Sophrology: Role, benefits and exercises

 

Sophrology: what is it?

Sophrology is a psychocorporal method based on relaxation techniques and breathing. It is a synthesis of oriental techniques of meditation, yoga and western relaxation.

The term sophrology , inspired by ancient Greek, means the study of the harmonization of consciousness .

Used as a therapeutic technique or experienced as a philosophy of life, sophrology develops consciousness by acting on the body and the mind in order to find harmony between the two. In other words, it allows to find the balance between the emotions, the thoughts and the body.

The role of sophrology

Sophrology simply aims to improve the quality of life of individuals.

This discipline uses a set of techniques and combines exercises that work on breathing, muscle relaxation and visualization to be able to relax and regain a state of serenity and well-being.

It is an effective tool for developing better self-knowledge. It helps to work on one's own values ​​in order to better use one's potential.

Sophrology makes it possible to mobilize one's energy, skills, abilities and own resources to manage one's emotions and drive away fear, anxieties, tensions, stress and therefore, face daily challenges with serenity.

It also makes it possible to energize one's qualities, optimize one's possibilities and gain self-confidence in order to apprehend the future in a positive and objective way.

The benefits of sophrology

The benefits of sophrology on sleep

Sophrology is very useful in supporting people who suffer from difficulty falling asleep, insomnia or nocturnal awakenings and who do not benefit from recuperative rest.

It improves the quality of sleep, promotes recovery and helps fight sleep disorders.

Sophrology and stress

Sophrology makes it possible to face problems related to stress and acts on symptoms such as insomnia, tensions, anxiety, anguish, psychosomatic disorders, etc. It allows you to find a zen and serene spirit.

In the professional environment, sophrology helps to manage stressful situations, improves communication and boosts motivation.

It helps to go through a change of situation, to face upsets and to overcome difficult moments such as bereavement, divorce or others. She learns to let go and better manage her emotions.

Pregnancy and childbirth: the benefits of sophrology

Accompanying sophrology for pregnant women allows them to live the last months of pregnancy with more serenity and confidence.

This practice helps reduce the stress, fear and pain associated with childbirth. It allows to apprehend this one in a more positive way and helps the future mother to accept the physical changes which take place on her body.

It is strongly recommended to start sophrology sessions from the 5th month of pregnancy.

The benefits of sophrology on pain

Pain is either the manifestation of a disturbance in the body or a psychosomatic reaction. In both cases, sophrology can soothe the pain and help the patient to better bear it and live with it.

Sophrology: complement / accompaniment to medical treatment

Sophrology helps to accept a serious health problem and apprehend it with hindsight.

Sophrology can also accompany medical treatment such as chemotherapy. It helps the patient to mobilize the necessary energy during the treatment period, to regain a certain vitality and consequently, to regain a good quality of daily life.

As a non-drug approach, sophrology plays a very important role in relieving chronic pain.

Faced with fibromyalgia, tinnitus, headaches or cancer, sophrology helps reduce the intensity of pain and brings bodily relaxation and physical and mental well-being.

Preparing for an important event

Sophrology is recommended to boost self-confidence, manage stress and anxiety, mobilize one's energy and become aware of one's abilities and skills in order to prepare well for an important life event (Exam, professional interview, public intervention, childbirth, sports or other competitions).

Sophrology has proven its effects in different areas. Several artists and top athletes use it to control stage fright and better manage stress.

Sophrology exercises

Sophrology is practiced in a calm and pleasant environment, guided by a sophrologist.

Sophrology is a verbal and not a tactile discipline. The sophrologist does not come into physical contact with the patient. He orally guides the exercises and lets the patient work independently.

Sophrology exercises consist of making calm movements combined with controlled breathing and body visualization to the sound of the voice of the sophrologist. The goal is to put oneself in a state of relaxation which consists of relaxing by letting the mind focus on the pleasant bodily sensations and chasing the unpleasant sensations to access other levels of concentration.

Body relaxation and meditation exercises for an awareness that gently leads to a state between wakefulness and sleep. Thus, the tensions that manifest themselves in muscle stiffness, pain or mental fatigue begin to unravel little by little to give way to a very pleasant feeling of relaxation.