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Sophrology was created by Dr. Alfonso Caycedo in the 1960s.

Believers feel it is a branch of neurological medicine that studies the human consciousness and its positive modifications through practice of specific methodology, inspired in great far eastern yogic sources.

• SOS = serenity, harmony
• PHREN = spirit, consciousness
• LOGOS = science, study

Sophrology is science of the harmony of the consciousness.

Sophrology's lineage is the Phenomenological school of science, initiated by Edmund Husserl. Dr. Alfonso Caycedo studied with Dr. Ludwig Binswanger of Switzerland, who in turn had been Martin Heidegger's student.

[edit] Three fundamental principles

• To bring the body into a live reality, to live in the body in good health and to conquer the physical and psychic harmony.
• To reinforce positive action, in order to develop the positive elements of the past, the present and the future and to reach our full potential.
• To develop an objective reality, to learn how to see the things more as they are, to develop more realism and thus improve the effectiveness of the action.

[edit] Techniques and methods

• Specific phronic techniques (specific sophronisations): practised especially in individual sessions, they are numerous and selected according to level, needs and relevance (concentration on an internal stimulus, positive projection in the future, the past…). It is primarily an adaptation of a personalization at short sittings (10 to 15 min.) precise, with immediate or short-term objectives.
• Caycedo Dynamic Relaxation (DR or CDR) : they are very effective and give a faster progression than the specific techniques (there exist several “grades”, the first three use as a starting point Eastern techniques: Yoga, Tummo, Zazen).

[edit] Benefits

Sophrology entails a 12-level training programme of practices aimed at improving physical and psychological health and well-being known as Sophrology Training. The mental and physical exercises are based on the concept of dynamic relaxation (relaxation in movement) used in everyday life situations. Their benefits are claimed to

• Lower stress levels
• Improve sleep
• Manage emotions
• Improve concentration
• Increase energy levels
• Improve relationship with yourself and others
• Improve self-esteem and self confidence
• Harmony in mind, body and soul

The practice is also said to lead to inner and outer awareness, leading to moments of "being as one, being in the flow, living in the now."

[edit] Sophrology Training

Currently there are social sophrologists in Colombia, in a branch initiated by Dr. Caycedo in 1982. Their objective is to promote collective awareness towards a better society.

Sophrology is also well-established in Andorra, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] External links

• (English)(French)(Spanish) Fundacion Caycedo (Bogota, Colombia)
• (English) What is sophrology ?
• (French) Société française de Sophrologie