Purpose:
Reduce stress, counteract the fight or flight response
Teaches self-regulation of the autonomic nervous system
Provides symptom relief for a variety of chronic conditions
Strong emotional memories may be provoked
Method (self-administered version)
- Sit or lie down in comfortable position, preferably in a position where the limbs do not touch any other part of the body
- Take a few slow, abdominal breaths before beginning the phrases
- Imagine the sensations in each phrase happening in the body as completely as possible
- Repeat the following phrases to yourself 3-6 times:
My arms are heavy and warm (pause, repeat silently) I am at peace (pause, repeat silently)
My legs are heavy and warm (pause, repeat silently) I am at peace (pause, repeat silently)
My heartbeat is calm and strong (pause, repeat silently) I am at peace (pause, repeat silently)
My breathing is calm and relaxed (pause, repeat silently) I am at peace (pause, repeat silently)
My abdomen radiates warmth (pause, repeat silently) I am at peace (pause, repeat silently)
My forehead is pleasantly cool (pause, repeat silently) I am at peace (pause, repeat silently)
Visualize
yourself being healthy, strong, and happy. Remain in a deeply relaxed
state as long as you like…bringing yourself slowly back
by letting your breathing deepen and moving your limbs gently until you
are alert. If you like, allow a smile to come to your face before
opening your eye