Acharya Mahaprajna
Relief from Tension
The most obvious and measurable benefit from relaxation is elimination of tension. Anybody who practises regular relaxation will get rid of his tensions in a short time and would remain relaxed, calm and unperturbed in any situation. It not only relieves tensions but also revitalises the organism. Gone is the heaviness and congestion, and the practitioner enjoys a feeling of well-being and lightness. More significant is the relief from mental load - heaviness. Regular practitioner never suffers from mental disorders.
Freedom from Turmoil
Normally our body is constantly agitated and in turmoil. Electric impulses keep the muscles magnetised and contracted. There is no rest Relaxation starts when there is suspension of all movements of the skeletal muscles.
These vital activities of the body are the province of autonomic nervous system and are not generally under voluntary control. But as the relaxation progresses, these activities also calm down. Breathing, heartbeat and the circulation of blood slow down. Rate of energy-metabolism is reduced and the need of oxygen is drastically cut down. As the exercise continues and the muscles begin to relax and drain out the tension, turmoil dies down and in due course is completely gone. All the needs and necessities of the organism are reduced to a minimum and an unprecedented peacefulness prevails in the absence of turmoil.
