Logo Medical Science Monitor

Call: +1.631.470.9640
Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 02:00 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor

25 February 2003

The therapeutic use of the relaxation response in stress-related diseases.

Tobias Esch, Gregory L. Fricchione, George B. Stefano

Med Sci Monit 2003; 9(2): RA23-34 :: ID: 4745

Abstract

The objective of this work was to investigate a possible (therapeutic) connection between the relaxation response (RR) and stress-related diseases. Further, common underlying molecular mechanisms and autoregulatory pathways were examined. For the question of (patho)physiology and significance of RR techniques in the treatment of stress-related diseases, we analyzed peer-reviewed references only. The RR has been shown to be an appropriate and relevant therapeutic tool to counteract several stress-related disease processes and certain health-restrictions, particularly in certain immunological, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases/mental disorders. Further, common underlying molecular mechanisms may exist that represent a connection between the stress response, pathophysiological findings in stress-related diseases, and physiological changes/autoregulatory pathways described in the RR. Here, constitutive or low-output nitric oxide (NO) production may be involved in a protective or ameliorating context, whereas inducible, high-output NO release may facilitate detrimental disease processes. In mild or early disease states, a high degree of biological and physiological flexibility may still be possible (dynamic balance). Here, the therapeutic use of RR techniques may be considered particularly relevant, and the observable (beneficial) effects may be exerted via activation of constitutive NO pathways. RR techniques, regularly part of professional stress management or mind/body medical settings, represent an important tool to be added to therapeutic strategies dealing with stress-related diseases. Moreover, as part of 'healthy' life-style modifications, they may serve primary (or secondary) prevention. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the complex physiology underlying the RR and its impact upon stress-related disease states.

Keywords: Cardiovascular Diseases - physiopathology, Cardiovascular Diseases - therapy, Immune System Diseases - physiopathology, Immune System Diseases - therapy, Nervous System Diseases - physiopathology, Nervous System Diseases - therapy, Nitric Oxide - metabolism, Relaxation Techniques, Stress - physiopathology

Add Comment 0 Comments

Editorial

01 February 2025 : Editorial  

Editorial: Current Approaches to Screening for Lung Cancer in Smokers and Non-Smokers

Dinah V. Parums

DOI: 10.12659/MSM.948255

Med Sci Monit 2025; 31:e948255

0:00

In Press

Clinical Research  

Predicting Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden Based on Thromboelastography in Patients with Acute Ischemi...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.946303  

Clinical Research  

Long-Term Outcomes of Implanon in Managing Adenomyosis: A 3-Year Prospective Study

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.945972  

Laboratory Research  

Linear Dimensional Accuracy in Maxillomandibular Records: A Comparative Study of Scannable and Transparent ...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.947265  

Clinical Research  

Efficacy of King's Combined Uterine Suture in Managing Placenta Accreta: A Retrospective Analysis

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.945826  

Most Viewed Current Articles

17 Jan 2024 : Review article   6,969,932

Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron Variant

DOI :10.12659/MSM.942799

Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799

0:00

16 May 2023 : Clinical Research   701,896

Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387

Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387

0:00

01 Mar 2024 : Editorial   25,741

Editorial: First Regulatory Approvals for CRISPR-Cas9 Therapeutic Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and ...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.944204

Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944204

0:00

28 Jan 2024 : Review article   20,253

A Review of IgA Vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura) Past, Present, and Future

DOI :10.12659/MSM.943912

Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e943912

0:00

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750
Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750