AUTOGENIC THERAPY

Autogenic Training is an astonishingly simple but powerful form of self-healing. It is a series of mental exercises which can bring results comparable to those achieved by serious meditators – but in considerably less time. And once learned, it is a skill for Life. It works by enabling us to enter a state of passive being, so the body-mind can switch out of the stress, 'fight, flight and freeze' mode into relaxation, recuperation and restoration. Chronic stress-related conditions from high blood pressure and migraines to chronic back pain, IBS, sleep or immune disorders cease to be problems in most cases (often in a few weeks or months), and this is validated by over 3,000 research papers. All the more astonishing then, that it is not more widely known and practised in the UK. Perhaps it is because is sounds 'too good to be true' for us linear-minded, conscious will-driven Brits, or perhaps it is because there has not been an official manual and history of AT in English – until now. Jane Bird and Christine Pinch are both SRNs who between them, have over 30 years experience in teaching AT. They have written a clear, practical and authoritative guide and history, that is well referenced and full of good case histories. It is not, however, a "how-to" book, as it is essential that one learns initially under the guidance and care of a qualified British Autogenics Society practitioner (usually in a group). As anyone who has practised any form of deep relaxation or meditation will know, and as I saw for myself when I had the good fortune to be taught AT by Jane in 1991, old emotional material or physical trauma may be "discharged" quite unexpectedly and suddenly. This may be totally bewildering or worse for someone with a DIY book in one hand, but with an experienced therapist, it will be quickly and painlessly released and resolved, so one can move on towards fulfilling one's true creative and spiritual potential. The book is available in bookshops, or directly from the BAS. Please send a cheque for £12.99 + £1.50 p&p made out to British Autogenics Society Ltd. And send it to Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, Greenwell St, London W1W 5BP. For a list of their 100 therapists in the UK, see www.autogenic-therapy.org.uk or send an s.a.e. to the above address.