Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) offers a particularly accessible and efficient pathway to profound relaxation through cultivating a domino effect of relaxation and stress-reduction – from muscles to the autonomic nervous system, limbic system and the mind. PMR was developed in the medical fields of physiology, neurology and psychology and evidence-based research has documented and improved its effectiveness since the 1920s.

In the first session you will find out all about training in PMR and the first exercise. Following that, you will have a short consultation with the relaxation therapist to discuss whether the training course is suitable for you at this time. Should the course not be suitable for you at this time, a refund of your booking will be made – minus the cost for the first session and a £5 booking fee (£20 total).

The course covers the complete Progressive Muscle Relaxation training over nine weeks and integrates supportive elements from mindfulness, movement relaxation and Buddhist meditation. It includes weekly handouts and audio recordings to guide your daily home practice.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation exercises tend to have immediate relaxing effects. With regular practice and training, your body and mind can learn to relax more deeply and maintain a certain level of relaxation in everyday life. Over time, PMR can support your concentration and health, inner peace, creativity, meditation, sleep, as well as gentle psychological processing to release physical and emotional tensions and anxieties. And with daily practice there is the possibility of establishing a quick relaxation routine for instant stress release.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation complements, and can also be a lead-in to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, meditation and training in other relaxation methods.

Requirements and recommendations

Progressive Muscle Relaxation benefits from regular practice. To get the most of this training course, you want to commit to daily practice (20-30 minutes). You are likely to experience some benefits from just coming to the session or practicing infrequently, but you cannot expect an effective reduction of anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and similar conditions without daily practice.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation training is not suitable for people with active psychosis, aortic aneurysm, epilepsy, or myositis. Do contact Sarvatajnana beforehand to discuss anything around health concerns.

You can find more information progressive muscle relaxation and other relaxation methods at www.relaxationpathways.com

The teacher

Sarvatajnana is a certified relaxation therapist. She has been practising for over 20 years and teaching since 2017. You can contact her by email at sarvatajnana@gmail.com