The Relaxation Revolution

by Herbert Benson | Simon & Schuster © 2010 · 269 pages

Did you know you can alter your gene’s expression through mind body practices like meditation? Yep. And Harvard MD Herbert Benson has the remarkable scientific data to prove it. In this Note, we’ll learn more about his “Relaxation Response” (think: opposite of “Fight-or-Flight Response”), why you should care about it and how to rock it.


“Gradually, study after mind body study, carried out with the most careful scientific protocols, produced incontrovertible evidence that the mind can indeed influence—and heal—the body.”

~ Herbert Benson from The Relaxation Revolution

Herbert Benson MD, the brilliant Harvard Medical School professor and leading mind body researcher, has been studying the science of meditation for decades. He published his ground-breaking book The Relaxation Response in 1976 where he documented the incredible positive benefits of inducing what he calls “The Relaxation Response.” This book basically brings that book up-to-date and goes into great detail on how meditation (and other mind body practices) can significantly boost our levels of health and well-being.

The Relaxation Revolution is part “why to” and part “how to” and is packed with all kinds of scientific research studies, specific tips and guided meditations/visualizations on how to deal with a range of specific challenges. I highly recommend it.

I’m not sure how many times I said, “Wow!” out loud as I read it but it was a lot. I’m blown away by what we know *scientifically* about the benefits of meditation and I’m excited to share a few of my favorite Big Ideas from this great book.

Let’s kick it off by getting to know a little more about the relaxation response.

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About the author

Authors

Herbert Benson

A pioneer in Mind-Body Medicine.