Herbert Benson: The Relaxation Revolution

Pioneer of mind body medicine Herbert Benson explores his new book, The Relaxation Revolution: Enhancing Your Personal Health Through the Science and Genetics of Mind Body Healing.

In the 1970s, Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School ushered in a new era of understanding in the field of mind body medicine. Coining the term "relaxation response," Dr. Benson identified the body's physiologic reaction that is the exact opposite of the stress (fight-or-flight) response. In the four decades since that initial discovery, Benson and his colleagues have established the first effective therapy to counteract the harmful effects of stress. They have explored how the relaxation response, the power of expectation and belief, and other mind body phenomena can produce healing in your own body.

Relaxation Revolution details Dr. Benson's recent work with colleagues in the field of genetics, which links mind body treatments to the healing of a steadily expanding number of medical conditions. Mind and body have become part of a scientific and medical whole; together they represent a complete approach to healing and maximal well-being. In clear, straightforward language, Benson and Proctor cite the experiences of real people to show how mind body techniques have the potential not only to enhance healing but also to reduce health costs to individuals and to society as a whole.

Category:

News & Politics

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• PBS
• NPR
• Forum Network
• Online
• Free
• Lectures
• Relaxation
• Body Healing
• Health
• Herbert
• Benson

[rusalkadniprova]

I'm THRILLED a DOCTOR is Finally saying this. My physical therapist and energy healer has been saying this for YEARS! It's about time western medicine is embracing eastern healing. If we all took prophylactic measures to keep ourselves well, we might be less inclined to abuse pharmaceutical drugs. Wouldn't that be nice?

[DNAblues]

After listening to this entire talk I would like to make two points.

1) He is an excellent elderly speaker.

2) This talk is incredible. I never knew that we can change our genes and pass them on to our offspring using the powers of mind.

[thebreathingman]

Dr Herbert Benson is talking about a way of "‘…Normalisation of breathing immediately triggers a healing process..." Buteyko Trilogy Volume 1 Chapter 17: The First Handbook

[DNAblues]

Not the best speaker but this is a very substantive talk. Dr. Benson's work has revolutionized our view of health. Thanks to his work, Western science finally accepts that the patient can affect their own health through thought.

His comments on placebo are also significant. Placebo is your friend not fraud.