January 19, 2007

MGHers learn how to relax

Weekdays this January, stress reduction classes are being offered in the Lower Amphitheater on Clinics 1 from noon to 12:30 pm. These free classes are part of a collaboration between the MGH Be Fit Program and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at MGH (BHI), and are being led by a staff member of the BHI.

The classes teach participants how to reduce stress by eliciting the "relaxation response," a term that describes the physical changes, such as slowed heart rate and metabolism and lowered blood pressure, that take place in the body as it relaxes. The two components to eliciting the relaxation response are the repetition of a word, sound, or movement and the passive disregard of all outside thoughts.

More than 100 MGHers participated in a recent session led by Herbert Benson, MD, director emeritus of the BHI. First, participants were instructed to choose a word or phrase for repetition. Then, they closed their eyes and breathed calmly for several minutes, silently repeating their word or phrase with every exhaled breath. When Benson asked afterwards who experienced "an immediate sense of well-being," many in the audience raised their hands. Benson emphasized that for this therapy to achieve maximum effect, it must be performed every day for 10 to 20 minutes.

For more information about stress reduction and the relaxation response, attend one of the daily sessions, which will continue until Jan. 31, or visit the BHI's web site at www.mbmi.org. For more information about the MGH's Be Fit program, visit intranet.massgeneral.org/befit/.