Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Neurophysiological Rationale for the Use of the Relaxation Response: Neurological Desensitization

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
A Clinical Guide to the Treatment of the Human Stress Response

  • 100k Accesses

Abstract

Since the original applications of behavioral technologies to the treatment of disease, it has been observed that the elicitation of what Benson (1975) has called the “relaxation response” has proved useful in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric and stress-related somatic diseases (Benson; Caudill, Schnable, Zuttermeister, Benson, & Friedman, 1991; Chen et al., 2009; Domar, Seidel, & Benson, 1990; Dunford & Thompson, 2010; Forbes, et al., 2008; Hellman, 1990; Kutz, Borysenko, & Benson, 1985; Lavey & Taylor, 1985; Mackereth, Booth, Hillier, & Caress, 2009; Manzoni, Pagnini, Castelnuovo, & Molinari, 2008; Moturi & Avis, 2010; Rausch, Gramilin, & Auerbach, 2006; Shapiro & Giber, 1978). The relaxation response is perhaps best understood as a psychophysiological state of hypoarousal engendered by a multitude of diverse technologies (e.g., meditation, neuromuscular relaxation, hypnosis). Research into the relaxation response as a therapeutic mechanism and its clinical proliferation have been hampered, however, by a lack of conceptual clarity regarding its therapeutic foundations and/or its mechanisms of action. This chapter will explore the physiological and psychological foundations of the relaxation response to set the stage for discussions in subsequent chapters of specific therapeutic technologies (e.g., meditation, neuromuscular relaxation) used to elicit the relaxation response for the treatment of stress-related diseases.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adler, C., & Morrissey-Adler, S. (1983). Strategies in general psychiatry. In J. Basmajian (Ed.), Biofeedback (pp. 239–254). Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aggleton, J. P. (Ed.). (1992). The amygdala. New York, NY: Wiley-Liss.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, R. (1981). Controlling stress and tension. The Journal of School Health, 17, 360–364.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed. Text revision). Washington, DC: Author

    Google Scholar 

  • Averill, J. (1973). Personal control over aversive stimuli and its relationship to stress. Psychological Bulletin, 80, 286–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84, 191–215.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1982b). The self and mechanisms of agency. In J. Suls (Ed.), Psychological perspectives on the self (pp. 3–39). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, D., & Beck, J. (1984). The psychosocial treatment of anxiety disorders. In J. B. Williams & R. Spitzer (Eds.), Psychotherapy research (pp. 29–69). New York, NY: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benson, H. (1975). The relaxation response. New York, NY: Morrow.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benson, H. (1979). The mind body effect. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benson, H. (1983). The relaxation response: Its subjective and objective historical precedents and physiology. Trends in Neuroscience, 6, 281–284.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benson, H. (1985). Beyond the relaxation response: How to harness the healing power of your personal beliefs. New York, NY: Berkley Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benson, H. (1996). Timeless healing: The power and biology of belief. New York, NY: Scribner.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benson, H., Beary, J., & Carol, M. (1974). The relaxation response. Psychiatry, 37, 37–46.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Benson, H., & Friedman, R. (1985). A rebuttal to the conclusions of David S Holme’s article: Meditation and somatic arousal reduction. American Psychologist, 40, 725–728.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Black, I., Adler, J., Dreyfus, C., Friedman, W., Laganuna, E., & Roach, A. (1987). Biochemistry of information storage in the nervous system. Science, 236, 1263–1268.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cain, D. P. (1992). Kindling and the amygdala. In J. P. Aggleton (Ed.), The amygdala (pp. 539–560). New York, NY: Wiley-Liss.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cannon, W. B. (1929). Bodily changes in pain, fear, hunger, and rage. New York, NY: Appleton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carr, D., & Sheehan, D. (1984). Panic anxiety: A new biological model. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 45, 323–330.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Castren, E., & Rantamaki, T. (2010). The role of BDNF and its receptors in depression and antidepressant drug action: Reactivation of developmental plasticity. Developmental Neurobiology, 70, 289–297.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Caudill, M. (1994). Managing pain before it manages you. New York, NY: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caudill, M., Schnable, R., Zuttermeister, P., Benson, H., & Friedman, R. (1991). Decreased clinic utilization by chronic pain patients. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 7, 305–310.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, W. C., Chu, H., Lu, R. B., Chou, Y. H., Chen, C. H., & Chang, Y. C., et al. (2009). Efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation training in reducing anxiety in patients with acute schizophrenia. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 18(15), 2187–2196.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chrousos, G. P. (2009). Stress and disorders of the stress system. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 5, 374–381.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cooke, J. P., & Marshall, J. M. (2005). Mechanisms of Raynaud’s disease. Vascular Medicine, 10, 293–307.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Corley, K. (1985). Psychopathology of stress. In S. Burchfield (Ed.), Stress (pp. 185–206). New York, NY: Hemisphere.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deadwyler, S., Gribkoff, V., Cotman, D., & Lynch, G. (1976). Long-lasting chances in the spontaneous activity of hippocampal neurons following stimulation of the entorhinal cortex. Brain Research Bulletin, 169, 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delanoy, R., Tucci, D., & Gold, P. (1983). Amphetamine effects on LTP in dendate granule cells. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 18, 137–139.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Delmonte, M. (1984). Physiological concomitants of meditation practice. International Journal of Psychosomatics, 31, 23–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Doane, B. (1986). Clinical psychiatry and the physiodynamics of the limbic system. In B. Doane & K. Livingston (Eds.), The limbic system (pp. 285–315). New York, NY: Raven Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Domar, A., Seidel, M., & Benson, H. (1990). The mind body program for infertility. Infertility and Sterility, 53, 246–249.

