Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Many patients are interested in changing behaviors to treat their depression, but they do not have the time, interest, or resources to engage in professional psychotherapy. Relaxation training, also known as parasympathetic activation, can be a simple, effective way for patients to influence their mood. Click on the links to learn about some methods of inducing relaxation.

• Meditation

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation

• Deep Breathing

Now that you have learned about various relaxation techniques, move on to the last section of this unit to learn about light therapy treatment.

PMR is an uncomplicated technique that involves clenching and unclenching about 15 different muscle groups in the body starting at the top of the head and working down to the feet. The technique is simple enough to learn that it can be taught and practiced in the midst of a medium length office visit.