Hypnosis and relaxation therapies Author: Vickers A//Zollman C Conference/Journal: British Medical Journal Date published: 1999 Other: Volume ID: 319 , Issue ID: 7221 , Pages: 1346 , Word Count: 100 Achieving relaxation in a patient is a valid way to improve that person's health, according to several complementary therapies. Whether through movement, stretching, or breathing exercises, the relaxed state which is produced is an essential part of the healing process. The author gives an overview of a selection of these techniques, beginning with hypnosis, sequential muscle relaxation, Mitchell method, and visualization approaches. He goes on to various meditation techniques, hatha yoga, Tai chi, and Qigong. After these overviews, he goes back to analyze the processes involved and makes reference to research evidence which would address the virtues of these techniques.