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Cách Mạng Liệu Pháp Thư Giãn - Nâng cao sức khỏe bằng khoa học và di truyền học của điều trị thân tâm
Được biết đến như là Giám đốc danh dự của Viện Benson-Henry và là người tiên phong trong lĩnh vực Y học Thân Tâm thế giới, Herbert Benson đã cùng tác giả William Proctor chia sẻ những khám phá khoa học mới nhất về Liệu Pháp Thư Giãn và cách áp dụng nó trong điều trị nhiều căn bệnh hiện đại như cao huyết áp, đau nhức kinh niên, sợ hãi, trầm cảm và nhiều bệnh khác.
Cuốn sách cũng đưa ra những góc nhìn độc đáo từ các chuyên gia khác như Thầy Thích Chân Pháp Khâm và Bác sĩ Phạm Thị Vân Ngọc, giới thiệu cách họ áp dụng Liệu Pháp Thư Giãn vào lĩnh vực Thiền và Y học.
Cuốn sách cũng đưa ra những góc nhìn độc đáo từ các chuyên gia khác như Thầy Thích Chân Pháp Khâm và Bác sĩ Phạm Thị Vân Ngọc, giới thiệu cách họ áp dụng Liệu Pháp Thư Giãn vào lĩnh vực Thiền và Y học.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2010
57 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Herbert Benson
43 books47 followersHerbert Benson, M.D. (born 1935), is an American cardiologist and founder of the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He graduated from Wesleyan University and Harvard Medical School.
Benson is Mind/Body Medical Institute Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute (BHI). He is the author or co-author of more than 175 scientific publications and 11 books. More than four million copies of his books have been printed in many languages.
Benson is a pioneer in mind/body medicine, one of the first Western physicians to bring spirituality and healing into medicine. In his 35+ 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.
Benson participated in a dialogue that was held at Harvard in March 1991, as part of a conversation between scientists and Buddhists initiated by 14th Dalaï Lama, organized by the Mind and Life Institute. Book Review: MindScience.
Benson is Mind/Body Medical Institute Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute (BHI). He is the author or co-author of more than 175 scientific publications and 11 books. More than four million copies of his books have been printed in many languages.
Benson is a pioneer in mind/body medicine, one of the first Western physicians to bring spirituality and healing into medicine. In his 35+ 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.
Benson participated in a dialogue that was held at Harvard in March 1991, as part of a conversation between scientists and Buddhists initiated by 14th Dalaï Lama, organized by the Mind and Life Institute. Book Review: MindScience.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 14, 2014
A doctor friend of mine recommended this book to me. A systematic application of placebo effect for helping patients, especially those with chronic diseases, is a very plausible approach. Also, I believe that meditation can be a strong preventive medicine measure, thus I have nothing against the premise of the book.
But, I have serious problems with some of the statements in the book and how it was written. First it is overtly repetitive; you might say that this is to make it more understandable. But it is due to the lack of material; because it can be reduced to a soundbite actually. "Relax your body and mind and Visualize that you are healthy".
The second problem is the shameless self-promotion aspect of it. Also the very generous use of the phrase "overwhelming scientific evidence" creates a knee-jerk reaction for scientists like me. Because what I have seen in the cited studies (I have read some of them seperately) is mostly very subjective quantification of how patients felt. Although, this is a legitimate way of studying an effect, it does not provide any evidence in essence.
Also, about the genetic study they did. First, it is very awkward to cite the same study like 30 times in a book, without having any back-up studies. Also anyone familiar with the highthrough-put gene expression studies; when you look at so many parameters you will find significant differences no matter what is your selection criteria. And a selection criteria of those who meditate and those who don't is rather flimsy in many ways.
Lastly, this book criticizes reductionist methodology in science; but with a shallow and mostly wrong definition of reductionism. Which makes the criticism hollow. Synergy and Emergent behavior are not magical items, they can be defined mathematically.
