Autogenic Training

The term "autogenous" means "arising from within".

The goal of autogenic training is to strengthen mental and physical self-healing powers. It is a scientifically founded, psychotherapeutic procedure. Autogenous training is taught through a series of group or individual exercises over several weeks and can be applied specifically to any individual. The trainer usually first adopts a comfortable seated position, as it is of vital importance that the muscles are completely relaxed for the exercises.

The exercises themselves consist of short formulated ideas, which the practitioner focuses on and repeats loudly in his/her mind while intensely imagining the desired scenario. The resulting state of deep relaxation evokes certain sensations in the body. Muscular relaxation in the limbs leads to a feeling of heaviness; increased blood circulation to a feeling of warmth. By concentrating on the effect, the “cause” can be achieved; imagining warm arms causes increased blood circulation in the arms and can lead to an even deeper state of relaxation.

A conscious "awakening" concludes each training session, and movement activates the nerve endings. Many people feel refreshed after an autogenic training, as if they had just awoken from a refreshing nap.

You can learn more about autogenic training from the psychotherapists at the Wunschbaby Institute.