• relaxation cds/mp3
• quick relaxation
• radio
• music
• meditation
• for pain

SleepInducer - Chris Mack

Does exactly what it says on the tin, at least it does for me. SleepInducer uses specifc audio frequencies and rhythms that are designed to bring the brain first into a relaxed 'Alpha state' and then into the Theta state associated with sleep. These frequencies are accompanied by some calming music; you really need headphones and the original track to get the effect, but here's a sample of SleepInducer.

mp3 download normally £14.95, * special deal * half-price (£7.45) using the discount code relaxationreviews at the checkout - go to inmindmotion.

The Breath of Life - Prof Patrick Pietroni

This CD teaches you how to use your breath for relaxation. Track 1 (25 minutes) explains the different ways we can breath and how this is intimately linked to how we feel. It shows you how you are breathing ( Breath of Life) and explores the benefits of abdominal, or diaphragmatic, breathing. Finally, a relaxing exercise to help you develop this calming abdominal breathing. Track 2 (21 minutes) has genera;information and a longer excuses: first a 'tense and release' relaxation, then a breathing exercise to deepen the state of peace. A booklet provides further advice and information.

CD £13, tape £9.20, both + p&p: £2.50, Europe £2.90, Worldwide £4 - from The British Holistic Medical Association, tel. +44 (0)1278 722000.

* Special deal! * To buy this CD for £13 inc P&P please contact the BHMA on +44 (0)1278 722000 or email admin @ bhma.org and quote relaxationreviews.org. Many thanks to the BHMA for its generosity.

Breath of Time 3 - Charles Vald

A simple but very effective relaxation method uses the steady, ooot thh chiming of a bell to set the pace of breathing - and your breath naturally fits in with rhythm of the chiming bells. Soothing sounds of flowing water and ethereal music stuff in the background. There are four tracks of 15 minutes each set for six, five (sample) four or three breaths a minute, choose the rate that best matches your own natural rate of breathing. You may find that you naturally progresses to a slower rate of breathing over time.

mp3 download £5/$10 from Hypnosis Healthcare. £8.95 inc. p&p from Hypnosis Health Care (more samples); $17.95 inc. shipping worldwide.

Yogafusion: 'The Ultimate Relaxation Guide'

Karen Whiteley has a very soothing voice and a lovely way of describing things in these short mind-body relaxations, e.g. 'along the spine, in and out of the vertebrae, the discs float in lightly in their fluid...spreading a feeling of rest across the back',  Yogafusion. The second half of the track is just music, so you can rest in a state of peace - 15 minutes total. The CD also includes a version adapted for lunchtime relaxation, and another to aid sleep at night.

* Special deal * only. Normally £12.99 +p&p, but mark 'relaxationreviews.org' on your order to qualify for a reduced price of £10.99 inc. p&p, by cheque from Yogafusion, 72 Kingsley Way, London N2 0EN

Welcome to Relaxation - Barbara Judge

A useful introduction to relaxation techniques with good guidance throughout the exercises. Track One covers the principles of relaxation followed by a long progressive muscle relaxation done lying down,  Welcome to Relaxation. It closes with a short 'beach' visualisation. With music, 30 minutes. Track Two covers breathing techniques then comes a progressive relaxation done sitting (very similar to the one lying down) and closes with a visualisation in a walled garden; with music, 30 minutes.

CD £8.95 inc. p&p; £8.95 plus £1 shipping from Relaxation Made Easy, email, tel. +44 (0)1723 368826.

Cosmic Candle (& Yoga Nidra) - Muz Murray

Feeling adventurous? Try this: 'imagine yourself as a gigantic candle, sculpted in your own likeness, with your backbone as the wick, rising upwards into the middle of your head - and softly glowing with a gentle flame that illumines the interior of your mind', sample. You then proceed to melt. This is definitely a little weird, but I find it deeply relaxing as all the tension just melts away (and yes, you do get to put yourself back together at the end of the meditation). 35 minutes. Sold as Yoga Nidra, 'The Sleep of the Yogi's' - the title of the flip side. This is a method of deep relaxation by slowly withdrawing consciousness from the tips of your toes through to the top of your head; 45 minutes, with sitar music.

CD £12.99 (Tape £7.50), both plus delivery: £1.20 p&p; £2.60 from Muz Murray.