The Relaxation Response Author:Herbert Benson, M.D. In Just Five Minutes you can learn the principles of controlled meditation without leaving home...without attending high-priced lectures... without pills, medication, or drugs. — Ths revitalizing, therapeutic technique--developed by the renowned doctor whose extensive testing in the laboratories of Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Hospital... more » first exploded the scientific prejudice against TM--can release your body's hidden defences against stress and stress triggered illnesses (including high blood pressure)!
Once learned, the Relaxation Response takes only ten to twenty minutes a day and, as millions have already discovered, can relieve the restlesness and tension that stands between you and a richer, fuller, healthier life.« less
Over the years, I have given this book to a dozen or more people. I always buy used copies I find, just to give them away. It has a basic, no frills body-scan relaxation that anyone can do. If stress and anxiety plague you, and meditation is no your cup of tea, try this.
A very helpful book detailing the scientific proof meditation has health benefits. For doubters, it is very helpful. Benson does give a two page step-by-step explanation of the process.
I have given copies to several people, including high school students and they have found it life-changing
Wish I hadn't bought this book. Waste of time/book credits because rather than a how-to on mediation it's instead it's a long and detailed "why." It really feels like a short article that was turned into a book simply for the sake of publishing a book. I could have just gone to their website to learn and master the basic technique.
Interesting book. I would ONLY get this latest edition, with the revised forward/anniversary edition. The forward included info on what part of the original book was most relevant according to later research and has summaries of other books that were spun off the original book for further information. Once I got past the revised forward, the rest of the book was only SKIM-worthy.
The basic premise is that there is a flight-and-fight response, and this is an opposite relaxation response. The cardiologist was looking for a better way to improve his patient's lives than take the drugs he saw had bad side effects. He was able to prove that basic self-care actions such as meditation or prayer could induce a relaxation response that was beneficial.
The revised edition includes why the doctor has had trouble getting other doctors to adopt these practices and his efforts to get it included in med school curriculum. Has info on attempts to scientifically prove which techniques work, etc.
Once you have that introduction, you can get the most recent info on how to actually do the relaxation techiques from web searches at various hospital and non-profit websites.