But, I have serious problems with some of the statements in the book and how it was written. First it is overtly repetitive; you might say that this is to make it more understandable. But it is due to the lack of material; because it can be reduced to a soundbite actually. "Relax your body and mind and Visualize that you are healthy".
The second problem is the shameless self-promotion aspect of it. Also the very generous use of the phrase "overwhelming scientific evidence" creates a knee-jerk reaction for scientists like me. Because what I have seen in the cited studies (I have read some of them seperately) is mostly very subjective quantification of how patients felt. Although, this is a legitimate way of studying an effect, it does not provide any evidence in essence.
Also, about the genetic study they did. First, it is very awkward to cite the same study like 30 times in a book, without having any back-up studies. Also anyone familiar with the highthrough-put gene expression studies; when you look at so many parameters you will find significant differences no matter what is your selection criteria. And a selection criteria of those who meditate and those who don't is rather flimsy in many ways.
Lastly, this book criticizes reductionist methodology in science; but with a shallow and mostly wrong definition of reductionism. Which makes the criticism hollow. Synergy and Emergent behavior are not magical items, they can be defined mathematically.
July 16, 2023
A summarizing of a small portion of the evidence for mind-body interventions, from the perspective of a physician. Co-written with a lawyer, worth considering.
Some caveats:
Like most physicians, the interventions are touted as likely to reduce your reliance on many things (drugs, alcohol, food addictions, meds) but not physicians
The inevitable legal verbage is here; this is not medical advice, and does not replace consultation with a physican, always let your physician know you are working on yourself , so they can plan with you/harvest appointment charges/explain why you are wrong due to their lack of knowledge of the field…..delete as appropriate
Author omits (it is hard to believe he is unaware) that placebos work even when the user knows they took a placebo. Think about that.
Author makes much of the influence of faith, but, again, in that way characteristic of most physicians, omits entirely the obvious - faith in oneself is really entirely sufficient, albeit a lonely business at times
Some caveats:
Like most physicians, the interventions are touted as likely to reduce your reliance on many things (drugs, alcohol, food addictions, meds) but not physicians
The inevitable legal verbage is here; this is not medical advice, and does not replace consultation with a physican, always let your physician know you are working on yourself , so they can plan with you/harvest appointment charges/explain why you are wrong due to their lack of knowledge of the field…..delete as appropriate
Author omits (it is hard to believe he is unaware) that placebos work even when the user knows they took a placebo. Think about that.
Author makes much of the influence of faith, but, again, in that way characteristic of most physicians, omits entirely the obvious - faith in oneself is really entirely sufficient, albeit a lonely business at times
Read
April 5, 2025Repetitive. Didn’t finish. I’d rather meditate than read this.
(Am I hater omg).
(Am I hater omg).
January 21, 2014
I read the Kindle version of this and found it to be informative and easy to understand. The first half of the book describes very well the power of the placebo effect and the scientific backing on mind-body research. The second half looks more closely at specific ailments and how the mind-body approach can be applied to help the healing process. It does get repetitive, but the parts that do not apply to a specific reader can easily be skipped over.
I would recommend the book to anyone interested in learning more about mind-body healing or anyone struggling with stress, anxiety, or another illness that could be readily treated by focusing your mind and reducing the fight-flight response.
I would recommend the book to anyone interested in learning more about mind-body healing or anyone struggling with stress, anxiety, or another illness that could be readily treated by focusing your mind and reducing the fight-flight response.
Read
October 19, 2010"The basic research methodology that has promoted modern medical progress also has, in a remarkable paradox, undercut the possibility of parallel progress in mind body medicine. One essential line of treatment has in effect made another essential line extremely difficult. At the heart of this paradox is the role that has emerged for the placebo effect in medical research.
"The essence of the placebo paradox is that modern medical research techniques have been built on a rejection of powerful mind body principles - and especially a rejection of the placebo effect, which measures expectation and belief." location 780
"The essence of the placebo paradox is that modern medical research techniques have been built on a rejection of powerful mind body principles - and especially a rejection of the placebo effect, which measures expectation and belief." location 780
September 11, 2012
This book was terribly written and overly repetitive. I didn't expect to read 230 pages of how magical prayer placebo effects really work! and how this "attitude places God or the Supreme Being first and subordinates the human will, with all its anxieties and uncertainties (page 223)."
