\ec·lec·tic\ adj. selecting from various systems, doctrines, or styles. n. a person who uses various methods in philosophy, science, or art.
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RATINGS
Developed In Berlin in the 1920s, Autogenic Training (AT) claims to alleviate physical and mental problems, as well as improve work performance, creativity, and personal relationships. It consists of a series of six mental exercises that allow the mind to calm itself by switching off the 'fight-or flight" stress responses of the body. The therapy offers a rational, organized way to relax at will and mobilize the body's self-healing powers. A useful self-help treatment for stress-related conditions, AT became more established in the 1970s and is now practiced worldwide.
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| HISTORY
Autogenic training was developed in the 1920s by Dr. Johannes Schultz, a German neurologist and psychiatrist. The word autogenic means "generated from within" in Greek. Dr. Schultz devised six silent verbal exercises for the mind which were further developed in Canada by his colleague, Dr. Wolfgang Luthe. Now available worldwide, AT is used in some corporate staff-training programs. EVIDENCE & RESEARCH
The therapeutic effects of AT are reported in more than 3,000 scientific papers. Many examples of physiological and brain-wave changes have been noted, which, when measured, resemble those produced in meditation. The Schultz Institute in Berlin and the Oskar Vogt Institute in Japan are leading research centers.
MEDICAL OPINION
Autogenic training's structured approach has become relatively well-established as a relaxation technique, and a few doctors are beginning to refer patients for AT.
CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER
Autogenic training is usually taught in groups of 6-8 patients, or on a one-to-one basis, in eight 90-minute weekly sessions.
Before instruction, your medical history will be taken, and your physical and psychological suitability evaluated. The six exercises taught by the practitioner are done sitting or lying down, so comfortable clothes should be worn. Each exercise aims to induce relaxation in different areas of the body: heaviness in the limbs, neck and shoulders; warmth in the limbs; a calm heartbeat; relaxed breathing; warmth in the stomach; and coolness in the forehead. Throughout the sequence, you will be asked to repeat set phrases, such as "my right arm is heavy," and, with practice, you should be able to reach an altered state of consciousness known as "passive concentration." This is similar to meditation and boosts the body's self-healing processes. At a more advanced level, "autogenic modification" involves adopting formulas that focus on specific issues; someone with asthma, for example, may use the phrase "my sinuses are cool, my chest is warm."
Your practitioner can also teach you ways to cope with grief, anger, or anxiety, since repressed emotions ("autogenic discharges") may arise during treatment.
It is essential that you practice autogenic exercises between classes, about 15 minutes, three times a day, noting your responses for the next session. Once taught, you can use AT as self-treatment.
PRECAUTIONS
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Compatibility
