Clinical application of the relaxation response in women's health.

Women are subject to multiple stressors and often get little recognition or support for their diverse roles. Although stress is a natural part of life, research indicates that prolonged or extreme stress can have a negative effect on a woman's health. Nurses, because of their holistic approach, are ideally suited to use interventions that empower women to deal effectively with stress. This article outlines the mind/body connection and describes the relaxation response as a counterbalance to the deleterious effects of stress. Instructions for several methods of using the relaxation response in a clinical setting are given.