Final answer:
The method used to measure tension in muscles and reduce stress is biofeedback, a technique devised by Gary Schwartz, which provides feedback to enable voluntary control over involuntary bodily processes. Another effective method is the relaxation response technique, which decreases sympathetic arousal. Exercise is also a critical and beneficial stress reduction strategy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method of reducing stress where a health professional measures tension in the body’s muscles in response to stressors is known as biofeedback. This technique was developed in the early 1970s by Gary Schwartz at Harvard University. Biofeedback uses electronic equipment to measure a person's neuromuscular and autonomic activity, with feedback provided in the form of visual or auditory signals. This method assumes that providing biofeedback can help an individual to develop strategies to gain some level of voluntary control over normally involuntary bodily processes. Biofeedback has been successfully applied to help individuals deal with conditions such as tension headaches, high blood pressure, asthma, and phobias.
Another approach to stress reduction is the relaxation response technique developed by Herbert Benson. It reduces sympathetic arousal and has been effective for treating high blood pressure, combining relaxation with transcendental meditation techniques.
It is also important to recognize the value of exercise as a stress reduction technique. Exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental health, increasing resistance to stress and aiding in faster recovery from its effects. Regular exercise is associated with reduced stress and protection against stress-related health problems.