What is sophrology?
Sophrology is a psycho-corporal approach invented by a Colombian neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo in the 1960s. He synthesized several disciplines including relaxation techniques from the early twentieth century, zen, yoga, etc. This gives an approach which has different indications and which makes it possible to do good both physically and bodily as well as psychically and mentally.
What can it do for women with endometriosis?
The sophrology allows the patient to rediscover a link with her body, beyond the link with pain and illness, through relaxation, muscle relaxation and through breathing. The latter is central and has interesting soothing virtues, even though it is never prescribed medically.
Sophrology allows you to make an alliance with the body at a time when it is perceived as hostile. Over the course of the sessions, the patient will regain benevolence towards her body, allowing her to reconnect with her vitality.
When do we see its benefits and how often to practice it?
The benefits vary depending on how relaxation therapy resonates in women. But the benefits of relaxation are most often immediate, as are the benefits of certain gentle movements, which give the feeling of regaining fluidity in the body, which endometrial lesions and adhesions have stiffened.
To be effective, sophrology must be practiced on a regular basis, but not necessarily over very long sequences. A ten minute relaxation break once a day, with an awareness of your body supports, conscious breathing and stretching at the end is enough to reclaim your body and have the feeling that you inhabit it. , beyond the sickness.
What types of sessions do you offer?
The individual sessions are built with the woman, with exercises adapted to what she needs to feel physically but also emotionally, if she needs to strengthen her self-confidence for example.
Sophrology will allow a ” presence to oneself ” in an awareness of one’s body. It is this presence which will restore a form of feeling of control of oneself and of one’s body in front of theendometriosis.
Less personalized, the group sessions are based on the same type of exercise (relaxation, breathing, gentle movements). On the other hand, they are accompanied by moments of discussion about the disease, and allow the woman to feel supported and to benefit from the strength that emanates from the group.
In both cases, the woman can record the session to be able to reproduce it regularly at home, and derive lasting benefits.
Count € 30 for an individual session (reimbursed by some mutuals) and € 20 for a group session.
Thanks to Dr Sophie Younes, clinical psychologist and sophrologist at endometriosis center of the Paris Saint Joseph Hospital
Read also :
Endometriosis, the taboo disease we must talk about
Endometriosis: why we must continue the sport
Endometriosis: all you need to know about the operation
