The Relaxation Response

Herbert Benson, M.D., was the Director Emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (BHI), and Mind Body Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. A graduate of Wesleyan University and the Harvard Medical School, Dr. Benson authored and co-authored more than 190 scientific publications and 12 books. More than five million copies of his books have been printed in many languages.

Dr. Benson was a pioneer in mind body medicine, one of the first Western physicians to bring spirituality and healing into medicine. In his 40+ year career, he defined the relaxation response and led teaching and research into its efficacy in counteracting the harmful effects of stress. The recipient of numerous national and international awards, Dr. Benson lectured widely about mind body medicine and the BHI's work. Dr. Benson's research extended from the laboratory to the clinic to Asian field expeditions. His work served as a bridge between medicine and religion, East and West, mind and body, and belief and science.