Describes methods for extending the mind's power to heal the body, relieving such complaints as headaches, insomnia, back pain, and angina.

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The author describes various accounts of myths and stories of some of the amazing feats that Asian Buddhists have acheived in the past. They do things such as leaping (almost flying) great distances upon rocks, and also being able to increase their body temperatures during meditation. It's said that pious monks can be tested by wearing garments that were drenched in ice cold water, and within a short matter of time the garments would be completely dry. He decided to research these things first hand by performing experiments on their meditation techneques. He even provides the actual experimental results and conclusions from all of the various temperature readings he performed. It's interesting to hear about his interactions and impressions on the Dali Lama as well.

For a more practical usage, this book is great for anyone who wants to learn some realistic and effective step-by-step relaxation and meditation techneques.

Overall, his research is very well organized and stated enthusiastically in an informative manner. This book is valuable in terms of the cultural analysis, the scientific evidence, the psychological studies made, and the practical exercises described within.

27 of 29 found the following review helpful:

Straight Forward and SensibleDec 20, 2004
By C. Gray "OnlineShopper"
A good, simple read that's also entertaining. The book discusses the possible effects of adding faith to the relaxation response. It would appear that the original 'relaxation response', while good, has an even more profound impact if coupled with a persons personal belief system.

In brief: a good, useful book with easily accessible information.

56 of 66 found the following review helpful:

Beyond The relaxation ResponseMay 17, 2000
By Paul Hobbs
The book relates Benson's research into the power of the mind over the body, but more importantly how to use this power.

The book starts by describing the setting of research criteria and planning a trip to Tibet/Himalayas.

In the Himalayas observations are made of monks who can perform amazing feats in controlloling the skin temperature of their body.

The last section relates to how this body control, which is now called the Relaxation Response, can be used in Western medicine.

A very good book for making readers think about their own limiting beliefs and what can be done if we challange what we believe. The book is also a must for Doctors who want to move on from traditional Western medicine and take in a more holistic approach.

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:

GroundbreakingDec 01, 2006
By A Reader "naturemed"
Quite simply Herbert Benson, through the Relaxation Response and Beyond the Relaxation Response, put meditation on the map for the medical profession and for interested laymen who weren't adepts of some guru, yogi, maharishi or other spiritual master. This he did by providing an easy to follow, non-religious based program for eliciting a meditative state AND by validating the results through science. Yes, the book is a little dated now. But, if the content seems familliar, it's beacause there are so many imitators.

If you liked these books, you may also benefit from John Kabbat-Zinn's "Full Catastrophe Living" .

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:

Zoned OutMay 06, 2007
By Deb Roundy "Cubby"
I had read the first book on the relaxation response, but it just didn't "do it" for me. It taught me the basics but I already knew the basics. If you don't know the basics you really should read it first.

This book was awesome. I have so deepened my meditation. He encourages you to tap into your own belief system and that made such a tremendous difference in my meditation experience.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanted to learn the art of meditation.

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