Relaxation
Relaxation is a medical field that treats several disorders, some of which are caused by being overly stressed. For example, stress can cause the body to go into fight-or-flight mode, activating its sympathetic nervous system and causing digestive issues like vomiting. The relaxation response, however, does the opposite by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and causing a state of calmness.
Relaxation is beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients who suffer from diarrhea or constipation; it can also help with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or gastroenteritis. When trying to relax, the brain sends signals that reduce stress hormones and control blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. Breathing deeply is one way to induce relaxation; when relaxed, you will breathe more slowly and deeply than you would if you were tense or anxious. Other ways to induce relaxation include taking a warm bath or listening to calming music.
