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The value of rest as a therapeutic measure has long been appreciated, but the study of relaxation from a scientific standpoint is a comparatively new venture ably undertaken by the author of this book.
The importance of "neuromuscular hypertension" in many organic and functional states is discussed, and the efficacy of relaxation in the treatment of these conditions is indicated. The technic of progressive relaxation which is used by the author is described clearly and in detail. An interesting series of experiments is reported in which the effect of relaxation on the knee jerk is recorded graphically. A study of the relation of mental processes and of emotions to muscular tension is presented, together with a method of measuring neuromuscular processes in mental activities. Apparatus and procedures are described which may be used to measure in electrical terms all degrees of muscular contraction. These procedures may be of clinical use