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Relaxation Revolution: The Science and Genetics of Mind Body Healing Paperback – June 21, 2011

by Herbert Benson (Author), William Proctor (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 126 ratings
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Recent scientific breakthroughs—demonstrating that mind body strategies can actually “switch off” or “switch on” gene activity associated with health and disease—have triggered a mind body revolution in the medical world.

In the 1970s, Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School ushered in a new era of understanding in the field of mind body medicine. Coining the term “relaxation response,” Dr. Benson identified the body’s physiologic reaction that is the exact opposite of the stress (fight-or-flight) response. In the four decades since that initial discovery, Benson and his colleagues have established the first effective therapy to counteract the harmful effects of stress. They have explored how the relaxation response, the power of expectation and belief, and other mind body phenomena can produce healing in your own body.

A new era has dawned. Genetic research now shows conclusively that the mind can influence the body down to the genetic level. Your mind has the ability to change the way your body and your genes function.

We now have scientific proof that the mind can heal the body.

In Relaxation Revolution, Dr. Herbert Benson and William Proctor present the latest scientific endings, revealing that we have the ability to self-heal diseases, prevent life-threatening conditions, and supplement established drug and surgical procedures with mind body techniques. In a special “treatment” section, Benson and Proctor describe how these mind body techniques can be applied—and are being applied—to treat a wide variety of conditions, including:

• High blood pressure

• Anxiety and depression

• Infertility

• Insomnia

• Menopausal hot flashes

• Many pains, including backaches and headaches

• Phobias

• And much more

Relaxation Revolution details Dr. Benson’s recent work with colleagues in the field of genetics, which links mind body treatments to the healing of a steadily expanding number of medical conditions. Mind and body have become part of a scientific and medical whole; together they represent a complete approach to healing and maximal well-being. In clear, straightforward language, Benson and Proctor cite the experiences of real people to show how mind body techniques have the potential not only to enhance healing but also to reduce health costs to individuals and to society as a whole. Relaxation Revolution shines a light on the future of medicine.
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  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    June 21, 2011
  4. Dimensions
    5.63 x 0.6 x 8.75 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    143914866X
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1439148662
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Dr. Benson is truly one of the seminal thinkers bringing the integrated study of the mind and body to western medicine."

--Dr. Mani Bhaumik, University of California Los Angeles

"Herbert Benson, M.D. and William Proctor have been enlightening pioneers in their studies...their work can be shared by everyone, not just health-care practitioners."

--Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame

"Herbert Benson, MD, is the father of modern mind body medicine. Dr. Benson's research has demonstrated that the relaxation response is the physiological counterpoint to the fight-or-flight response and serves as a natural antidote to stress."

--Daniel Redwood, "Health Insights Today"

"Nearly 35 years ago [Dr. Herbert Benson] became a kind of medical rock star with his bestselling book The Relaxation Response. It outlined a pioneering approach to relieving stress and a host of medical conditions related to it. Today...it is as relevant as ever."

--Linda Matchan, """Boston Globe"



"Peaceful thoughts really can influence our bodies, right down to the instructions we receive from our DNA."

"--ABC News"

“Dr. Benson is truly one of the seminal thinkers bringing the integrated study of the mind and body to western medicine.”

--Dr. Mani Bhaumik, University of California Los Angeles

“Herbert Benson, M.D. and William Proctor have been enlightening pioneers in their studies…their work can be shared by everyone, not just health-care practitioners.”

--Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame

“Herbert Benson, MD, is the father of modern mind body medicine. Dr. Benson’s research has demonstrated that the relaxation response is the physiological counterpoint to the fight-or-flight response and serves as a natural antidote to stress.”

--Daniel Redwood, "Health Insights Today"

“Nearly 35 years ago [Dr. Herbert Benson] became a kind of medical rock star with his bestselling book The Relaxation Response. It outlined a pioneering approach to relieving stress and a host of medical conditions related to it. Today…it is as relevant as ever.”

--Linda Matchan, " ""Boston Globe"



“Peaceful thoughts really can influence our bodies, right down to the instructions we receive from our DNA.”

"--ABC News"

About the Author

Herbert Benson, MD, is the Mind Body Medical Institute Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. He is the author of the mega-bestselling book, The Relaxation Response, as well as ten other trade books. His groundbreaking work established the modern field of mind body medicine. Dr. Benson is the Director Emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.

William Proctor, JD, is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and has written or co-written more than 80 books, including Beyond the Relaxation Response with Dr. Benson; The Templeton Touch with Sir John Templeton; and several international bestsellers with the “father of aerobics,” Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scribner; 1st edition (June 21, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 143914866X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1439148662
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.63 x 0.6 x 8.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 126 ratings

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  1. William Proctor

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  2. Herbert Benson

    Herbert Benson

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    Herbert Benson, M.D., is the Director Emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (BHI), and Mind Body Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. A graduate of Wesleyan University and the Harvard Medical School, Dr. Benson is the author or co-author of more than 190 scientific publications and 12 books. More than five million copies of his books have been printed in many languages.

