Basically, heaviness is instructed to be felt for Muscular Relaxation, whereas warmth is instructed to be felt for vasorelaxation and these two are causative factors for bringing about a hypnotic state. The basic concept to devise Autogenic Training was to find an effective approach to eliminate the unfavorable aspects of hypnotherapy, such as the passivity of the patient and his dependence on the therapist.
Schultz, the founder of Autogenic Training, devised this training to induce hypnotic state by just thinking of heaviness in the limbness and then to imagine a feeling of warmth in the limbs, followed by concentration on the activity of the heart and subsequently on respiration. Because of the tranquilizing effects, the autogenic training requires the subjects to think of warmth in the abdominal region and finally to imagine cool forehead. Autogenic therapy improves self-regulatory functions and thus not only enhances a person's over-all capacity for psychophysiologic adaptation but also increases bodily resistance to all kinds of stress.
Autogenic therapy requires relatively little time as compared to other psychotherapeutic approaches and so is quite effective and can be applied to about 80-90% of adults of all ages. However, as you asked about the contraindications, persons with severe mental deficiencies should not practice this technique. They should consult with psychiatrist and psychologist.
