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Stress-busting techniques
Written by Christine Webber, psychotherapist and lifecoach and Dr David Delvin, GP
Meditation
There are several different kinds of meditation - some of which have strong religious overtones. The essence of meditation is to bring total relaxation to the person practising it.
The deep relaxation that can be achieved through meditation is very similar to the hypnotic state.
Different methods vary, but often meditation requires you to sit for 20 minutes twice a day, and focus on the present while repeating a mantra to clear your mind.
A mantra just means a special word of your choice. The word is usually a sound that has no particular meaning.
Contact your local library for information on local courses or one of the following bodies:
Massage
Massage is wonderful for ridding the body of tension. It's also useful for people who are unhappy. The feel and touch of someone's healing hands on your body can make you feel cared for and lift your mood.
Many beauty salons, hotels, gyms and spas offer massage. There are different types and you can choose between something soothing or a session that is more rigorous such as a sports or deep tissue massage.
Alternatively, some chiropractors or osteopaths will advise on good massage – and often they can recommend someone who practices in the same building or nearby.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is based on the healing properties of essential oils. They can be used as part of a massage, or you can dab the oils on your skin, pillow to help you sleep etc.
Whether or not you believe the oils can actually cure physical problems, there's little doubt that vast numbers of people enjoy the feel and fragrance them.
Aromatherapy is now used in hospitals and hospices as well as in health clinics and gyms.
Bach remedies
The soothing flower remedies invented by Dr Edward Bach (1886–1936) are widely believed to help ease stressful situations. They are available in most pharmacies.
Homeopathy
There are medically qualified and (much more commonly) non-medically qualified homeopaths who can help you relax by prescribing judicious doses of soothing remedies.
You can also buy homeopathic relaxing aids from health food shops and from many chemists. If in doubt, ask your local pharmacist what she would recommend to help you relax.
Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that's quite demanding. Some of the positions aren't easy, but it does leave those who practise it feeling very refreshed and relaxed afterwards.
Yoga tones up the body and helps make it more supple, but it also has a spiritual dimension, and most people who do yoga regularly do seem to become more poised and peaceful.
For more information, contact:
The Bowen technique
This is a gentle, relaxing hands-on therapy that was developed in Australia by Tom Bowen.
During a Bowen session, practitioners make light, precise rolling movements with their thumbs and fingers on certain points of your body. The techniques can be performed through light clothing.
It is practised all over the world and is a fast-growing complementary therapy: www.bowen-technique.co.uk.
Further information
Useful books
Other articles in this series
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