buy drugs at Canadian Health and Care Mall site to relax the body
#3. Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Edmund Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation method is nearly hundred years old. It deals with observation and control of tension in various muscle groups. Consecutive tension and afterwards the relaxation of all muscle groups help monitor the muscular tension (if there is any) that in its turn is the first sign of stress. The patient has to learn to freely relax his/her muscles whenever it is possible. This relaxation method can be combined with such techniques as deep breathing or visualization.
#4. Body Scan Practice
Body scan meditation releases tension, expands body awareness and calms the mind. During the session the person focuses on each body part’s sensation. Starting with deep breathing the person consecutively moves through the body (from the feet up to the face) concentrating his attention on “how this or that part feelsâ€. Closer attention is given to the areas that cause discomfort or pain. As any relaxation technique this one also gives the feeling of renewal if practiced regularly.
#5. Watsu
Watsu comprises the elements of massage, Shiatsu, joint mobilization, and muscle stretching. This gentle body therapy is given in chest-deep warm water. During a one-on-one Watsu session the therapist moves, stretches, massages and cradles the client. Smooth and slow movements common for this passive aquatic therapy and applied by the practitioner bring the deep state of relaxation to healthy people and increase physical and psychological well-being of those who need rehabilitation.