At a time on the underground when eyes are peeled and intakes of breath are sharp, a course of meditation has been released aimed at helping commuters overcome their fear of terrorism.

Metrotherapy is a set of exercises designed to be practised on crowded public transport. The brainchild of a therapist, Ashok Gupta, his techniques harness the apparently untherapeutic screeching, banging and lurching of carriages to tackle everyday stress at work, as well as anxiety about attacks.

Mr Gupta has a Harley Street stress management clinic, and came up with Metrotherapy 18 months ago when clients complained their only free time was journeying to and from work. This week he releases a £10 CD (available at metro-therapy.com) to be listened to while travelling, with a 20-minute meditation to prepare people for the day ahead and a "winding down from work" exercise for the journey home.

"I have found an increase in clients getting panic attacks on the trains or feeling a lot more claustrophobic on the tubes," he said yesterday. "There is a sense of fear in London. I say to them that once you get on the train there is not a lot you can do about the terrorist threat. Using these techniques allows you to let go of those fears and enjoy the journey without worrying."

Mr Gupta said Metrotherapy did allow for passengers to open their eyes briefly at each stop and check for suspect packages, if this helped keep their focus. Crucially, the exercises also take into account the noise, as well as giving pragmatic advice on ensuring handbags are secure before falling into a meditative trance. "The techniques are designed to involve the sounds around you; so, rather than shutting out noise, the sounds you're hearing on the train become a meditative experience in themselves. That's what makes it unique."

Yesterday, rather than casting anxious glances, passengers on the Bakerloo appeared unsurprised as only Londoners can by the sight of Mr Gupta breathing deeply while sitting with his eyes closed and palms upturned on his knees.

"It might work," said Darren Rogers, 30, doubtfully. "People do all kinds of different things to occupy themselves down here." Mr Rogers, though, has no call for Metrotherapy.

"I've always travelled on the tube. I love it. It's not stressful at all. I could spend all day down here - but then I'm a trainspotter."

Other commuters have found the techniques useful. Saira Ahmed, a lawyer from north London, said she had been practising Mr Gupta's meditation to and from work on the crowded Northern and Central lines for the past year.

"Initially it was quite difficult and you're always very conscious about people looking at you, but you can do it quite inconspicuously. It's not like you're chanting loudly on the tube," she said.

"Provided I get a seat it's a good way to relax and prepare for the day.

"Tube journeys are so stressful - I used to find I was already stressed and the working day hadn't even begun."