Who developed Autogenic Training?
Johannes Heinrich Schultz psychiatrist developed a new relaxation technique called Autogenic Training based on the work of his predecessors.
Schultz studied self-suggestion and hypnosis, and his goal in developing this relaxation method was to give the practitioner control that hypnosis could not provide.
It has become apparent to him that people undergoing hypnosis experience two types of bodily sensations during meditation: heaviness and warmness in the hands and feet.
He realized that the feeling of heaviness and warmth in itself creates a state similar to hypnosis. He started to formulate a structured method to help patients better their health. Heaviness and warmth exercises were then incorporated into the method of autogenic training. Finally, Schultz added 6 basic exercises to the repertoire.
How does it help?
Autogenic Training is similar to mindfulness practices in the sense that it helps the practitioner to learn how to focus attention. This focused attention helps to recognize our negative thoughts and rumination, therefore it makes it easier to refocus our attention on the present moment.
Autogenic means self-generating, which means that the goal of the relaxation is to teach the client a method that he or she can use by themselves in order to live a healthier, more balanced life.
It includes 6 stages, which are introduced slowly. These 6 stages focus on different parts of the body from the muscles to the heart and lungs. These stages teach the practitioner to become more focused on the body’s signals.
How can AT relaxation help?
Autogenic Training can help you with
- rumination, anxiety, stress management
- sleep problems
- high blood pressure
- stomach issues
- psychosomatic issues
AT is an easy method to reduce stress in our lives while getting to know the signals of our bodies.
Source: Kanji, N. (September 1, 1997) “Autogenic training”. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 5 (3), 162–167.
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