The Relaxation Response

The first have was very bland (all this stuff about blood pressure and how high blood pressure happens...not at all the reason I'm interested in the topic), but the section about meditation practices in world religions was very interesting, as was the section on how to elicit the Relaxation Response. So, three stars rather than the two I would have given it had I stopped with the blood presure stuff.

Breaks down meditation and possible benefits, trading in vaguely spiritual trappings for good old fashion science. Author, being of the academic tradition, cites quality sources and demonstrates rigourous methodologies. If you want to know about the measured physiological affects of popular meditation techniques, skipping on the anecdotal evidence usually found in books on the topic, this is a great place to start.

Classic, medically authoritative, but old fashioned guide book on transcendental meditation. The majority of the book talks about the health benefits of this, and there are a lot of references to various religions. The actual advice about how to meditate at the end is extremely short, and for me the book was largely pointless except for this tiny section.

This is the perfect example of a medical book that is dated but not out of date. The science that Benson describes in this book has held up to later scrutiny. Using meditative techniques, whether from transcendental meditation or from any religious tradition, can help improve your health. In particular, Benson shows how regular use of these techniques can lower blood pressure. In turn, lower blood pressure will decrease a person's susceptibility to atherosclerosis, stroke and heart disease. For that reason, it is worth reading.

It's worth noting that if you are reading the original edition, some of the examples are dated. For example, Benson sites a study that notes that stress is notably increased in people who held a mortgage over show more $10,000. Today, we would say that such a person has almost paid off their house! Still, these examples do not detract from his overall argument that meditation can provide health benefits when used regularly. show less

The author discusses the use of a relaxation response to decrease the stress response and resulting increase in blood pressure. He provides information on historical and cultural techniques used across peoples. A discussion of some clinical studies and case histories is provided relating to effects on drug use and headaches. The technique is described and is proposed as universally valuable for the duration of use.

When Dr. Herbert benson introduced this simple, effective, mind/body approach to relieving stress twenty-five years ago, his book became an instant national bestseller. Since that time, milions of people have learned the secret-without high-priced lectures or prescription medicines. The Relaxation Response has become the classic reference recommended by most health care professionals and authorities to treat the harmful effects of stress.

Discovered by Dr. Benson and his colleagues in the laboratories of Harvard Medical School and its teaching hospitals, this revitalizing, therapeutic approach is now routinely recommended to treat blood pressure, chronic pain, insomnia, and many other physical ailments. It requires only minutes to learn, show more and just ten to twenty minutes of practice twice a day.

Bibliography show less

Learn the principles of controlled meditation without leaving home...without attending high-priced lectures...without pills, medication or drugs.This revitalizing, therapeutic technique---developed by the renowned doctor whose extensive testing in the laboratories of Harvard Medical School and Boston's Beth Israel Hospital first exploded the scientific prejudice against TM---can release your body's hidden defenses against stress and stress-triggered illnesses (including high blood pressure).A simple meditative technique that has helped millions to cope with fatigue, anxiety and stress.