Reading this book, and I always try to finish every book I start, was a chore. Honestly, reading all these anecdotes and "scientific studies" aimed desperately to prove that their techniques actually work, was a hell of lot more painful than my disease ever was or will be.
Reading this book, and I always try to finish every book I start, was a chore. Honestly, reading all these anecdotes and "scientific studies" aimed desperately to prove that their techniques actually work, was a hell of lot more painful than my disease ever was or will be.
October 1, 2023
In massage therapy school, we spent most of our time focused on which muscles were attached to which bones, and how the manipulation of soft tissue can achieve a specific outcome. Even though the industry mantra is “Mind, Body and Soul”, my formal education consisted primarily of “Body, Body and Body.” “Relaxation Revolution” has bolstered my belief that there is much more to massage than applying petrissage to an aching Levator Scapulae.
The Relaxation Response is the opposite of the Fight or Flight Response. It is during this time of deep relaxation when the body heals most effectively. The authors advocate that patients learn how to incorporate the Benson-Henry protocol into their healing and wellness regimens. The protocol is named after the Institute where it was conceived. It consists of two steps.
Step 1 – Elicit the Relaxation Response for 12-15 minutes by breathing calmly and repeating a soothing word or phrase.
Step 2 – Visualize yourself in a heathier state for 8-10 minutes.
The first step prepares your body by reducing your heart rate and calming your nerves and muscles. The visualization aspect of the second step retrains your body to recall a healthier time. While this may sound like snake oil advice, there is plenty of scientific and anecdotal evidence to suggest it works. Picture a parish finding peace while counting beads on a rosary and repeating Hail Marys. Picture a world class sprinter visualizing herself winning her heat moments before the race begins. These are real world examples of people employing Mind-Body techniques.
The book cites several placebo effect studies where the outcomes of sham surgeries or sugar pills rivaled those of real procedures and pharmaceuticals. While the authors don’t recommend skipping surgery, they do advise seeking Mind-Body therapies in parallel. The Relaxation Response has been proven effective in dealing with hypertension, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, and many other ailments.
The first half of “Relaxation Revolution” was educational. It bolstered several of my long-held beliefs including this one by 19th century physician, Oliver Wendell Holmes. He understood that “compassionate emotional and physical contact between a physician and a patient can enhance the healing process.”
However, the second half of the book reads like an infomercial. It lists dozens of ailments and how to treat them. Yet the treatment for each was verbatim: “Begin with our two-phase Benson-Henry Protocol summarized on page 111.” That got old quick!
One last bit of insight to share. If the Relaxation Response and other Mind-Body therapies are viable methods to treat people and save money on surgeries and drugs, why doesn’t our country seek to employ them more often? The answer is surprisingly simple. There is no profit to be made. Yay, Capitalism!
The Relaxation Response is the opposite of the Fight or Flight Response. It is during this time of deep relaxation when the body heals most effectively. The authors advocate that patients learn how to incorporate the Benson-Henry protocol into their healing and wellness regimens. The protocol is named after the Institute where it was conceived. It consists of two steps.
Step 1 – Elicit the Relaxation Response for 12-15 minutes by breathing calmly and repeating a soothing word or phrase.
Step 2 – Visualize yourself in a heathier state for 8-10 minutes.
The first step prepares your body by reducing your heart rate and calming your nerves and muscles. The visualization aspect of the second step retrains your body to recall a healthier time. While this may sound like snake oil advice, there is plenty of scientific and anecdotal evidence to suggest it works. Picture a parish finding peace while counting beads on a rosary and repeating Hail Marys. Picture a world class sprinter visualizing herself winning her heat moments before the race begins. These are real world examples of people employing Mind-Body techniques.
