Benson Relaxation Technique Improves Cancer Patients’ Well-Being

A systematic review found that the Benson relaxation technique (BRT) improved health-related outcomes among patients with cancer. These findings were published in Supportive Care in Cancer.

Coping with physical and psychological distress during the cancer diagnosis and treatment process can be challenging. These supplementary stressors in addition to the effects of cancer and the anticancer treatments often results in a wide range of symptoms that affect patients’ quality of life and well-being.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of relaxation, which may decrease anxiety and stress, on the well-being of patients with cancer. To that end, investigators from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran searched publication databases through April 2023 for relevant studies. A total of 9 articles were included in the review.

Among patients with breast cancer, relaxation interventions were associated with significant improvements to fatigue, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, pain, shortness of breath, insomnia, breast symptoms, arm symptoms, treatment side effects, hair loss worries, and hope (all P ≤.04). 

Relaxation techniques were also associated with improvements in anxiety scores and quality of sleep in patients with cervical cancer (P <.05) and chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and retching (CINVR) scores in patients with gastric cancer (P <.005). 

The BRT is the most common relaxation method. It comprises assuming a quiet, relaxed position with eyes closed, and progressively relaxing every muscle from the feet up to the face. With a focus on nose-only breathing, say “one” silently between breaths; repeat this practice for 10 to 20 minutes. If a deep relaxation is not achieved, just remain passive and permit relaxation to occur at its own pace. Return to saying “one” between breaths if distracting thoughts occur that cannot be ignored.

Specifically, in studies that used the BRT as the relaxation intervention, significant effects on quality of life, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, anxiety, sleep quality, and hope were observed.

“[T]his systematic review showed that the Benson relaxation method could improve sleep quality, appetite, anxiety, and quality of life,” concluded the study authors. “Therefore, it is suggested to use Benson’s sedation method to improve health-related outcomes in cancer patients.”

Reference

Nazari AM, Zare-Kaseb A, Arbabi Z, Gholampour MH, Zeydi AE, Ghazanfari MJ. The effect of Benson relaxation technique on cancer patients: a systematic review. Support Care Cancer. 2023;31(12):681. doi:10.1007/s00520-023-08142-2