See Also
Progressive Relaxation in Hypnosis
Instructions
Patient sits in chair suitable for complete relaxation
Loosen any tight fitting clothing
Now take a deep breath, which will help relax the
muscles as you let your breath out again. Soon you
will notice that your eyelids begin to feel heavy and
they will have a tendency to blink. They may blink more
and more. They will grow heavier and heavier, heavier
and heavier. You will find it harder and harder to
hold them open. You may find your vision growing
somewhat blurred. You may find that you have to
swallow from time to time. The eyelids are becoming
heavier and heavier now. Soon the eyes will want to
close and to shut out the light. They are getting so
heavy now, so awfully heavy, you can hardly hold them
open. Let them close whenever they are ready. Heavy.
Still heavier, and they can close now.
Note: Instruct patient close eyes if not already closed
You are probably feeling listless now, a drowsy,
listless feeling. It is very pleasant to feel so
listless and drowsy. Let yourself relax still more.
A feeling of well-being gradually comes over you, as
though all your cares have rolled away, as though
nothing matters, nothing at all. A feeling of
"I don't care." You are so listless now. Give way
to the feeling, as it is so pleasant. Just let
yourself go, drifting deeper and deeper. Deeper with
every breath you take. Deeper and still deeper.
Pay attention only to my voice - nothing else seems to
matter and nothing will disturb you. Let yourself
relax completely, now, let every muscle go loose and
limp. You will notice a growing feeling of heaviness
in your arms and legs, perhaps over your whole body.
There may be tingly feelings here and there, perhaps a
numbness. And your breathing is getting slow and easy
now. Slow and easy.
Note: Call attention to abdominal breathing if present
Give way to the drowsy listlessness. Let go completely
You are going deeper and still deeper now. Let all your
muscles relax, relax them completely. Begin with your
feet and your legs. Let the muscles go loose and limp.
Relax them all. Now your thighs, and your hips. Let
them relax. Your shoulders, your arms, and your hands.
Relax them. Now your neck. Let it relax. Do not mind
if your head bows forward or to the side. It will be
perfectly comfortable. Your facial muscles can relax,
and particularly the eye muscles and the lids. Relax
now, completely. Every muscle in your body will relax.