The book cites several placebo effect studies where the outcomes of sham surgeries or sugar pills rivaled those of real procedures and pharmaceuticals. While the authors don’t recommend skipping surgery, they do advise seeking Mind-Body therapies in parallel. The Relaxation Response has been proven effective in dealing with hypertension, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, and many other ailments.
The first half of “Relaxation Revolution” was educational. It bolstered several of my long-held beliefs including this one by 19th century physician, Oliver Wendell Holmes. He understood that “compassionate emotional and physical contact between a physician and a patient can enhance the healing process.”
However, the second half of the book reads like an infomercial. It lists dozens of ailments and how to treat them. Yet the treatment for each was verbatim: “Begin with our two-phase Benson-Henry Protocol summarized on page 111.” That got old quick!
One last bit of insight to share. If the Relaxation Response and other Mind-Body therapies are viable methods to treat people and save money on surgeries and drugs, why doesn’t our country seek to employ them more often? The answer is surprisingly simple. There is no profit to be made. Yay, Capitalism!
January 8, 2022
Surprising
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.
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.
June 23, 2018
Too repetitive
The main message in this book could be summarized in two pages. Then the authors go on repeating it over and over for 200 pages. Lots of stuff, while interesting, is no something the reader of this kind of material would be interested on.
The main message in this book could be summarized in two pages. Then the authors go on repeating it over and over for 200 pages. Lots of stuff, while interesting, is no something the reader of this kind of material would be interested on.
May 20, 2017
Great content, nonoptimal delivery...
October 16, 2019
I loved this book. It introduced me to meditation and changed my life.
April 25, 2023
Changed my life
dnf
September 2, 2024Dnfd at page 3
August 24, 2012
Thirty pages of decent material, which got a lot less interesting by the sixth time I'd seen virtually the same information. Assuming you accept that relaxation strategies (the mind) can help the body, you can skip to chapter 6 (pp 91-108) and read about the two phases of the recommended techniques. The sections before chapter 6 are anecdotes and some studies about the theories of why mind-body stuff works. The sections after chapter 6 are about how to replace "general good health" with your specific body issue (such as angina, depression, ore breast cancer) while doing the recommended techniques. In fairness, the sections after chapter 6 also have studies about how mind-body techniques have addressed specific body issues.
April 4, 2012
Although this book could have been shorter, it was well worth reading. Herbert Benson is founder of the Mind Body Medical Institute at Harvard Medical School and is a pioneer in the scientific study of mind/body healing and its integration into western medicine. In the book he shows how to take the "placebo effect" (which is a very real and powerful healing mechanism in the mind/body) that is behind many styles of alternative medicine and use it to heal yourself. The book includes notes with scientific references, and an index.
August 5, 2016
I found this book to be informative. It's terribly repetitive and the author seems to be assuming that his audience does not believe that the mind is powerful so he is constantly trying to prove this idea over and over. I think everyone knows that the placebo effect is real and that your mind is powerful. I enjoyed reading about the research and I am excited to put this type of therapy into action in my own life.
September 10, 2010
Not an entertaining book, but I learned a lot about the physiology of the relaxation response as it relates to healing the body. I bought the "Olivia" CD he recommends from Mass Gen Hospital. Truly hard not to relax listening to her speak. Have already given copies to sick friends.
Want to read
August 24, 2010The author spoke about this on NPR today. HE specifically mentioned Crohn's disease and the effect of relaxation.
March 7, 2011
I was thinking this sounded like something I read in the 70's then I saw that he wrote his first one in the 70s. Sounds good, but don't know that I'm up to it now either.
May 27, 2012
Good book about power of mind over body - complimentary to good health
November 21, 2012
Fine. Seems like a restatement (for profit?) of the previous book The Relaxation Response.
October 16, 2015
from the library
hardcover(mine) and unabridged cd audio edition
hardcover(mine) and unabridged cd audio edition
March 30, 2015
Super interesting! Amazing science behind relaxation.
May 22, 2021
Very interesting subject but the author is not the best writer ever. Definitely worth it though.
June 24, 2011
Great book. Great for people interested in help for issues other than popping pills.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews