--- title: Do relaxation techniques help women with PMS symptoms? | Niyora description: Yes, both Benson's and Mitchell's relaxation techniques reduced PMS symptoms significantly, but Benson's method was more effective. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/comparative-efficacy-of-mitchell-s-and-benson-s-relaxation-techniques-in-2023/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do relaxation techniques help women with PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2023 # Do relaxation techniques help women with PMS symptoms? Yes, both Benson's and Mitchell's relaxation techniques reduced PMS symptoms significantly, but Benson's method was more effective. Moderate study design 70 women aged 18-35 with PMS ## What they did 70 women aged 18-35 with PMS were taught either Benson's or Mitchell's relaxation technique once a day for one month and practiced at home. They completed questionnaires before and after. ## What they found Both groups improved significantly (p<0.01). Benson's relaxation technique was more effective at reducing PMS symptoms than Mitchell's technique. ## What it means for you Both relaxation methods could help women with PMS. Benson's appears superior, though this was a small study in a hospital setting so results may not apply to all women with PMS. 70 women studied 18-35 age range in years p<0.01 improvement significance ## About the study Original title Comparative Efficacy of Mitchell's and Benson's Relaxation Techniques in Alleviating Pain and Improving Quality of Life Among Patients With Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial Authors Raipure A, Patil S Journal Cureus Year 2023 Study design Randomised trial Participants 70 What was tested Benson's relaxation technique versus Mitchell's relaxation technique, once daily for one month Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43877](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43877) Original abstract Background Most women of reproductive age suffer physical discomfort or distress in the weeks before menstruation. Even though symptoms are typically not severe enough to impede daily activities seriously, they occasionally can. Physical problems like breast discomfort and bloating can also be a problem. The most irritating symptoms are those that affect mood and behaviour. Women of reproductive age experience premenstrual syndrome frequently, necessitating study into non-pharmacological methods for symptom reduction. Methodology The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of Benson's relaxation technique to Laura Mitchell's physiological approach in patients with premenstrual syndrome. Study design was comparative parallel experimental study with patient-reported questionnaire data (online) collected before and post-intervention in tertiary hospital setting. Participants were 70 adult females aged 18 to 35 with premenstrual syndrome. Patients were administered Benson's relaxation technique once a day for a month versus Mitchell's relaxation technique once a day for a month. Both techniques were first taught for one session followed by home program to be performed by patients. The premenstrual syndrome questionnaire and a numerical pain rating scale were used to quantify premenstrual symptoms pre and post-intervention. Results The result revealed significant (p<0.01) improvement in premenstrual symptoms in both groups following the intervention. However, Bensons' relaxation technique was found to be more significant while alleviating the premenstrual symptoms. Conclusions When it comes to lowering the intensity of premenstrual syndrome in young people, Benson's relaxation method is superior to Mitchell's. Both approaches should be entrenched as a regular practice and can be employed on patients to improve their menstrual well-being. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2025 Does digital healthcare help manage period pain and PMS? Survey study, 2026 Are menstrual characteristics linked to depression and anxiety in teenage girls? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2025 Can a smartphone app help diagnose and monitor PMS? Survey study, 2025 How do employed women seek relief for premenstrual and menstrual symptoms at work? 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