“The Quieting Reflex”
Arnold Shapiro, MD
March – April 2021 • Vol 3, No 114
Brief Relaxation Techniques vary from a few seconds to a few minutes in length. They utilize Relaxors in a sequence, to induce the Relaxation Response. Relaxors are soothers: soothing images, words, touch, breathing, movement, sound, et. al.
The briefest published relaxation technique is “The Quieting Reflex,” found in a book by that name. Published in 1982 by Charles Stroebel, M.D., the subtitle states: “A Six-Second Technique for Coping with Stress Without Drugs.” What can be done in six seconds?
Here is the technique: A three-second full inbreath, during which you raise the shoulders and smile. Then a three second outbreath, during which you lower the shoulders and soften the lips. Diligent practice makes it a “reflex” that will counter rising stress.
