Self-care

Health benefits of self-care primarily Relaxation Response

Dr. Herbert Benson in his book entitled The Relaxation Response lists the following conditions "that, to the extent caused by or affected by mind/body connections (such as stress and the fight-or-flight response), can be significantly improved or even cured when self-care techniques are used:

angina pectoris
cardiac arrythmia
allergic skin reactions
anxiety
mild and moderate depression
bronchial asthma
herpes simplex
cough
constipation
diabetes mellitus
duodenal ulcers
dizziness
fatigue
hypertension

infertility
insomnia
nausea and vomiting during pregnanacy
nervousness
all forms of pain - backache, headaches, abdominal pain, joint aches, post operative pain, neck, arm and leg pain
postoperative swelling
premenstrual syndrome
rheumatoid arthritis
side effects of cancer
side effects of AIDS

Dr. Herbert Benson warns that although "every illness has a mind-body component and some potential for benefit if you employ self-care techniques", "always start with discussing medical complaint with your personal physician".

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