Relaxation Techniques 

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Relaxation techniques are practices to help bring about the body’s “relaxation response”—the opposite of the way the body responds to stress. Progressive relaxation, which involves tensing different muscles in your body and then releasing the tension, and guided imagery, in which you picture objects, scenes, or events associated with relaxation or calmness, are examples. 

Research suggests that relaxation techniques may help relieve pain and anxiety in a variety of situations in both adults and children. However, relaxation techniques haven’t shown much promise for insomnia; cognitive behavioral therapy is more effective.  

We just updated our fact sheet on relaxation techniques, and we welcome you to read about the latest science. 

Read the Fact Sheet