Sophrology is a psychocorporeal practice that relies on relaxation techniques based on breathing. But what are its benefits? Martine Castello, sophrologist-relaxologist at the Saint-Eloy Thermal Center in Amnéville, enlightens us.
– Why Doctor: Where does sophrology come from?
Martine Castello: The term “sophrology”, inspired by the ancient Greek “sôs” (balance, harmony), “phren” (consciousness) and “logos” (study), was created in 1960 by the founder of the method itself, Professor Alfonso Caycedo, a Colombian neuropsychiatrist.
– What is it about?
Sophrology is a psychocorporeal method used as a therapeutic technique inspired by Eastern and Western techniques based on breathing, the release of muscular tension and positive visualization.
In short, we will work on a modified state of consciousness. To do this, we will relearn people to breathe to reach a level of relaxation, which is the gateway to this method. They will descend to the edge of sleep, more precisely to the sophroliminal level. In this state, the brain emits alpha waves, which is characterized by a significant slowing down of brain waves and by a greater receptivity of feelings. This leads to deep bodily and mental relaxation and greater listening to one’s inner world.
This holistic therapy, that is to say, which treats the body and the mind, allows you to be an actor in your health and well-being and helps to develop the power that is in each of us, that of “self-healing”, which allows you to restore functional disorders. In the case of pathologies, and after the medical diagnosis, it is a therapeutic support, because sophrology can do good to patients by helping them to accept their illness and to work on their emotions to live better and more serenely. However, it does not exclude medical monitoring and does not replace medication, but remains complementary.
– Are there different approaches within sophrology?
There is therapeutic sophrology, which supports, after the medical diagnosis established by a doctor, consultants suffering from stress-related pathologies, psychosomatic illnesses and pain. Then, there is preventive sophrology which can be used in the context of psychosocial risks, problems of self-confidence, self-affirmation, concentration, memory. There is also educational sophrology which includes various mental preparations, such as childbirth, exams (brevet or baccalaureate), competitions, medical examinations and heavy and painful treatments, sports competitions and all difficulties encountered (preparation for death, mourning, etc.).
Sophrology: “This method is accessible to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest”
– In which cases is sophrology recommended?
This method is accessible to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, because it offers simple, natural and easy-to-execute techniques. And contrary to what one might think, sophrology works well with children, because they are binary and do not ask questions. They easily do what they are invited to do.
For the youngest, we will learn to build the body schema, to relax, to recharge in case of fatigue, and provide the means to stay focused, more attentive in order to best manage the everyday situations they may be confronted with. For adolescents, who are going through a period of body transformation and evolution of the relationship to the world, we will accompany them and try to answer the many questions they ask themselves using techniques adapted to each age.
Finally, in adults, sophrology is recommended in cases of pain, anxiety, heart disease, addictions, depression, burnout, and sleep disorders. This therapeutic support can also be effective for dermatological disorders, such as psoriasis, where we will work on nervousness and stress. It is also interesting for pregnant women during pregnancy or postpartum, but also those who encounter infertility problems. It has also been noted that the babies of consultants who have used sophrology are calmer. This method is also recommended for people who feel devalued and have no self-confidence, as well as seniors, in order to help them accept their retirement, age well and live a second life serenely.
– What are its benefits?
Sophrology promotes better physical, mental and emotional balance. This gentle and progressive method allows you to live better, preserve or improve your health, better manage your pain and emotions. It also promotes learning, helps you let go, find calm, develop motivation and positive thinking, as well as live in the present moment. To know its various virtues, the best is to try it.
“For sophrology to be effective, patients must have the will to succeed in getting better”
– In practice, how does it work?
During the first meeting, we take an anamnesis. In short, we discuss and ask the consultant questions to find out what their request is and to know them as a whole, that is to say their childhood, their family, how they feel at the moment.
After having targeted the problem, the session begins. We start with breathing exercises to reach the sophroliminal level. This can last between 20 and 40 minutes depending on each person. Then, we will move on to positive visualization and finish with de-sophronization. This is done through movements and exercises that will allow the consultant to regain energy and a normal state of alertness. At the end of the session, we take stock of their feelings, of any difficulties encountered during the exercise in order to adapt a protocol of techniques that will best meet what they came looking for.
– What are the duration and frequency of the sessions?
The first session lasts 1h30 and the following ones one hour. If the person’s problem is significant, it is advisable to have two to three sessions spaced about 15 days apart, then one month apart.
For sophrology to be effective, consultants must have the will to succeed in getting better and use the tools, more precisely perform the exercises proposed during the sessions, at home. I do not perform miracles, I invite people to open up, by creating a benevolent alliance while respecting professional confidentiality and I help them find their solution.
– Are the sessions always individual?
Beyond individual sessions, I also offer private group or corporate workshops, at the Saint-Eloy Thermal Center in Amnéville, in associations or gym clubs, outdoors during Sophro-nature outings and also in family therapy when necessary.
– Are there any contraindications?
There are no contraindications to the practice of sophrology. I have accompanied adults with some mild psychiatric disorders that nevertheless required psychiatric monitoring. In this case, sophrology remains an accompaniment for well-being and they are invited to continue their treatment and consult their doctor.