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The Relaxation Response
The Relaxation Response
Author: Herbert Benson, Miriam Z. Klipper
When Dr. Herbert Benson introduced this simple, effective, mind/body approach to relieving stress twenty-five years ag, his book became an instant national bestseller. Since that time, millions of people have learned the secret--without high-priced lectures or prescription medicines. The Relaxation Response has become the classic referenc...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780380006762
ISBN-10: 0380006766
Publication Date: 8/1/1976
Pages: 240
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 22

3.5 stars, based on 22 ratings
Publisher: HarperTorch
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Relaxation Response on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Over the years, I have given this book to a dozen or more people. I always buy used copies I find, just to give them away. It has a basic, no frills body-scan relaxation that anyone can do. If stress and anxiety plague you, and meditation is no your cup of tea, try this.
reviewed The Relaxation Response on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
wonderful technique. reduced my stress and headaches
reviewed The Relaxation Response on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A good book for anyone interested in improving their ability to relax, reduce high blood pressure, anxiety.
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reviewed The Relaxation Response on + 18 more book reviews
An oldy but goody that helps one learn the basic relaxation and meditation techniques shown to improve health and concentration.
reviewed The Relaxation Response on + 12 more book reviews
A very helpful book detailing the scientific proof meditation has health benefits. For doubters, it is very helpful. Benson does give a two page step-by-step explanation of the process.
I have given copies to several people, including high school students and they have found it life-changing
reviewed The Relaxation Response on
Wish I hadn't bought this book. Waste of time/book credits because rather than a how-to on mediation it's instead it's a long and detailed "why." It really feels like a short article that was turned into a book simply for the sake of publishing a book. I could have just gone to their website to learn and master the basic technique.
reviewed The Relaxation Response on + 188 more book reviews
Interesting book. I would ONLY get this latest edition, with the revised forward/anniversary edition. The forward included info on what part of the original book was most relevant according to later research and has summaries of other books that were spun off the original book for further information. Once I got past the revised forward, the rest of the book was only SKIM-worthy.

The basic premise is that there is a flight-and-fight response, and this is an opposite relaxation response. The cardiologist was looking for a better way to improve his patient's lives than take the drugs he saw had bad side effects. He was able to prove that basic self-care actions such as meditation or prayer could induce a relaxation response that was beneficial.

The revised edition includes why the doctor has had trouble getting other doctors to adopt these practices and his efforts to get it included in med school curriculum. Has info on attempts to scientifically prove which techniques work, etc.

Once you have that introduction, you can get the most recent info on how to actually do the relaxation techiques from web searches at various hospital and non-profit websites.


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