relaxation response
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re·lax·a·tion re·sponse
an integrated hypothalamic reaction in which a human being or animal experiences safety and a sense of nurturing; resulting in decreased sympathetic nervous system activity that, physiologically and psychologically, is almost a mirror image of fight or flight response; it can be self-induced through the use of techniques associated with transcendental meditation, yoga, and biofeedback.
See also: fight or flight response.
See also: fight or flight response.
relaxation response
a protective mechanism against stress that brings about decreased heart rate, lower metabolism, and decreased respiratory rate. It is the physiological opposite of the "fight or flight," or stress, response.
relaxation response
A term coined in 1975 by Dr Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School for the use of “good breathing techniques”, active muscle relaxation and meditation as a means of lowering blood pressure and reducing internal and external stress.relaxation response,
n the physiologic counterbalance to the fight-or-flight response, in which a deep state of mental and physiological rest may be elicited.