The Benson-Henry Open Technique for RR

The standard Benson-Henry technique for bringing about the Relaxation Response consists of the 8 steps. An optional second phase is shown as steps 9 and 10. Step 11 was added by the website to provide advice about time after the Relaxation Response. This technique is simple, so it should only take a few minutes to learn the basics. Steps 1 and 9 may take some thought at the very beginning. In Step 1, you decide on what this website calls your “relaxation agent”. Your relaxation agent can be a word, image, phrase, short prayer or just your breathing. In Step 9 of Phase 2, you decide on your mental imagery. Phase 2 was added by Dr. Benson after studies about the placebo effect. After you make your choices for steps 1 and 9, practicing your technique can become very routine. Health benefits build up over time and usually do not depend on any feelings that you may have during the Relaxation Response.