End of a meditation session, which physical finding would suggest the relaxation technique was successful?

• A. Increased bowel motility
• B. Decreased blood pressure
• C. Decreased peripheral skin temperature
• D. Increased respiratory rate

Answer: (B)

Relaxation techniques trigger the relaxation response, shifting the body from sympathetic arousal toward parasympathetic dominance. This reduces heart rate and the force of heart contractions, and causes vasodilation, which lowers overall blood pressure. Seeing a lower blood pressure after a meditation session best reflects that autonomic shift toward rest and calm, signaling the technique worked.

Other signs are less direct indicators. Increased bowel motility can occur with parasympathetic activity, but it’s not a reliable measure of relaxation success. Decreased peripheral skin temperature would not typically indicate relaxation and isn’t a standard sign to rely on. An increased respiratory rate suggests ongoing tension or alertness, not relaxation.