Dictionary

Progressive muscle relaxation is a commonly used method for introducing a state of relaxation step by step. This technique is practiced by first lying or sitting in a comfortable position and focusing on individual muscle groups in a set order: each group is flexed for a short time and then released again completely. Muscles throughout the entire body can be relaxed in this way. Progressive muscle relaxation is used for dealing with physical symptoms such as hypertension, headache, sleeping disorders and stress, but may also accompany behavioral therapy or be part of treatment for anxiety disorders.