THE HEALTH OFFICER "HOMO SUM: HUMANI NIHIL A ME ALIENUM PUTO."--Terence OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION VOL. 1 No. 5 U. S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE 123 SEPTEMBER, 1936 THE TECHNIC OF RELAXATION Americans have been regarded generally as an extremely environmentalist Whatever the explanation, in our modern and fast-moving civilization where hypertension, maladjustments, neuroses, degenerative diseases are on the increase, the importance of relaxation as a preventive and therapeutic measure should not be overlooked. Advice usually given by physicians, psychiatrists and clergymen regarding the practice of relaxation is rather vague and not based on carefully controlled scientific data. September, 1936 Hence, we invite attention to the timely paper by B. K. Bagchi of Iowa State University on "Mental Hygiene and the Hindu Doctrine of Relaxation" in which rules for the practice of relaxation are discussed. Apparently the first step is to assume the mental attitude of relaxation which may be induced by certain visual or auditory images. For example, by quietly watching a poised person you become poised yourself; later by even recalling his name. Cr by listening to quiet music or reading inspirational verses. "Relaxation," says Bagchi, "is a definite psychophysiological process. It involves learning and practice." Relaxation is sometimes confused with recreation which for the most part does not recreate. A vocation, a change of climate, an automobile trip or the temporary cessation of an occupation will not effect a cure of hypertensed individuals who are not skilled in the technic and habit of relaxation. re Relaxation, it is pointed out, is not incompatible with action although at first one may regard them as fundamentally opposed to each other. Relaxation must, of course, never place action but alternate with it in obedience to the law of rhythm which is common to all living processes. There is also a variant form of relaxation even in the midst of pronounced activity which is observable in well-disciplined and selfcontrolled personalities. It is called "poise." Have Americans acquired the bad habits of hurry, worry and scurry to such a degree that we need an organized social stimulus toward the practice of relaxation? *Hental Hygiene, 20:3, 424-440 (July 1936). |