Anxiety
Studies have shown relaxation techniques may produce modest, short-term reduction of anxiety in people with ongoing health problems such as heart disease or inflammatory bowel disease, and in those who are having medical procedures such as breast biopsies or dental treatment. Relaxation techniques have also been shown to be useful for older adults with anxiety. In people with generalized anxiety disorder, studies indicate that cognitive-behavioral therapy is more effective over the long term than relaxation techniques.
The Evidence Base
Efficacy
Depression
Studies suggest that relaxation techniques may have modest benefit on symptoms of depression but are not as effective as psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
The Evidence Base
Efficacy
Fibromyalgia
In general, research on complementary health approaches for fibromyalgia must be regarded as preliminary. Studies of guided imagery for fibromyalgia have had inconsistent results, while studies of other relaxation techniques have shown modest improvements in pain, but only in the short term.
The Evidence Base
Efficacy
Headache
Results of research on relaxation training and biofeedback for headaches suggest that these approaches may help relieve headaches and may be helpful for migraines.
The Evidence Base
Efficacy
High Blood Pressure
Relaxation techniques have shown modest, short-term reductions in blood pressure; however, many of these studies were of poor quality.
The Evidence Base
Efficacy
Insomnia
Evidence suggests that using relaxation techniques before bedtime can be helpful components of a successful strategy to improve sleep habits. Other components include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule; avoiding caffeine, alcohol, heavy meals, and strenuous exercise too close to bedtime; and sleeping in a quiet, cool, dark room.
The Evidence Base
Efficacy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Although no complementary health approach has definitively been shown to be helpful for irritable bowel syndrome, some studies on hypnotherapy have been promising.
The Evidence Base
Efficacy
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Relaxation techniques may provide some benefit on symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including sleep disturbance, anger, pain, and hyper-arousal.
The Evidence Base
Efficacy
Safety and Side Effects
refrence.https://nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/relaxation-science