1 Sophrology as an education in inner balance
Created in the 1960s by Professor Alfonso Caycedo, sophrology is a methodical training of consciousness that combines Western techniques, including Jacobson’s progressive relaxation and Schultz’s autogenic training, with Eastern practices such as yoga and Zen meditation. It aims to transform our relationship with everyday stressors by teaching us to listen to bodily signals rather than endure them.
2 The dynamics of a session: movement and sophronisation
Sessions have two complementary phases: dynamic relaxation, involving gentle movements synchronised with deep abdominal breathing to release accumulated physical tension in the trapezius muscles, back and abdomen; followed by sophronisation, a period of static relaxation guided by the practitioner’s voice at the sophroliminal level to anchor positive, resourceful mental images.
3 Areas of application: sleep, anxiety and mental preparation
Sophrology is particularly indicated for regulating insomnia and night-time waking, coming to terms with anticipatory anxiety before an oral examination, medical examination or job interview, supporting chronic pain management and calmly preparing expectant mothers for childbirth.
4 A practice that can be repeated independently
The method’s main strength is its simplicity: exercises learned in sessions are recorded and can be repeated at home or at work in a few minutes. People develop a lasting bodily toolkit that strengthens everyday serenity.
5 Practice at work or at home and bodily anchoring of calm
Sophrology provides discreet, effective exercises that can be practised unobtrusively in the office, on public transport or before sleep. This regular bodily anchoring reprogrammes the physiological stress response, making calm a second nature.