Thursday 17 March 2011

What Is Integrated Body-Mind Training?

 
 
 Integrative body-mind training, or IBMT, is a meditation and relaxation technique that involves Taoist and Confucian ideas of harmony with nature. Some studies indicate that exercises that involve meditation may help to improve brain function and lead to an improved mind and body health. While many choose to purchase instructional tapes or videos when taking up a new exercise, this form of training is often best served by being in a room with an instructor. The movements involved with this training may require the appropriate internal responses, making the instructor's role in the class very important.

Integrated body-mind training helps to create improved physiological and psychological health through training, deep meditation as well as stress reduction. Some claim that results may be obtained after just five days, although results may vary in some cases. This training method zeros in on achieving a state of restful alertness and mind-body awareness. Instead of attempting thought control through other means common in other forms of relaxation therapy, body postures and balanced breathing is used to achieve thought control.

Studies have indicated that those who go through integrated body-mind training achieve a lower heart rate, deeper chest breathing and skin conductance responses. These are signs that the individual is using less effort and stress, and more relaxation. Individuals attempt to practice a state of mindfulness in which conscious awareness diverging away from the past or future and instead focusing on the individual's emotions, thoughts and actions in the present. Some studies indicate that this mindfulness may help to reduce pain and dress, and improve cognition and the individual's overall mood.

This method of training was developed and practiced in China in the 1990s. It is relatively new compared to some of the older Chinese methods of meditation and relaxation, but its results have been very promising. The training includes training of relaxation, breathing, imagery and mindfulness. The session is often accompanied by an audio CD while the individual is also physically coached by the instructor.

One study showed that students who went through integrated body-mind training for five days at 20 minutes a day were more attentive and better at managing stress when compared to another group who went through general relaxation training. The group that went through integrative body-mind training showed lower anxiety, depression, anger and fatigue. They also showed greater vigor and immunoreactivity as well as lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

As new as integrative body-mind training is in the East, it is even newer in the West. It may continue to be introduced into Western culture as mind-body workshops or clinics begin to integrate it into their treatment plans for some individuals or offer it at various facilities.

Arianna has assembled more information on Mind and Body programs as well as the popular restorative yoga for pregnant women. Have a look at your convenience for relieving stress and how it helps during a pregnancy.

No comments:

Post a Comment