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Relaxation Therapies

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Relaxation Therapies

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Relaxation

Relaxation therapies use physiologic techniques to regulate the sympathetic/parasympathetic balance and help to reduce symptoms.

Diaphragmatic breathing

A form of slow deep breathing in which the diaphragm contracts on the inhale and relaxes on the exhale. This kind of breathing stimulates the vagus nerve and activates the relaxation response of the parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system.

Beneficial for:

  • Abdominal bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Enhancing digestion and motility
  • Functional gut disorders
  • GERD
  • Regurgitation
  • Rumination
  • Sleep
  • Stress
  • Visible abdominal distention

Watch demonstration of diaphragmatic breathing

Visualization/Guided imagery

Mind-body practices that focus on visual images and other sensory experiences to promote feelings of mental and physical relaxation and ease.

Beneficial for:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep
  • Stress

Progressive muscle relaxation

A mind-body practice where one voluntarily slowly contracts and relaxes different muscle groups in coordination with breathing. This practice trains the mind to recognize when there is tension in the body and promote the ability to relax the tension.

Beneficial for:

  • Anxiety
  • Sleep
  • Stress
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