    Google Scholar 

  • Domar, A., Zuttermeister, P., Seibel, M., & Benson, H. (1992). Psychological improvement in infertile women after behavioral treatment. Infertility and Sterility, 55, 144–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dotevall, G. (1985). Stress and the common gastrointestinal disorders. New York, NY: Praeger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunford, E., & Thompson, M. (2010). Relaxation and mindfulness in pain: A review. British Jounral of Pain, 4(1), 18–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dusek, J. A., & Benson, H. (2009). Mind-body medicine: A model of the comparative clinical impact of the acute stress and relaxation responses. Minnesota Medicine, 92(5), 47–50.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Edinger, J. (1982). Incidence and significance of relaxation treatment side effects. Behavior Therapist, 5, 137–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eliot, R. (1979). Stress and the major cardiovascular diseases. Mt. Kisco, NY: Futura.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emmons, M. (1978). The inner source: A guide to meditative therapy. San Luis Obispo, CA: Impact.

    Google Scholar 

  • English, E., & Baker, T. (1983). Relaxation training and cardiovascular response to experimental stressors. Health Psychology, 2, 239–259.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Everly, G. S., Jr. (1985b, November). Biological foundations of psychiatric sequelae in trauma and stress-related “disorders of arousal.” Paper presented to the 8th National Trauma Symposium, Baltimore, MD.

    Google Scholar 

  • Everly, G. S., Jr. (1993). Psychotraumatology: A two-factor formulation of posttraumatic stress disorder. Integrative Physiology and Behavioral Science, 28, 270–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Everly, G. S., Jr., & Benson, H. (1989). Disorders of arousal and the relaxation response. International Journal of Psychosomatics, 36, 15–21.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Everly, G. S., Jr., Spollen, M., Hackman, A., & Kobran, E. (1987). Undesirable side-effects and self-regulatory therapies. In Proceedings of the Eighteenth Annual Meeting of the Biofeedback Society of America (pp. 166–167).

