Research

The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a comprehensive stress management program in women with reproductive disorders in an outpatient setting.

The eight-week program consisted of exposure to stress reduction, muscle relaxation, nutritional counseling, yoga exercise program, neurolinguistic programming, guided imagery, and instruction on elicitation of the relaxation response.

The attendees completed individual symptom response sheets on a weekly basis from the first week of the program.

They also filled out a subjective questionnaire at the onset of the program, in the middle and again at the conclusion of the program.

The women reported being significantly more positive as well as experiencing a reduction of stress at the end of the program. There was a an overall 42% drop in their objective scores as ascertained in the questionnaires.

• The subgroup of stress-related problem showed a 49% reduction.
• The subgroup with primary depression showed a 42% reductions,
• The subgroup with primary anxiety showed a 48% reduction,

The study showed how stress reduction techniques resulted in a major decrease in subjective scores, enhanced well-being, and reduced anxiety and depression.

The study reinforced that 'elicitation of a relaxation response' results in a predictable, positive, clinical outcome.

It was clear that the program promotes health and well-being using educational and experiential principles to facilitate positive stress coping mechanisms and enhance overall well-being.

The study was conducted by Pamela Nathan L.Ac. B.A., Steven Brody MD and Michael Lydic MD - Alvarado Medical Center, San Diego, CA.

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