Beyond the The Relaxation Response

by Herbert & Proctor William Benson

Describes methods for extending the mind's power to heal the body, relieving such complaints as headaches, insomnia, back pain, and angina.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Meditation, Medical, Mental Health, Personal Growth

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1984

Reviews

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book to read after reading The Relaxation Response. The author's premise that a strong faith enhances the beneficial effects of the relaxation response is compelling. Medical science does not fully understand the "placebo effect" preferring instead to prescribe medications to satisfy most patients' demand for a pill to "fix" the damage we do to our bodies. Interesting to learn that 75% of patients seek medical treatment for conditions that do not require medical treatment.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Dr. Benson's book, The Relaxation Response. I had not read his book Beyond the Relaxation Response even though it had been sitting in my bookshelf for years. I am glad that I finally read it. He teaches you how you can reduce your stress in just minutes a day. His techniques are great.

[Jace Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I said, not much headway since, in my review of the relaxation response, this is it. All he did was to have people think of something spiritual while relaxing and discovered it has an effect on people. But yet still doesn't understand why. I'll tell you, it's because of the state of mind it creates. That of love but also of the ponderance of and feeling of reverence for something powerful and inconceivable.

[Jack Swanzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important book because of the description and supporting evidence of the Relaxation Response. If you don't know of it and/or don't use it, this could help you in many ways. The writing is clear and descriptive, easy to understand. It's not literature.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book expands upon and embellishes Dr. Benson’s original book on the Relaxation Response, which is elicited when an individual employs a daily relaxation practice. Benson’s research shows that the Relaxation Response can reduce such physical symptoms as hypertension, angina, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and back pain, as well as promoting creativity and peace of mind. In this book, he introduces the Faith Factor, which combines his original relaxation exercise with the patient’s personal beliefs and values, which boosts the technique’s effectiveness.

Various interesting concepts are explored. The placebo effect, where the mind heals the body based upon faith, is noted in both Eastern and Western medicine systems. The mind’s role in causing disease is examined. The idea that the individual’s mind can not only influence his body, but also his environment, is tested by studying Tibetan monks during and after meditation.

Next, Benson gives some practical steps for working with your doctor for optimal health. The last of these steps is to use the Relaxation Response technique. He gives many hints for modifying and personalizing the technique to suit a patient’s spirituality, beliefs, and symptoms, as he relates a number of case histories. His suggestions for overcoming insomnia using the technique are particularly helpful.

Another fast read (about 150 pages), this book compliments "The Relaxation Response" and due to better layout is even more enjoyable. I recommend trying his technique for better health, and considering his suggestions for personalizing the technique to make it work better for you.

[Rick Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

More from Herbert Benson on stress reduction and the effectiveness of prayer and other forms of meditation (under the general category of "self-hypnosis") in managing the human body's fight-or-flight response to stressors.

[Gary Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Herbert Archibald's book, "Adrenaline and Stress: The Exciting New Breakthrough That Helps You Overcome Stress Damage" by Archibald D. Hart, which I review at http://is.gd/G8M9mr , I recommend the ground-breaking work in this one by Dr. Benson

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't pass by this book just because of its date. There are some truly good ideas and practical solutions for people who struggle with chronic pain, depression, and insomnia. It has helped me a great deal with managing pain and easing anxiety before sleep.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a classic on relaxation and the importance relaxation is to our good health.

[This is V! · Rating 3 out of 5]

A continuance of the first book with going in deeper why the relaxation response should be used and what can do for you .

[Jack Swanzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and it has practical personal implications.