    Google Scholar 

  • Feder, A., Charney, D., & Collins, K. (2011). Neurobiology of resilience. In S. M. Southwick, D. Charnery, & M. J. Friedman (Eds.), Resilience and mental health: Challenges across the lifespan (pp. 1–29). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Fifková, E., & van Harreveld, A. (1977). Long-lasting morphological changes in dendritic spines of dentate granular cells following stimulation of the entorhinal area. Journal of Neurocytology, 6(2), 211–230.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Forbes, B., Akturk, C., Cummer-Nacco, C., Gaither, P., Gotz, J., Harper, A., & Hartsell, K. (2008). Using intergrative yoga therapeutics in the treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 18(1), 87–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, M. J., Charney, D., & Deutch, A. (Eds.). (1995). Neurobiological, and clinical consequences of stress. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott-Raven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, M. J., & Schnurr, P. P. (1995). The relationship between trauma, postraumatic stress disorder, and physical health. In M. J. Friedman, D. Charney, & A. Deutch (Eds.), Neurobiological, and clinical consequences of stress (pp. 507–526). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott-Raven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E. (1957). Autonomic imbalance and the hypothalamus. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E. (1958a). The physiological basis of neuromuscular relaxation. Archives of Internal Medicine, 102, 392–399.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E. (1958b). The influence of curare on hypothalamic excitability and the electroencephalogram. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 10, 697–703.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E. (1964a). Motion and emotion. Psychological Review, 71, 457–472.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E. (1964b). Sympathetic reactivity in hypertension. Acta Neurovegetative, 26, 35–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E. (1965). The neurophysiological basis of anxiety. Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 8, 488–515.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E. (1967). Principles of autonomic-somatic integrations. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E. (1968). Central nervous system tuning and its implications for neuropsychiatry. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 147, 148–162.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E., & Kiely, W. (1972). Mystical states of consciousness. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 154, 399–405.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gellhorn, E., & Loofburrow, G. (1963). Emotions and emotional disorders. New York, NY: Harper & Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gloor, P. (1986). Role of the human limbic system in perception, memory, and affect. In B. Doane & K. Livingston (Eds.), The limbic system (pp. 159–169). New York, NY: Raven Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gloor, P. (1992). Role of the amygdala in temporal lobe epiepsy. In J. P. Aggleton (Ed.), The amygdala (pp. 561–574). New York, NY: Wiley-Liss.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glueck, G., & Stroebel, C. (1975). Biofeedback and meditation in the treatment of psychiatric illness. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 16, 309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goddard, G., & Douglas, R. (1976). Does the engram of kindling model the engram of normal long-term memory? In J. Wads (Ed.), Kindling (pp. 1–18). New York, NY: Raven Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goddard, G., McIntyre, D., & Leech, C. (1969). A permanent change in brain function resulting from daily electrical stimulation. Experimental Neurology, 25, 295–330.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goleman, D., & Schwartz, G. (1976). Meditation as an intervention in stress reactivity. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 15, 110–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gorman, J., Dillon, D., Fyer, A., Liebowitz, M., & Klein, D. (1985). The lactate infusion model. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 21, 428–433.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grassi, G., & Esler, M. (1999). How to assess sympathetic activity in humans. Journal of Hypertension, 17, 719–734.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gray, J. (1982). The neuropsychology of anxiety. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, E., & Green, A. (1977). Beyond biofeedback. San Francisco, CA: Delta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamberger, L., & Lohr, I. (1984). Stress and stress management. New York, NY: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heide, F., & Borkovec, T. (1983). Relaxation induced anxiety. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51, 171–182.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hellman, C. (1990). Overview of behavioral medicine. Practical Reviews in Psychiatry, Audiocassette volume 14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hellman, C. J., Budd, M., Borysenko, J., McClelland, D. C., & Benson, H. (1990). A study of the effectiveness of two group behavioral medicine interventions for patients with psychosomatic complaints. Behavioral Medicine, 16, 165–173.