What does the relaxation response do?
– Increase muscle tension
– Stimulate cortisol production
– Raise the blood pressure
– Decrease oxygen consumption
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct answer: Decrease oxygen consumption
Explanation:
The relaxation response is a physiological state opposite to the “fight or flight” stress response. It was first described by Dr. Herbert Benson in the 1970s. When activated, the relaxation response helps the body return to a calm, balanced state, counteracting the effects of stress.
Here’s what the relaxation response does:
- Decreases oxygen consumption: During stress, the body’s metabolic rate increases, leading to higher oxygen demand. The relaxation response lowers this demand by slowing down breathing and heart rate, which reduces oxygen consumption and promotes more efficient use of oxygen by the body.
- Lowers blood pressure: Stress causes blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise. The relaxation response helps dilate blood vessels, leading to a drop in blood pressure.
- Reduces muscle tension: Instead of increasing muscle tension, the relaxation response relaxes muscles, which can reduce pain and discomfort caused by stress.
- Decreases cortisol production: Cortisol is a hormone released during stress to help the body cope with challenges. Chronic cortisol elevation is harmful. The relaxation response helps lower cortisol levels by calming the nervous system.
Overall, the relaxation response triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest, digestion, and recovery, as opposed to the sympathetic nervous system, which activates the stress “fight or flight” response.
Summary:
- The relaxation response decreases oxygen consumption (correct choice).
- It does not increase muscle tension, stimulate cortisol production, or raise blood pressure.
- Instead, it calms the body, lowers stress hormones, reduces muscle tension, and promotes cardiovascular health.
Practices like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation can trigger this beneficial response and improve overall well-being.