Publication
Journal of Human Stress
Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
Oxygen consumption is usually considered to be predictable and unalterable at a fixed work intensity. The relaxation response is hypothesized to be an integrated hypothalamic response which results in generalized decreased sympathetic nervous system activity. One physiologic manifestation of the relaxation response is decreased oxygen consumption. The possibility that the elicitation of the relaxation response could decrease oxygen consumption at a fixed work intensity was investigated. Oxygen consumption was decreased 4 percent (p < 0.05) in eight subjects working at a fixed intensity when the relaxation response was simultaneously elicited.
Web and Email Links
Related Listings
Journal
Scientific American
A very readable introduction to the scientific findings in neurology about primarily Buddhist forms of meditation.
Journal
American Journal of Public Health
A 12-week randomized experiment investigated the effects of daily relaxation breaks on office workers with “normal” blood pressure. Blood pressures of 126 volunteers from the corporate offices of a manufacturing firm were measured biweekly. After four weeks of baseline monitoring, volunteers were divided randomly into three groups: Group A was taught a technique for producing the relaxation response; Group B was “taught” to sit quietly; and Group C was taught nothing. Groups A and B w […]
Journal
Calmer
In light of World Sleep Day this month, this week’s guest post features Valerie Teh, Calmer’s Client Manager and Self-Care Practitioner, who shares her expertise on how to explore and embrace intelligent rest to enhance quality sleep and nurture your overall wellbeing.