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heninger, G. R. (1995). Neuroimmunology of stress. In M. J. Friedman, D. Charney, & A. Deutch (Eds.), Neurobiological, and clinical consequences of stress (pp. 381–402). Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henke, P. G. (1992). Stomach pathology and the amygdala. In J. P. Aggleton (Ed.), The amygdala (pp. 323–338). New York, NY: Wiley-Liss.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henry, J. P., & Stephens, P. (1977). Stress, health, and the social environment. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, J., Benson, H., Arns, P., Stainbrook, G., Landsberg, L., Young, J., & Gill, A. (1982). Reduced sympathetic relaxation response. Science, 215, 190–192.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jasper, H. (1949). Diffuse projection systems. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neuropsychology, 1, 405–420.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joy, R. (1985). The effects of neurotoxicants on kindling and kindled seizures. Fundamental and Applied Toxicology, 5, 41–65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Klajner, F., Hartman, L., & Sobell, M. (1984). Treatment of substance abuse by relaxation training. Addictive Behaviors, 9, 41–55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kutz, I., Borysenko, J., & Benson, H. (1985). Meditation and psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychiatry, 142, 1–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lang, R., Dehof, K., Meurer, K., & Kaufmann, W. (1979). Sympathetic activity and transcendental meditation. Journal of Neural Transmission, 44, 117–135.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Latimer, P. (1985). Irritable bowel syndrome. In W. Dorfman & L. Cristofar (Eds.), Psychosomatic illness review (pp. 61–75). New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lavey, R., & Taylor, C. (1985). The nature of relaxation therapy. In S. Burchfield (Ed.), Stress (pp. 329–358). New York: Hemisphere.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • LeDoux, J. E. (1992). Emotion and the amygdala. In J. P. Aggleton (Ed.), The amygdala (pp. 339–352). New York: Wiley-Liss.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, K., Schottler, F., Oliver, M., & Lynch, G. (1980). Brief bursts of high-frequency stimulation produce two types of structural change in rat hippocampus. Journal of Neurophysiology, 44, 247–258.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lehmann, J., Goodale, I., & Benson, H. (1986). Reduced pupillarysensitivity to topicalphenylephrine associated with the relaxation response. Journal of Human Stress, 12, 101–104.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lehrer, P. M. (1995). Recent research findings on stress management techniques. Directions in Clinical Psychology, 5, whole issue 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lehrer, P. M., Woolfolk, R. L., & Sime, W. E. (2007). Principles and Practice of Stress Management (3rd ed.). New York, NY: The Guildford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liebowitz, M., Quitkin, F. M., Stewart, J. W., McGrath, P. J., Harrison, W., Rabkin, J. G., Tricamo, E., Markowitz, J. S., & Klein, D. F. (1984). Psychopharmacologic validation of atypical depression. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 45(7), 22–25.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lown, B., Temte, J. V., Reich, P., Gaughan, C., Regestein, Q., & Hai, H. (1976). Basis for recurring ventricular fibrillation in the absence of coronary heart disease and its management. New England Journal of Medicine, 294, 623–629.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luthe, W. (Ed.). (1969). Autogenic therapy (Vol. I–VI). New York: Grune & Stratton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mackereth, P. A., Booth, K., Hillier, V. F., & Caress, A. (2009). Reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation training for people with multiple sclerosis: a crossover trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 15(1), 14–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • MacLean, P. D. (1949). Psychosomatic disease and the “visceral brain. Psychosomatic Medicine, 11, 338–353.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Malmo, R. B. (1975). On emotions, needs, and our archaic brain. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mann, D. M. A. (1992). The neuropathology of the amygdala in ageing and in dementia. In J. P. Aggleton (Ed.), The amygdala (pp. 561–574). New York: Wiley-Liss.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manuck, S., & Krantz, D. (1984). Psychophysiologic reactivity in coronary artery disease. Behavioral Medicine Update, 6, 11–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manzoni, G. M., Pagnini, F., Castelnuovo, G., & Molinari, E. (2008). Relaxation training for anxiety: A ten-years systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 8, 41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McEwen, B. (2011, April 1). Protection and damage by mediators of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain. Invited paper presented to the Academy of the Harvard Medical School. Boston: MA.

