The Relaxation Response correlates with decreased activity in the sympathetic branch of nervous system (sometimes called the “fight or flight” part of the nervous system) The physiology of the Relaxation Response can be seen in the wider context of the body’s mechanisms for dealing with stress.
Contrast Between the Stress Response and the Relaxation Response
The diagram below contrasts the neurological signals and endocrine changes that are triggered by the Stress Response versus the Relaxation Response for the case of changes in blood pressure.
