Autogenic Therapy for Peace of Mind

Learn about Autogenic Therapy, a deep relaxation technique for treatment of anxiety, stress and depression.

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

• Background
• Theory
• Evidence
• Unproven Uses

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• Potential Dangers
• Summary
• Resources

Background

Autogenic therapy uses visual imagery and body awareness to promote a state of deep relaxation. A detached but alert state of mind called "passive concentration" must be achieved for autogenic therapy exercises to be carried out. People participating in autogenic therapy are taught relaxation and body awareness techniques. It is believed that these approaches can then be used lifelong to promote a more healthy lifestyle, allowing people to call on their own capacity for self healing and stress reduction.

Autogenic therapy was developed in the 20th century by Dr. Johannes Schultz, a psychiatrist and neurologist. Dr. Shultz was influenced by the research of Professor Oscar Vogt, a psychiatrist and neurophysiologist who studied psychosomatic medicine. In the 1940s, Dr. Wolfgang Luthe added repetitive therapeutic suggestions to the autogenic technique.

Theory

In autogenic therapy, achievement of a detached but alert state of mind called "passive concentration" is thought to bring about physical changes. Supporters of this technique assert that autogenic therapy enhances healing and the recuperative powers of the body. Autogenic therapy has been said to rebalance mental faculties and bring closer harmony between the hemispheres of the brain.

Autogenic therapy consists of six basic focusing techniques:

• Heaviness in the limbs
• Warmth in the limbs
• Cardiac regulation
• Centering on breathing
• Warmth in the upper abdomen
• Coolness in the forehead

These techniques are based on autosuggestion; in this way, autogenic therapy is similar to meditation or self-hypnosis. A person using autogenic therapy assumes a comfortable position, concentrates on a goal and uses visual imagination and verbal cues to relax the body. Autogenic therapy may involve imagining a peaceful place followed by focusing on different physical sensations, moving from the feet to the head.

The possible mechanism of action of autogenic therapy is not fully understood. It has been suggested that it works in ways similar to hypnosis or biofeedback.

Evidence

Scientists have studied autogenic therapy for the following health problems:

Gastrointestinal conditions
Preliminary research reports some improvements in gastrointestinal disorders (constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, stomach ulcers, stomach ache, chronic nausea and vomiting or spasm), although more studies are necessary before a recommendation can be made. Patients with ulcers should be evaluated by a health care provider.

Cardiovascular conditions
Initial studies suggest possible benefits of autogenic therapy in people with heart or blood vessel disorders (palpitations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, cold hands or feet). However, this research is preliminary, and additional studies are necessary before a conclusion can be made. Patients with these potentially severe conditions should be evaluated by a health care provider.

Anxiety, stress, depression
Studies of autogenic therapy for anxiety report mixed results, and it is not clear if there is any benefit. For example, one randomized controlled trial suggests autogenic training may play a role in reducing anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty (catheterization). Another randomized controlled trial found cancer patients receiving autogenic training to have an improvement in stress levels. Early evidence suggests that autogenic therapy may not be an appropriate treatment for depression.

HIV/AIDS
Some researchers have reported improvements in HIV complications, including decreased pain, night sweats, weight loss and diarrhea. There are also controversial reports of longer survival, although these findings were noted before the current era of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy), which has significantly lengthened survival time in HIV. Research in these areas is not conclusive, and further studies would be helpful.

Hyperventilation
Early evidence reports some benefits of autogenic therapy in people who hyperventilate, although further research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Behavior problems
Preliminary research suggests autogenic relaxation may reduce stress and psychosomatic complaints in children and adolescents. Further research is needed before clear recommendations can be made.

Other
Autogenic therapy has been studied for a number of other conditions, including asthma, eczema, glaucoma, headache (migraine and tension), facial pain (myofascial paid disorders) and thyroid disease. This research is early and is not conclusive. More research would be helpful in these areas.