ELEMENTS OF THE AUTOGENIC PROCESS

In his early research, Schultz discovered two principal elements in the activation of the autogenic process. These were: (1) mental repeti- tion of specific formulas (phrases) which focused on sensations of heaviness and warmth in the extremities (consistent with sensations experienced during hypnosis and shortly before falling asleep); and (2) the need for the patient to achieve and maintain an attitude of de- tachment and indifference toward any outcome that may be brought on by the repetition of the aforementioned formulas. This state of “pas- sive concentration” is crucial in allowing the brain-directed, self-reg- ulatory mechanisms to function optimally (Schultz and Luthe, 1959). If the concept of passive concentration is not adequately and effec- tively implemented by the patient, the repetition of the various for- mulas may actually bring about opposite results. That is to say, if the person forces himself or herself to experience heaviness or warmth, he or she may actually become more tense and stressed. We shall re- turn to this important concept later in Chapter 6.

Although autogenic training was initially conceived in terms of psychophysiological phenomena occurring during hypnosis and self- hypnosis, it is important to note that extensive electroencephalographic studies have demonstrated, time after time, that the autogenic state is unique and different from the hypnotic state. Luthe (1970a) empha- sized this point by making the following statement:

. . . The steady stream of research provided has provided in- creasing evidence that autogenic training is associated with a specific combination of multidimensional changes which are

not identical with those observed during hypnosis or sleep. A variety of more recent findings even indicate that a number of physiological changes take functional directions which are dia- metrically opposed to those seen during hypnosis. This develop- ment cannot be overlooked, and in the view of the knowledge resulting from advancing research, it must be pointed out that autogenic training can no longer be regarded as a form of hyp- nosis which is practiced without the hypnotist. Likewise, on the basis of relevant findings, it is not justified and it would be con- fusing to continue to use the term “autohypnosis” in connection with autogenic training. (p. 104; emphasis added)

It must be noted also that while the autogenic state shares some similarities with the recuperative changes that occur during certain stages of sleep, it is not a sleep state.

Autogenic training may be best described as a pre-sleep state with unique psychotherapeutic and psychophysiological properties that are brought on by observing certain training requirements, such as passive concentration, and through the daily practice of the standard training formulas (Luthe, Jus, and Geissmann, 1965).

Nearly a century has passed since the field of autogenic training be- gan its experimental and clinical sojourn as a method of enhancing health and well-being as well as combating the ever-deleterious expo- sure to long-term stress. There are literally thousands of published stud- ies attesting to the effectiveness of autogenic training and the following areas and studies may be considered:

• treatment of pain (Blacker, 1980)

• treatment of insomnia (Coursey et al., 1980)

• treatment of night terrors (Sadigh and Mierzwa, 1995)

• treatment of posttraumatic nightmares (Sadigh, 1999)

• Raynaud’s disease (Freedman, Ianni, and Weing, 1983)

• treatment of myofascial trigger points (Banks et al., 1998)

• headaches (Janssen and Neutgens, 1986)

• infertility (O’Moore et al., 1983)

• anxiety disorders (Banner and Meadows, 1983; Sakai, 1997) Many authors in the United States have lamented that autogenic training has not received the attention it deserves (Lichstein, 1989;

Pelletier, 1977). Pelletier (1979) suggested that AT can serve as a model for all relaxation and meditative techniques that attempt to treat stress-related disorders.

Autogenic training has been taught in medical schools in most Eu- ropean countries such as Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Poland, and also extensively in Japan (Luthe, 1965). Many authors have suggested that only a fraction (10 to 20 percent) of the clinical publications on this technique have been translated into the English language. Another possible explanation for the lack of recognition of this psychophysiological approach may be the empha- sis that is placed on pharmacological treatments in the United States. Also, much like all behaviorally based techniques, it takes some time for the effects of autogenics to be noticed and appreciated by the trainee. However, once the technique has been mastered, its recupera- tive properties can be easily summoned in minutes of concentrated practice. Jencks (1977) suggested that some of the almost immediate (in roughly two weeks) benefits of this technique that can be experi- enced by the patient include a reduction in anxiety, improved sleep, enhanced memory, and an improvement in the ability to cope with daily stress. Gradually and with focused practice, improvements in coping with pain, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic conditions are acquired.

CONCLUSIONS

The main purpose of this chapter has been to provide the reader with some of the basic principles of the technique of autogenic train- ing and its clinical applications. Again, it is important to note that this nearly century-old psychophysiological approach is far more than a simple technique of relaxation. Indeed, autogenic training may be viewed as a formidable method of psychotherapy, cognitive restruc- turing, and behavior modification. Those who have had first-hand experience with the training and have practiced it for some time, will attest to the experience of spontaneous physical and psychological phenomena that are of significant healing potential. Many of these phenomena are discussed in several texts under the topics of autogenic meditation, autogenic discharges, and autogenic neutralization (see

Schultz and Luthe, 1969). The study and exploration of techniques similar to autogenic training should convince us of the self-recupera- tive potentials of the mind-body connection and the intricate mecha- nisms involved in such a process. It must be emphasized that a powerful technique such as autogenic training is, nevertheless, only a technique and needs to be methodically combined with other medical and psychological approaches to address patients’ needs. The treat- ment of chronic conditions, such as chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia pain syndrome, require a systematic, multidisciplinary approach. Without a doubt, autogenic training can be a worthy and reliable component of such an approach.

Autogenic Training: