Deep Relaxation Response

I've become an avid fan of mental and physical stress reduction brought on by racing thoughts, constant sitting posture, life pressures, and social stressors. I go about this in several ways. They include massage (once a week), acupuncture (once a month), and meditation (daily, when I remember). I'm hoping to incorporate yoga, exercise, and other regular hobbies to have a more varied routine (and to reduce the financial output -- massages run about $90/hour...).

I've noticed a pattern in the deep relaxation response that occurs when I'm "undergoing" stress reduction that I thought would be interesting to share, and to inquire if others experience similar -- or different -- effects.

During Massage:

• Increased salivation
• Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
• Tingling up the base of the head, and throughout the crown of the head, especially when another part of the body is being treated
• Tingling throughout body
• Muscle "jerking"/sudden release of tension
• Automatic smiling

During Acupuncture:

• Transition of color spectrum in vision (green tint to red to green, blue tint to red to blue, and so on)
• Muscle "jerking"/sudden release of tension

During Meditation:

• Increased salivation
• Warmth spreading throughout body, especially in the extremities
• Tingling/buzzing in area between eyebrows
• Ringing in ears (tinnitus)

All:

• Overall muscle relaxation
• Even breathing
• Decrease in racing thoughts
• A feeling of stability and security

Looking at the list, it's amazing to notice how the body responds naturally and consistently throughout different types of sessions, and to ponder the reasons it does so.