    Dr. Benson is a pioneer in mind body medicine, one of the first Western physicians to bring spirituality and healing into medicine. In his 40+ year career, he has defined the relaxation response and continues to lead teaching and research into its efficacy in counteracting the harmful effects of stress. The recipient of numerous national and international awards, Dr. Benson lectures widely about mind body medicine and the BHI's work. His expertise is frequently sought by national and international news media, and he appears in scores of newspapers, magazines, and television programs each year. Dr. Benson's research extends from the laboratory to the clinic to Asian field expeditions. His work serves as a bridge between medicine and religion, East and West, mind and body, and belief and science.

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
126 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the content convincing, informative, and powerful. They also say the book is workable, clear, simple, and easy to learn. Readers mention it alleviates some pain and is easy to apply.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Enlightened contentFunctionalityPain reliefEase of applicationClarity
28 customers mention "Enlightened content"27 positive1 negative

Customers find the content convincing, informative, and powerful. They say it provides tools to improve their lives. Readers also mention that mindfulness meditation keeps them in the present and helps heal hearts and souls.

"...This chapter gave me specific relaxation and meditation exercises. For me, I find when I relax, my pain greatly lessens...." Read more

"...At first glance it's too good to be true; but the source appears to be credible and the studies cited are numerous. Much more needs to be learned." Read more

"...I especially enjoyed the simple two-step prescription that is very practical...." Read more

"...This book holds great potential not just for those people suffering because of illness and who might benefit from the wisdom within...." Read more

5 customers mention "Functionality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's functionality excellent. They appreciate the clear, simple, and easy-to-learn presentation of facts and how to use the Relaxation Response.

"The theory that this book presents is excelent because is workable: clear, simple, easy to learn and easy to apply, another example of the power of..." Read more

"...It's real. It works. I think everyone could gain something from reading this (If nothing else they can learn how to relax -- REALLY RELAX)...." Read more

"...normal daily circumstances with routine levels of stress, this technique truly works. Bear in mind the limitations noted above." Read more

"Very solid presentation of facts and great how to use the Relaxtion Response. A solid self help book with sound scientific back-up" Read more

5 customers mention "Pain relief"5 positive0 negative

Customers say the book helps alleviate pain. They mention it's proven to alleviate migraine headaches and spastic colitis.

"...For me, I find when I relax, my pain greatly lessens.3) This book has an INDEX...." Read more

"...It helps me heal a shoulder pain but I think it also helps heal hearts and souls...." Read more

"...Response has been scientifically proven to maybe, possibly, alleviate some of your pain, after weeks and weeks of daily meditation...." Read more

"...After study of this book, she reports that her migraine headaches are nearly gone...." Read more

4 customers mention "Ease of application"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book simple, easy to learn, and practical. They also appreciate the simple two-step prescription.

"...I especially enjoyed the simple two-step prescription that is very practical...." Read more

"...In easy to understand, non technical terms, the authors show how physical healing can take place with proper mental training...." Read more

"...theory that this book presents is excelent because is workable: clear, simple, easy to learn and easy to apply, another example of the power of our..." Read more

"Very clear text, easy to apply to yourself and does make you focus on relaxing your body systems...." Read more

3 customers mention "Clarity"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the text clear and easy to apply. They also say it's readable for non-healthcare professionals and lay persons.

"The theory that this book presents is excelent because is workable: clear, simple, easy to learn and easy to apply, another example of the power of..." Read more

"...Institute out of Harvard Medical School, and yet is readable for non-healthcare professionals and lay persons who are interested in learning more..." Read more

"Very clear text, easy to apply to yourself and does make you focus on relaxing your body systems...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Daisy S
5.0 out of 5 stars Relaxing Revolution is a superb book that explains so well the mind-body connection!
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2013
Verified Purchase
Since this book was written by an MD about how relaxing the body and mind has such a profound effect upon the body, I decided to order this book in paperback and also in the Kindle platform. Since I am on a physical healing journey, this superb book has been a wonderful tool so to speak in my healing journey. And I am so totally impressed with this book that I am recommending to you for the following reasons:

1) There are 10 chapters in this book and each chapter, and each chapter is packed with very helpful information.
There are three parts of this book: Part 1 is The Science of Body Mind Healing, Part 2 Designing Your Personal Mind Body Treatment Plan (my favorite section and the most helpful one) and 3 The Possibilities of Mind Body Medicine.

2) Most helpful chapter for me is: Chapter 6 Planning Your Body Mind Treatment Plan. This chapter has helped me greatly with my chronic shoulder pain from a car accident. This chapter gave me specific relaxation and meditation exercises. For me, I find when I relax, my pain greatly lessens.

3) This book has an INDEX. This is so helpful as I can look up the subject I need to find and instantly find help in that area.

4) This book is loaded with helpful information written by a doctor who really understands the body mind connection. He shows great compassion and has researched his information in this book and this is documented in his notes and sources of research in other publications.

