The relaxation response and hypnosis

Authors
Herbert Benson, Patricia A. Arns, John W. Hoffman
Publication
The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
Volume 29, Issue 3, pp259-270
Abstract

Procedures for self- and hetero-hypnotic induction and for the elicitation of the relaxation response appear to be similar. Further, before experiencing hypnotic phenomena, either during a traditional or an active induction, a physiological state exists which is comparable to the relaxation response. This state is characterized, in part, by decreased heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. After the physiological changes of the relaxation response occur, the individual proceeds to experience other exclusively hypnotic phenomena, such as perceptual distortions, age regression, posthypnotic suggestion, and amnesia.

Related Listings
Kundalini Yoga Meditation Versus the Relaxation...
Authors
David Shannahoff-Khalsa, Rodrigo Yacubian Fernandes, Carlos A. de B. Pereira, John S. March, James F. Leckman, Shahrokh Golshan, Mario S.R. Vieira, Guilherme V. Polanczyk, Euripedes C. Miguel, Roseli G. Shavitt
Journal
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often a life-long disorder with high psychosocial impairment. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are the only FDA approved drugs, and approximately 50% of patients are non-responders when using a criterion of 25% to 35% improvement with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). About 30% are non-responders to combined first-line therapies (SRIs and exposure and response prevention). Previous research (one open, one randomi […]
Meditation as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy: An O...
Authors
Han Kutz, Jane Leserman, Claudia Dorrington, Catherine H. Morrison, Joan Z. Borysenko, Herbert Benson
Journal
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
The effect of a 10-week meditation program on 20 patients who were undergoing long-term individual explorative psychotherapy was studied. Change in the psychological well-being of the patients and the impact of the program on the process of their psychotherapy was evaluated. Results obtained from the patients’ self-ratings and the therapists’ objective ratings demonstrated a significant and substantial improvement in most measures of psychological well-being.
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 […]