    Google Scholar 

  • McFarlane, A. C. (2010). The long-term costs of traumatic stress: intertwined physical and psychological consquences. World Psychiatry, 9(1), 3–10.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meehl, P. (1973). Psychodiagnosis. NewYork: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mefferd, R. (1979). The developing biological concept of anxiety. In W. Fann, I. Karacan, A. D. Porkorny, & R. L. Williams (Eds.), Phenomenology and treatment of anxiety (pp. 111–124). New York: Spectrum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehlsteibl, D., Schankin, C., Herin, P., Sostak, P., & Straube, A. (2011). Anxiety disorders in headache patients in a specialised clinic: prevalence and symptoms in comparison to patients in a general neurological clinic. Journal of Headache and Pain, 12(3), 323–329.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michaels, R., Haber, M., & McCann, D. (1976). Evaluation of transcendental meditation as a method of reducing stress. Science, 192, 1242–1244.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michaels, R., Parra, J., McCann, D., & Vander, A. (1979). Renin, cortisol, and aldosterone during Transcendental Meditation. Psychosomatic Medicine, 41, 49–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Millon, T. (2011). Disorders of Personality. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Millon, T., & Everly, G. S., Jr. (1985). Personality and its disorders. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monroe, R. (1970). Episodic behavioral disorders. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monroe, R. (1982). Limbic ictus and atypical psychosis. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 170, 711–716.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moturi, S., & Avis, K. (2010). Assessment and treatment of common pediatric sleep disorders. Psychiatry, 7(6), 24–37.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moulapoulos, S. D. (2009). Do we need a routine mental stress test for ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias? Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, 50, 167–169.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, M., & Donovan, S. (1988). The physical and psychological effects of meditation (2nd ed.). San Rafael, CA: Esalen Institute Study of Exceptional Functioning.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nauta, W. (1979). Expanding borders of the limbic system concept. In T. Rasmussen & R. Marino (Eds.), Functional neurosurgery (pp. 7–23). New York: Raven Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nauta, W., & Domesick, V. (1982). Neural associations of the limbic system. In A. Beckman (Ed.), Neural substrates of behavior (pp. 3–29). New York: Spectrum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nordquist, N., & Oreland, L. (2010). Serotonin, genetic variability, behavior, and psychiatric ­disorders. Upsala Jounral of Medical Sciences, 115(1), 2–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Papez, J. (1937). A proposed mechanism of emotion. Archives of Neurology and Psychiatry, 38, 725–743.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paul, G. (1967). Strategy of outcome research in psychotherapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 31, 109–118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinna, G., Costa, E., & Guidotti, A. (2009). SSRIs act as selective brain steroidogenic stimulants (SBSSs) at low doses that are inactice on 5-HT reuptake. Current Opinions in Pharmacology, 9(1), 24–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pitts, F., & McClure, J. (1967). Lactate metabolism in anxiety neurosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 277, 1329–1336.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Post, R. (1985). Stress sensitization, kindling, and conditioning. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 8, 372–373.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Post, R. (1986). Does limbic system dysfunction play a role in affective illness? In B. Doane & K. Livingston (Eds.), The limbic system (pp. 229–249). New York: Raven Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Post, R., & Ballenger, J. (1981). Kindling models for the progressive development of psychopathology. In H. van Pragg (Ed.), Handbook of biological psychiatry (pp. 609–651). New York: Marcel Dekker.

    Google Scholar 

  • Post, R., Rubinow, D., & Ballenger, J. (1986). Conditioning and sensitisation in the longitudinal course of affective illness. British Journal of Psychiatry, 149, 191–201.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Post, R., Uhde, T., Putnam, F., Ballenger, J., & Berrettini, W. (1982). Kindling and carbamazepine in affective illness. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 170, 717–731.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Post, R. M., Weiss, S., & Smith, M. (1995). Sensitization and kindling. In M. J. Friedmean, D. Charney, & A. Deutch (Eds.), Neurobiological, and clinical consequences of stress (pp. 203–224). Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Praeger-Decker, I., & Decker, W. (1980). Efficacy of muscle relaxation in combating stress. Health Education, 11, 39–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rachman, S. (1968). The effect of muscular relaxation or desensitization therapy. Behavior Therapy and Research, 6, 159–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Racine, R., Tuff, L., & Zaide, J. (1976). Kindling unit discharge patterns and neural plasticity. In J. Wada & R. Ross (Eds.), Kindling (pp. 19–39). New York: Raven Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rausch, S. M., Gramilin, S. E., & Auerbach, S. M. (2006). Effects of a single session of large-group meditation and progressive muscle relaxation training on stress reduction, reactivity, and recovery. International Journal of Stress Management, 13(3), 273–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Redmond, D. E. (1979). New and old evidence for the involvement of a brain norepinephrine system in anxiety. In W. Fann, I. Karacan, A. Pikomey, & R. Williams (Eds.), Phenomenology and treatment of anxiety (pp. 153–204). New York: Spectrum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Redmond, D. E., & Huang, Y. (1979). New evidence for a locus ceruleus–norepinephrine connection with anxiety. Life Sciences, 25, 2149–2162.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reiman, E., Raichle, M. E., Robins, E., Butler, F. K., Herscovitch, P., Fox, P., & Perlmutter, J. (1986). The application of positron emission tomography to the study of panic disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 143, 469–477.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, G. P. (1992). The amygdala and the neurochemistry of schizophrenia. In J. P. Aggleton (Ed.), The amygdala (pp. 561–574). New York: Wiley-Liss.

