Sophrology

Sophrology is a dynamic relaxation method developed by neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo from 1960 to 2001 and includes physical and mental exercises to promote health and well-being. It may help with stress reduction, anxiety management, and improved quality of life. The influences on sophrology include phenomenology, hypnosis, yoga, Tibetan Buddhist meditation, Japanese Zen meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic relaxation training, psychology, neurology. It contains a set of exercises that combine breathing and relaxation techniques, gentle movement, creative visualization, meditation, and mindfulness. It claims beneficial uses in a number of areas ranging from self-development to well-being. As of 2023, there are limited published studies that scientifically validate beneficial effects, quantitative or qualitative, of the sophrology method. The practice is popular in parts of Europe. In Switzerland and France it is offered to students in schools and at least one insurance company offers reimbursement under their most expensive plan. Since 2007, leading French cancer center Institute Curie has offered patients in the Outpatient Medical Oncology unit the opportunity to attend individual sophrology sessions to "help cancer patients manage the distress caused by the disease and its treatment, including anxiety, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and body-image disruptions."