Etymologically, in the word sophrology, sôs means harmonious, phren "spirit", and logos "science". From the ancient Greek, it designates the study of the harmonization of consciousness. It was created by the neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo and is inspired by Western methods that are also Eastern.
Definition of sophrology
Sophrology is a psycho-corporal technique used as a therapeutic method or as a philosophy of life. On the Western side, we find hypnosis as well as methods of relaxation. Alfonso Cayceo was inspired by oriental methods during his travels in the East such as meditation, Zen and yoga. Therefore, he has made this method a real crossroads between the West and the East. Sophrology uses a set of techniques that act on the body and the mind. It arranges exercises which study at the same time on breathing, visualization and muscular relaxation. All these formulas make it possible to recover a state of wellbeing and to activate. Sophrology helps to face the challenges of daily life with serenity and to obtain a better knowledge of oneself. At the moment, all the sophrologists have the same method of work which they place at the disposal of their customers to meet their needs.
The effects
Here, we do not speak about energies, this terminology is not used in sophrology. Even if the founder of sophrology was partly enriched by hypnosis to develop it, it remains a psycho-corporal means in its own right. Professor Caycedo created sophrology with the aim of filling many of the absences noticed in the practice of hypnosis. Otherwise, it is an active method on a certain number of people.
What are the fields of application?
The fields of application of sophrology are varied and diverse. One classifies 4 main fields of intervention in sophrology, including the management of the daily life, the preparation for an event, the complement of a pathological behavior or a medical treatment. Indeed, one can practise sophrology while being in good health. It can be practiced in this case to renovate its daily life or even to prepare mentally for various situations. It is also part of brief therapies. To obtain a complete accompaniment, it is necessary, on average, to count between 6 to 12 sessions.
The technique does not replace any medical treatment even if the fields of application of sophrology are very broad. Moreover, a sophrologist is not able to carry out prescription or diagnosis.