    Google Scholar 

  • Romano, J. (1982). Biofeedback training and therapeutic gains. Personnel and Guidance Journal, 60, 473–475.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenzweig, M., & Leiman, A. (1982). Physiological psychology. Lexington, MA: Heath.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarnoff, D. (1982). Biofeedback: New uses in counseling. Personnel and Guidance Journal, 60, 357–360.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarzi-Puttini, P., Atzeni, F., & Cazzola, M. (2010). Neuroendocrine therapy of fibromyalgia ­syndrome: an update. Annals of the New York Academy of Science, 1193(1), 91–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Savitz, J., & Drevets, W. C. (2009). Bipolar and major depressive disorder: neuroimaging the developmental-degenerative divide. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 33(5), 669–771.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Selye, H. (1976). Stress in health and disease. Boston: Butterworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shader, R. (1984). Epidemiologic and family studies. Psychosomatics, 25(Suppl.), 10–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, D. H. (1985). Clinical use of meditation as a self-regulation strategy. American Psychologist, 40, 719–722.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, D. H., & Giber, D. (1978). Meditation and psychotherapeutic effects. Archives of General Psychiatry, 35, 294–302.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shin, L. M., & Liberzon, I. (2011). The neurocircuitry of fear, stress, and anxiety disorders. Focus, 9(3), 311–334.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon, D., Kaufman, C., Musch, K., Kischkel, E., & Kathmann, N. (2010). Fronto-striato-limbic hyperactivation in obsessive-compulsive disorder during individually tailored symptom provocation. Psychophysiology, 47, 728–738.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sorg, B. A., & Kalivas, P. (1995). Stress and neuronal sensitization. In M. J. Friedman, D. Charney, & A. Deutch (Eds.), Neurobiological, and clinical consequences of stress (pp. 83–102). Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steptoe, A. (1981). Psychological factors in cardiovascular disorders. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoyva, J. M., & Anderson, C. (1982). A coping-rest model of relaxation and stress management. In L. Goldberger & S. Breznitz (Eds.), Handbook of Stress (pp. 745–763). New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Streeter, C. C., Gerbarg, P. L., Saper, R. B., Ciraulo, D. A., & Brown, R. P. (2012). Effects of yoga on the automonic nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and allostatsis in epilepsy, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical Hypotheses, 78(5), 571–579.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stroebel, C. F. (1979, November). Non-specific effects and psychodynamic issues in self-­regulatory techniques. Paper presented at the Johns Hopkins Conference in Clinical Biofeedback, Baltimore, MD.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suler, J. R. (1985). Meditation and somatic arousal reduction: A comment on Holme’s review. American Psychologist, 40, 717.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suter, S. (1986). Health psychophysiology. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tart, C. (1975). States of consciousness. New York: Dutton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, C. B. (1978). Relaxation training and related techniques. In W. S. Agras (Ed.), Behavioral modification (pp. 30–52). Boston: Little, Brown.

    Google Scholar 

  • van der Kolk, B. A., Greenberg, M., Boyd, H., & Krystal, J. (1985). Inescapable shock, neurotransmitters, and addition to trauma. Biological Psychiatry, 20, 314–325.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Hoesen, G. W. (1982). The para-hippocampal gyrus. Trends in Neuroscience, 5, 345–350.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weil, J. (1974). A neurophysiological model of emotional and intentional behavior. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, R. B. (1995). Somatic consequences of stress. In M. J. Friedman, D. Charney, & A. Deutch (Eds.), Neurobiological, and clinical consequences of stress (pp. 381–402). Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, S. (1985). Peptic ulcer. In W. Dorfman & L. Cristofar (Eds.), Psychosomatic illness review (pp. 52–60). New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Severna Park, MD, USA

    George S. Everly Jr.

  2. Loyola University Mayland, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Jeffrey M. Lating

Authors
  1. George S. Everly Jr.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jeffrey M. Lating
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Everly, G.S., Lating, J.M. (2013). A Neurophysiological Rationale for the Use of the Relaxation Response: Neurological Desensitization. In: A Clinical Guide to the Treatment of the Human Stress Response. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5538-7_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation