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Autogenic Training and Therapy

Wolfgang Luthe M.D. in collaboration with Johannes Schultz M.D. researched and taught Autogenic Therapy as a biologically integrated psycho-physiological relaxation. Both were Professors. "The key factor in AT lies in a self induced modification of brain function. Luthe states that Autogenic exercises are applied by the self to the self. They consist of a series of mental exercises relating to the function of the brain's main biologic computer and cannot be learned from a tape recording. The exercises promote a variety of physiological changes that can be measured and allow the mind to calm itself by switching off the stress responses such as sweating, shaking, trembling, and feelings of panic.

(Source - tape recordings of lectures)© copyright Luthe

(AT) is about mind/body relationship. A technique based on muscle relaxation and changes to the brain waves promoting a feeling of profound well-being. In neurological terms there is a shift from Beta to Alpha and Theta rhythm. The altered state of consciousness is similar to that achieved in certain types of meditation such as Zen.

6th Congress of the Japanese Society for Autogenic Therapy, Tokyo, November 6th 1983

Paine, Pensinger and Oliphant (1981) take the view that stress reaction biological rhythms and the immune system are interrelated. "Stress is any factor that disturbs the self/non self barriers encoded in the fundamental quantum frequencies. Autogenic Training plays a key role by facilitating and supporting self-regulatory homeostatic forces (i.e. by regularly shifting to the Autogenic state and activating trophotropic functions diametrically opposed to those elicited by stress)." Source: prospective view of Autogenic Therapy in Psychosomatic medicine - keynote lecture: 6th Congress of the Japanese Society for Autogenic Therapy, Tokyo, November 6th 1983 ©

 

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Key features of Autogenic Training and Therapy with a registered practitioner.

• Medical backup and careful monitoring

• A series of mental exercises linked to the biological/physiological processes in the body.

• Increasing awareness of the natural flow such as breathing, warmth or heartbeat.

• Internal development of wisdom. Observing the body sensations; by using an attitude of non-judgement and non-reaction. Trainees develop internal and external awareness simultaneously.

• Individuals learn the training with a qualified practitioner or Doctor. Trainees are taught how to observe, in a detached manner, any passing thoughts or emotions.

Benefits of Autogenic Training

• The ability to accept emotions, thoughts, pain and discomfort without repression, avoidance or acting out.

• Promotion of a feeling of calmness and well-being.

In some countries Autogenic Therapy stands alongside orthodox medicine. Professionally trained Practitioners work in many countries including Canada, Germany, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, Hungary, and United Kingdom - The British Autogenic Society and United States of America.