What is the Benson Technique

The Benson technique is a simple technique to activate the relaxation response used by Dr. Herbert Benson who discovered the Relaxation Response at Harvard.

The technique is very simple and requires no meditation training.

It involves choosing a specific short phrase or single word from a spiritual tradition or one that has meaning to you, like 'peace' or 'calm.'

If you can’t think of a word or phrase that you would like to use, don’t worry. You can simply use the word ‘one.' This is the initial word that Dr. Benson used with positive results.