Depression. In 2008, a major review of the evidence
that looked at relaxation for depression found that relaxation
techniques were an effective treatment for depression.
Fibromyalgia. Some preliminary studies report that
using relaxation or guided imagery techniques improve pain
and reduce fatigue from fibromyalgia.
Headache. There is some evidence that relaxation techniques may help relieve tension or migraine
headaches. In some cases, these mind and body techniques were more
effective than medications for reducing the frequency, intensity, and
severity of headaches.
Heart disease and heart symptoms. Researchers have
looked at relaxation techniques for angina and for preventing heart
disease.
When a cardiac rehabilitation program was combined with
relaxation response training in a clinic, participants experienced
significant reductions in blood pressure, decreases in lipid levels, and
increases in psychological functioning when compared to participants'
status before the program.
Some studies have shown that relaxation
techniques combined with other lifestyle changes and standard medical
care may reduce the risk of recurrent heart attack.
High blood pressure. A review of evidence for
relaxation for high blood pressure found evidence that progressive
muscle relaxation and stress relieving techniques lowered blood pressure without drugs.
In a recent randomized controlled trial, 8 weeks of relaxation
response/stress management was shown to reduce systolic blood pressure
in hypertensive older adults, and some patients were able to reduce
hypertension medication without an increase in blood pressure.
Hot flashes. Relaxation exercises involving slow, controlled deep breathing help relieve hot flashes associated with menopause.
Insomnia. There is some evidence that relaxation techniques can help chronic insomnia.
Irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have
indicated that relaxation techniques may prevent or relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in some participants. One review of the research found evidence that stress relieving techniques may be useful
for IBS.
Nausea. Relaxation techniques help relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Nightmares. Stress relieving exercises may be an effective approach for nightmares of unknown cause and those associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Overactive bladder. Bladder re-training combined with relaxation and other exercises helps control urinary urgency.
Pain. Studies have shown that relaxation techniques help reduce abdominal and surgery pain. Chronic pain, especially back pain, in many patients has been reduced or eliminated with non-drug stress relieving therapy.
Ringing in the ears. Use of relaxation exercises helps patients cope with the condition.
Smoking cessation. Stress relieving exercises help reduce the desire to smoke.
Temporomandibular disorder (pain and loss of motion in the jaw joints). A review of the literature found that relaxation
techniques and biofeedback were effective in decreasing pain and increasing jaw function.
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