What is sophrology?
Sophrology is a self-development technique which aims to promote mental and physical wellbeing in people of all ages. The word SOPHROLOGY is taken from the Ancient Greek words SOS (meaning “harmony”), PHREN (meaning the “mind and consciousness”)and LOGOS (meaning “study and science”).
Sophrology was created in the 1960’s by Professor Alfonso Caycedo, a neuropsychiatrist who sought to improve the long term physical and mental health of his patients by looking beyond the boundaries of conventional medicine.
He took his inspiration from the oriental and occidental disciplines of yoga, Zen meditation, hypnosis and phenomenology alongside techniques such as Jacobson’s progressive relaxation and Dr. Schultz’s autogenic training.
In Continental Europe, it is still actively used in the medical environment from which it originated but has also extended into wider fields such as business, education, sports and personal wellbeing.
Sophrology is applied through a combination of simple, easy to perform physical movements together with relaxation, breathing exercises and mental visualisation.
As with any mental and/or physical exercise, regular practice is recommended as the best way to achieve the maximum benefit from Sophrology in all aspects of your life (family, personal, social and professional.)
Sophrology is a complementary healthcare and is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. It is accessible to everyone from young children to senior citizens, being fully adaptable to the needs and constraints of any age group.
It only takes a small amount of time each day for you to see the benefits that Sophrology can offer. It does not require any specific equipment or clothing and can be practiced at any convenient time and location that best suits you during your busy day.