Mind-body medicine: a model of the comparative clinical impact of the acute stress and relaxation responses

Authors
Jeffery A. Dusek, Herbert Benson
Publication
Minn Med.
92(5): 47-50
Abstract

Although the physiological and biochemical changes that occur during the acute stress response have been well-characterized, the contrasting changes that underlie the relaxation response evoked by various mind-body techniques are less understood. To help guide future mind-body research, we present a conceptual model that integrates patterns of change at the physiological and molecular levels. In addition, we point to future research opportunities and discuss how repeated elicitation of these responses could influence the health of patients.

Related Listings
Reduced Sympathetic Nervous System Responsivity...
Authors
John W. Hoffman, Herbert Benson, Patricia A. Arns, Gene L. Stainbrook, Lewis Landsberg, James B. Young, Andrew Gill
Journal
Science
·
Sympathetic nervous system activity was assessed in experimental and control subjects who were exposed to graded orthostatic and isometric stress during monthly hospital visits. After the first session, the experimental subjects practiced a technique that elicited the relaxation response. Their concentrations of plasma norepinephrine during subsequent graded stresses were significantly higher. No such changes were noted in the control group. These results were then replicated in the c […]
Psychological Factors in Healing: A New Perspec...
Authors
Samuel S. Myers, Herbert Benson
Journal
Behavioral Medicine
·
Over the last 20 years, medical researchers from a variety of disciplines, including behavioral medicine, neuro-immunology, neuroendocrinology, social medicine, and psychiatry, have converged in an effort to produce greater understanding and acceptance of the effects of psychological factors on physical health. Many in the medical profession have remained somewhat skeptical, claiming that psychological components of healing are largely "folklore", unsubstantiated by hard evidence. The […]
Health Outcomes and a New Index of Spiritual Ex...
Authors
Jared D. Kass, Richard Friedman, Jane Leserman, Patricia C. Zuttermeister, Herbert Benson
Journal
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion
·
Clinical observations suggesting a relationship between spiritual experiences, life purpose and satisfaction, and improvements in physical health led to the development of an Index of Core Spiritual Experience (INSPIRIT). Data from 83 medical outpatients showed the INSPIRIT to have a strong degree of internal reliability and concurrent validity. Multiple regression analyses showed the INSPIRIT to be associated with: (1) increased life purpose and satisfaction, a health-promoting attit […]