Information on PMR

This relaxation technique was developed by E. Jacobson at the beginning of the 20th century. The widespread abbreviation PMR is derived from the English term Progressive Muscle Relaxation.

PMR is based on two fundamental assumptions:
1. Mental rest and relaxation leads to a relaxation of the muscles.
2. Relaxation of the muscles leads to mental calm.

From this assumption of the reciprocal influence of mental and muscular tension arises the aim of PMR to relax muscles intentionally.
To do this, individual muscle groups of the body are tensed one after the other and then relaxed to the maximum. Start with your hands; then continue with your legs, torso and head region.
PMR is considered a universally applicable technique and has been used successfully by a large number of practitioners for decades. The technique is easy to learn, and the first successes are quickly noticeable. However, in order to achieve a state of deep relaxation, PMR must of course be practised for a longer period of time.
It is mostly done in a sitting position, but a variation in a lying position is also possible.