The human being can be studied from various perspectives that may differ in opinions on the same aspects. On the one hand, psychology is responsible for the study of emotions, thoughts and behaviors in various spheres of life. On the other hand, medicine covers the observation, analysis and resolution of difficulties that affect the body since biology is taken into account. Likewise, the social aspect also plays an important role in the analysis of personality, since it is not possible to think about the human being without taking into account the social relationships that he produces. There is a discipline that aims to provide solutions to various problems based on some theoretical currents.
In this Psychology-Online article we will explain in depth What is sophrology, what it is for and how it is applied.
What is sophrology
Sophrology refers to a multiplicity of psychological techniques derived from various theoretical currents. In this way, sophrology combines aspects from the body, body relaxation methods, states of full consciousness, among others. According to the origin of its terminology, the word “sophrology” is formed by the prefix “sos” which means balance, “phren” which means psyche and “logos” which consists of the study. If these concepts are put together, therefore, we can conclude that sophrology is the study of balance of the mind.
On the other hand, it should be noted that this psychological trend originated around 1960 through the research of Dr. Alfredo Caycedo, a Spanish psychiatrist who built a method suitable for patients who were going through moments of discomfort in their lives. In this way, from then on sophrology was consolidated as an alternative to psychiatric treatments.
What is sophrology for?
Based on the findings obtained with this discipline, sophrology presents a series of interesting benefits for people who use it. Below, we show you in more detail the main uses of sophrology:
- Search for personal well-being.
- and corporal.
- Development of emotions.
- Promote physical health.
- Improve the person’s quality of life.
- Consolidate positive aspects.
- Increase social skills.
Beyond the fact that the objectives of each treatment will be determined entirely by the qualities of each person, the truth is that the search for states of full consciousness focused on the present is one of the main pillars of sophrology.
Sophrology techniques
As we have mentioned previously, sophrology adopts strategies that come from other theoretical currents and tries to establish appropriate methods for each patient based on the conflict that is intended to be addressed. In this sense, the person’s predisposition to obtain a state of full consciousness is essential to promote the success of the treatments. However, this is not possible without following a methodology indicated by each professional.
Next, we explain some sophrology techniques:
Falling asleep
This technique consists of following a series of steps to be able sleep more relaxed. When the person has lied down in bed in a quiet environment and away from sound stimuli, emphasis is placed on progressive relaxation of the body.
In this article we show you.
Voltage reduction
This sophrology exercise consists of taking a mental tour of the areas of the body to detect if there are muscle contractions. Once muscle tension is confirmed, we proceed to take prolonged breaths to eliminate it.
Controlled breathing
As its name indicates, controlled breathing puts the focus on the person’s way of breathing. inhale and exhale air. In the development of daily life, the type of breathing one has is not usually considered. For this reason, this technique aims to delay the entry and exit of air to generate a state of both physical and mental well-being.
Self understanding
To understand ourselves better, it is necessary to have a relaxed environment. After good breathing support, the person should ask themselves some questions related to their state of mind. Therefore, this technique is based on breathing as the starting point to go in search of moments of pleasure and personal happiness.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Caycedo, N., Van Rangelrooy, K. (2003). Caycedian sophrology: more than a relaxation technique. Natura Medicatrix Magazine, 21 (6), 355-361.
- Pardina Gil, P. (2020). Effectiveness of Sophrology techniques combined with conventional pharmacological therapy in the treatment of pain and improvement of quality of life in patients with chronic prostatitis. University of Lleida. Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy.