First Degree Dynamic Relaxation (RDC1)

Overview

The First Degree Dynamic Relaxation (RDC1) forms the foundation of the sophrological method created by Colombian neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo in the 1960s. Inspired by Indian yoga, and particularly Raja Yoga, this first stage allows practitioners to develop an in-depth awareness of their body. Caycedo designed it after his travels in the East, where he studied meditation and body concentration techniques. RDC1 is often described as "contemplative sophrology" because it invites a benevolent observation of bodily sensations without judgment or interpretation.

Historically, RDC1 was formalized at the first World Congress of Sophrology in Barcelona in 1970. It remains today the most widely taught technique in sophrology schools and serves as a prerequisite before moving on to higher degrees.

Core Principles

The first degree is based on the principle of concentration. Practitioners learn to direct their attention to different regions of the body, system by system, in order to perceive the sensations that manifest there. This process relies on several mechanisms:

• Terpnos logos: the soft, monotonous voice of the sophrologist guiding the session
• Suspension of judgment (phenomenological epoché): welcoming sensations without analyzing them
• Body schema as lived reality: the body is no longer an object but a living experience
• Principle of positive action: any positive action directed toward the body has a positive effect on the mind

RDC1 explores five body systems: the head and face, neck and nape, thorax and shoulders, abdomen and back, then pelvis and lower limbs. Each system is explored in an altered state of consciousness called the "sophroliminal level."

Main Indications

• Daily and professional stress management
• Sleep disorders and difficulty falling asleep
• Mild to moderate anxiety
• Body reconnection after trauma
• Preparation for exams or stressful events
• Chronic pain support
• Introduction to sophrology for beginners
• Improved concentration and attention

Session Structure

A typical RDC1 session lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour and follows a structured protocol:

1. Welcome and intention (5 min): the sophrologist discusses the participant's current state and sets the session's intention
2. Basic sophronization (10 min): progressive body relaxation from head to toe, accompanied by calm, deep breathing to reach the sophroliminal level
3. Body stimulations (15-20 min): contraction-release exercises ("dynamic stimulations") targeting each body system, followed by integration pauses
4. Contemplation (10 min): silent observation of emerging sensations throughout the body
5. Desophronization (5 min): gradual return to ordinary waking state through gentle movements and deeper breathing
6. Phenodescription (5-10 min): free expression (oral or written) of sensations, images, and emotions experienced during the session

Variations and Adaptations

RDC1 can be practiced in seated or standing position, making it highly adaptable. Some schools offer a 20-minute short version for corporate sessions. Adaptations also exist for children (using playful imagery like "the robot and the rag doll") and for elderly people (seated position only, with gentler movements). In hospital settings, RDC1 is often combined with visualization techniques for pre-operative pain management.

Contraindications

• Acute psychotic disorders (risk of derealization)
• Ongoing dissociative episode
• Severe unstabilized post-traumatic stress disorder (body concentration may reactivate traumatic memories)
• Severe depression with suicidal ideation (requires prior psychiatric follow-up)