Highly recommend this book!
9 people found this helpful
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Mr Vince
4.0 out of 5 stars Surprising
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book was surprising to read. There's a lot of common sense that says if you take time to intentionally relax everyday that you're overall sense of well-being and indeed in your physical health will improve. It's quite another thing to say that you can also cure yourself through relaxation techniques, visualization, and cultivating an expectation and belief. At first glance it's too good to be true; but the source appears to be credible and the studies cited are numerous. Much more needs to be learned.
2 people found this helpful
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Beach
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You for Providing this Prescription
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2011
Verified Purchase
My primary care physician recommended this book to me--and I am very glad that he did. After my visit, I purchased the Kindle edition and just finished it. I especially enjoyed the simple two-step prescription that is very practical. The authors demonstrate the scientific research beyond the relaxation revolution and that it can be applied to individuals free of charge to improve overall health.

The book repeats things which I found useful to learning and building my confidence in applying the prescription to my everyday life. While it seems easy to do--spend about 30 minutes every day practicing the two-steps--it actually requires both a deep belief in the concept and a commitment to working through the process that you can do this.

It was helpful that I began a meditation practice over five years ago, so the first step of focusing on a word or concept for 12-15 minutes each day made sense to me. But I definitely said a lot of "Oh Wells" along the way. The second part of the exercise is a bit harder--focusing on "remembered wellness" or visualizing something that is calming. I can do that for a few seconds, but it will take much practice to accomplish that feeling on a consistent basis for 12-15 minutes each day.

I am excited to have this roadmap to better health and will try the 6-week program in earnest. Thanks much to these authors who devoted their careers to this study of mind body health and thanks to the many doctors who have the confidence to embrace these ideas and pass them along to their patients.
11 people found this helpful
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Straight Up Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars Several Key Points Amidst a Lot of Fluff
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book has two very important points. 1) Mind-Body techniques can influence gene expression. 2) The interesting argument that Mind-Body techniques--along with surgery and medications--constitute a third major therapeutic/treatment modality.

Point 1) was supported by a peer-reviewed journal article (but only one, which was surprising given the importance of this claim. There are others, see below.) Beyond that, the book mostly consists of thinly supported claims and what amounted to filler material.

I'd recommend that you pocket points 1) and 2) and save your money. You can use Google Scholar to get the gene expression article: Genomic counter-stress changes induced by the relaxation response. You can also use Scholar to find and get more recent works which cite this piece, which will provide additional findings on gene expression.

I'm giving this book a "3" for points 1) and 2), but no higher.
3 people found this helpful
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Douglas Dillon
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a Mind Body Healing Process that Really Works
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2012
Verified Purchase
Greatly expanding upon their ground breaking book, The Relaxation Response, here Benson and Proctor truly solidify the mind/body connection. In easy to understand, non technical terms, the authors show how physical healing can take place with proper mental training. Citing case studies and the latest scientific findings, these two men actually teach people how to more proactively take charge of their physical conditions.

Offering readers a simplified meditation/visualization technique, Benson and Proctor even give hope to patients who have life threatening conditions such as cancer. The authors make clear, however, that what they suggest here is not a replacement for standard treatment plans. Instead, they make the case that their technique is a very natural, but much needed supplement to other curative efforts.

This book holds great potential not just for those people suffering because of illness and who might benefit from the wisdom within. It also is a shining light that should be recognized by all medical personnel as something they should be teaching their patients as well. In that way, perhaps there will truly be a widespread Relaxation Revolution.
8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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helena
5.0 out of 5 stars Libro sobre técnicas de relajación
Reviewed in Spain on November 2, 2019
Verified Purchase
Interesante libro sobre técnicas de relajación. Fácil de entender y aplicar
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Vic at Weyhill
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it and Benefit.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 5, 2014
Verified Purchase
Excellent. Since his first book, 'The Relaxation Response' I have followed his method, based upon his findings from Transcendental Meditation, and have benefitted hugely. This book takes it much further. Every medical practitioner should have a copy.
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John Herman
5.0 out of 5 stars New to Meditation Procedures
Reviewed in Canada on September 8, 2011
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I have gained so much from Dr. Benson's books that I would like to share my opinions on this one. It seems that many people think that that mediations are some dark and anti Christian writings. This simplily isn't so. In this book the good doctor explains the scientific studies done by Dr. Benson and his his co-writer and the results of those studies. It is quite interesting what their findings were and well detailed in this book. Even he was surprised at their findings and this is worth the price of the book by itself.

Alot of these books are hard to read, at least in my experience, but the writer makes these practises easy to undrstand, and so easy to read. That's why I titled this review New to Medation because this is the ideal book to explain in detail what this is all about and how it may improve your medical problems.

I believe on page 5 he gives the first example on how to start a meditation and then goes into deeper explanations explaining the benefits that have been proven under Medical supervisions. If stress or health issues are your concern, a need to relieve tension in these challenging times, you will be pleased you purchased this book. Good reading and improved health as I know you won't be sorry on your purchase.
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Linzi
5.0 out of 5 stars Every person who is an advocate of mind body medicine ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2015
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Every person who is an advocate of mind body medicine and therapies would benefit greatly from this scientific evidence based book.
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Heidi Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful and Informative
Reviewed in Canada on July 21, 2013
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Dr Benson is one of the leading authorities on brain science and mind/body connection. This book offers practical ways to lower stress and take control of the brain. I would recommend it.
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