<qa>  What is the term relaxation response?The term relaxation response was first coined in 1974.26,27 This technique has two characteristics: repetition of a word or phrase and a disregard of everyday thoughts. The elicitation of the RR down-regulates the sympathetic nervous system. It is characterized by reductions in oxygen consumption, respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate and arterial blood lactate. The mindbody state achieved with RR is consistent with a wakeful, hypometabolic physiological state.28 EEG studies clearly differentiate the RR from sleep.29 PET30 and fMRI31 studies have correlated specific regional changes in brain activity with the elicitation of the RR. When the patient is in a relaxed state, the therapist focuses on helping him to identify emotions, negative thoughts or anxieties and assisting him to deal with these thoughts in a more constructive way. This is called cognitive restructuring and it is an integral part of RT. 