Relaxation techniques methods used to promote lessening of tension, reduction of anxiety, and management of pain. Physiologic effects include a decrease in pulse rate, respiratory rate and oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and elimination, blood pressure, metabolic rate, and muscle tension. Additionally, relaxation can cause peripheral vasodilation and increased peripheral temperature.
Relaxation techniques include full-body relaxation, color exchange, in which a discomfort is given a color and eliminated, and listening to restful music or meditative sounds. Such techniques are helpful in many situations in which persons are tense, in pain, highly stressed, or anxious. They can be useful in the treatment of asthma, hyperventilation, high blood pressure, Raynaud's disease, headache and peptic ulcers.
Though varied, techniques have several features in common: rhythmic breathing, reduced muscle tension, and altered state of consciousness. In the latter, the relaxed person sinks into an alpha level of consciousness, which falls between full consciousness and unconsciousness. In this state thought processes become less logical and more associative and creative; hence, one is more receptive to positive suggestions and better able to concentrate on a single mental image or idea. Upon returning from the alpha state of consciousness to full consciousness one feels rested and more alert.