Several kinds of mind-body practices may relieve stress, pain, anxiety and depression, and promote healing. They use different approaches but are closely related. They have been described as "different doors that lead to the same room." One of these may appeal to you more than another.

Meditation is an ancient concentration practice that develops calmness and insight.

Biofeedback uses electronic monitors to help you learn how to use your mind to affect and change specific body functions.

Visualization and guided imagery use the power of your imagination to take you to places or times where you are peaceful, pain-free and healthy. These techniques are used to relieve pain, promote relaxation and change behavior.

Hypnosis is a concentration technique that focuses your mind on a specific action or thought.

Relaxation exercises help make you aware of tension and show you how to relieve it. For example, breathing exercises use the connection between breath and emotions to teach relaxation; body scan and progressive muscle relaxation bring attention to the body, increasing awareness of physical sensations and teaching muscle-by-muscle relaxation.

Stress reduction and relaxation programs combine many of these techniques along with movement meditations such as yoga, tai chi and qi gong.

Yoga, tai chi and qi gong use gentle, precise movements coupled with breathing and concentration to exercise the body and calm and energize the mind.