ART Module Two: Muscle and Breathing Relaxation

Abstract

Stress responses and negative emotions last longer when different areas of the brain and body mutually activate each other. If this happens, these “vicious cycles” can override the natural regulation mechanisms in the brain and in the body. For example, in a threatening situation the amygdala can become activated and cause increases in muscle tension and respiration. Since increases in muscle tension and respiration have occurred during previous threatening situations in which the amygdala was activated, the increased muscle tension and respiration have become danger signals to the amygdala. Thus, activation of the amygdala causes increased muscle tension and respiration, which in turn causes additional amygdala action and even further increases in muscle tension and respiration and so on. This vicious cycle can be prevented or interrupted with ART Skills #1 and #2—Muscle and Breathing Relaxation.