What is it ?
This is a training programme for highly stressed patients/individuals to learn relaxation techniques in a scientific way. In our training program we use Jacobson's Progressive Relaxation Therapy. This is probably the most well known technique and is the forerunner of many other relaxation-training methods. This method aims at teaching the individual to be able to discriminate between states of tension and relaxation. It enables one to become aware especially of those parts of the body, which are particularly tense. Thus one learns to become more sensitive to rising tension levels in one's body before the tension gets so great that it causes distress. The more aware one is of how relaxed the muscles feel, the more sensitive one becomes, as one starts getting tense. Thus, as the tension mounts and one 'learns' to become aware of it, one can do something about it, before it gets out of control.

Before the practice of relaxation the following points should be understood:

• It is important to wear suitable apparel, for example loosening of waistbands or collars, removing belts, shoes, spectacles, watch, ties etc.
  
• It is important for persons to stay awake and if they inadvertently fall asleep the therapist will lightly tap them on the arm or the foot.
  
• The person is requested to be silent during the exercises and if he wishes to attract the therapist's attention for some important reason, he should quietly raise his arm.
  
• The person is encouraged to adopt a passive attitude towards the extraneous noise or interruptions, that is, let the noise be just there, and not try to fight it. Learn to ignore it, thus don't allow that noise to disturb the experience of relaxation.
  
• The person is encouraged to clear his mind of current pre-occupations. During this initial period he should focus his attention upon bodily sensations like rhythm of breathing.