Which relaxation technique in cyclic meditation is used to relieve physical and mental stress?


Cyclic Meditation

Another method of meditation developed in Vivekananda Kendra is Cyclic Meditation (C.M). A cyclic of alternating stimulation and relaxation is used to go into deep silence. It is inspired by a verse found in the 'Gauda Pada Karika' (commentary) of Mandukya Upanishad that runs as follows:-

Laye sambodhayet cittam viksiptam samayet punah

Sakasayam vijaniyat samapraptam na calayet. (Man. Karika-II.44)

Stimulate and awaken the sleeping mind, calm down the distractions,recognize the innate stagnation and stay in steadiness without disturbing it.

In day to day life we relax deeply, through unconsciously, by stretching and relaxing through yawning. In Cyclic Meditation we stretch consciously and systematically and then relax using standing postures like Pada Hastasana, Ardha Chakrasana and Ardhakati Chakrasana and also using sitting asanas like Shashankasana and Ushtrasana. This provides stimulation at muscular level. The process begins with Tadasana that helps us centre our body. All the postures are performed with a slow speed maintaining internal awareness (observing, as a Sakshi, various changes in the system with eyes closed). Before starting Cyclic Meditation, one has to relax through a technique called I.R.T (Instant Relaxation Technique).

Instant Relaxation Technique: Lie down on your back (in the position of Shavasana). Tighten all the muscles from toes to top, part by part, and after tightening/stretching whole body, relax entire body in one go by loosening all the muscles at a time. This can be practiced separately also sitting on a chair to get quick relaxation. It takes hardly a minute to practice one round.

After practicing standing postures slowly, with awareness, one has to perform Q.R.T. (Quick Relaxation Technique). It takes about five minutes.

Q.R.T.: Lie down in Shavasana. Observe the movement of abdominal muscles. Be aware of the rhythmic heaving up and down of the abdominal wall. With inhalation the abdominal wall rises up. Feel energised with each inhalation. With exhalation the abdominal wall collapses. Feel relaxed with each exhalation. Merge in deep silence by chanting one akara (the AAA.....sound).

After gently coming up in sitting position from Q.R.T., perform slowly with awareness Shashankasana and Ushtrasana (Ardha Ushtrasana, if Ushtrasana not possible). Lie down for a long Shavasana (also called Deep Relaxation Technique or D.R.T.). Part by part, from toes to top, relax your whole body by moving the consciousness from one part to other. This may take about ten minutes. After that, slowly sit down in deep silence according to your time.

Apart from muscular stimulation in C.M., we use sound (chanting of Akara, Ukara, Makara and Omkara) and visual (attuning to vast ocean) stimulations as well to go deeper in silence.

This description is only to create an interest in C.M. and not the actual instructions. One should practice C.M. under the guidance of an expert teacher. A little modified form of C.M. is called SMET (Self Management of Executive Tension). For details, one can refer to the book on this topic, New Perspective in Stress Management published by the Kendra.

Home / SMET And Cyclic Meditation

SMET is a specialised meditative program designed by Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Sansthana (S-VYASA),Bengaluru. This University is famous for its collaborative research projects in the U.S.A and U.K in the field of Medical Aspects of Yoga.

SMET (Self-Management of Excessive Tension) will train the practioner systematically in Stress Management techniques. This practice integrates various important aspects of Yoga-Asanas (postures), Pranayamas (breathing techniques), Meditation (Cyclic Meditation), and the essence of Yogic Literature and Philosophy into a holistic composite, thus enabling the practioner to understand and apply the knowledge of Yoga in its entirety. The program is truly insightful and empowering, designed not only to impart techniques of teaching Stress Management but also to facilitate learner to begin his or her own journey of self-awareness and development in corporate world.

The objective of practising SMET is to bring forth the holistic vision and spiritual lore of Yoga into one’s life. The result would be a positive physical health, mental strength, peace, harmony leading to efficiency and growth. It aims to help solve problems of modern society and build ideal social orders.

This program aims to share yoga techniques for successful management of personal and work-related stress. Professionals will learn a multi-dimensional approach to manage stress at the physical, mental, emotional and intellectual levels. SMET (Self-Management for Excessive Tension) is based on scientifically proven yogic techniques which will allow the practitioner to calm down the mind, take it to a heightened state of awareness and concentration. It teaches to manage your Stress by attending Self-Management of Excessive Tension. One can get rid of sleepless nights and endless thoughts by practicing Cyclic Meditation.

Cyclic Meditation is a simple and effective technique to relieve stress and induce deep sleep and relaxation. It is based on the principle of stimulation and relaxation. There are proven results that, CM can reduce the number of hours needed in order to feel rejuvenated.

If the mind is dull, wake it up”, “If the mind is over-active, allow it to get calm”, “And when it is balanced, allow it to remain that way”

Benefits include:

  • Higher staff morale


Reducing stress in the workplace means your employees will be happier and feel more positive about your organisation.

  • Reduced absenteeism


Workplace pressures cause a range of physical and emotional illnesses (including depression). Stress suppresses the immune system so that it takes longer to recover from non-stress-related illnesses. This results in loss of work hours.

  • Reduced workers compensation claims


Stress-related claims account for almost 30% of all Work Insurance claims and are about twice as expensive as other claims

  • Reduced staff turnover


Employees who aren’t coping with stress at work are more likely to leave.

  • Employees with better mental focus


Research shows that mindfulness meditation increases mental abilities; especially the ability to focus.

  • Better inter-staff relations


When people are stressed at work, tempers flare and relationships can sour, leading to less co-operative, less cohesive teams, which decreases productivity.

  • Better customer service


Staff who isn’t stressed will be more pleasant to your clients and provide better customer service.

  • Higher productivity


All of the factors mentioned above will increase productivity and improve your bottom line. Additionally, the fact that many people think less clearly when they’re over-stressed means your staff will make better decisions when effective stress management strategies, such as mindfulness training, are implemented.

Which relaxation technique in cyclic meditation is used to relieve physical and mental stress?

What are some relaxation techniques for stress?

Breathing Exercises This is one of the easiest stress reduction practices because you simply focus on your breathing. Sit or lie down in a quiet place, take a deep breath through your nose and breathe out slowly through your mouth, or your nose if it feels better.

What is cyclic mediation?

Cyclic meditation (CM)—a technique derived from one of the Upanishads—is a moving meditation technique practiced by combining physical postures (asanas) with relaxation procedures.

What is QRT and DRT?

Instant Relaxation Technique (IRT) is usually done at the beginning, Quick Relaxation Technique (QRT) is done after the standing yoga poses practice and Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT) is done at the end of the yoga practice.

What is the most effective relaxation technique to reduce anxiety?

1. Breath focus. In this simple, powerful technique, you take long, slow, deep breaths (also known as abdominal or belly breathing). As you breathe, you gently disengage your mind from distracting thoughts and sensations.