What is guided imagery?

 

Guided imagery is a traditional mind-body technique that is also considered a form of hypnosis. Visualization and guided imagery offer tools to direct one's concentration on images held in the mind's eye. These therapies take advantage of the connection between the visual brain and the involuntary nervous system.  Guided imagery has many uses. You can use it to promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and reduce other problems related to stress. You can also use it to help reach goals (such as losing weight or quitting smoking), manage pain and promote healing. Because guided imagery is a mind-body therapy, any stress-related health concern, including high blood pressure, pain related to muscle tension, insomnia, and anxiety or depression, may be alleviated via this approach. Associated conditions, such as skin rashes or irritable bowel syndrome, are also amenable to guided imagery. It has been shown to be beneficial in treating autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, and can be useful to alleviate chronic allergies, hives and asthma

 

After a client gets comfortable, breathing techniques, music, progressive muscle relaxation or a guided induction is often used to help foster a state of deep calm.  From there, a set of instructions or suggestions is given to allow one’s own images or imagination to guide him or herself toward the method of relieving symptoms. This can also include discovering images that have a message about particular symptoms or a condition, which can offer insight, understanding or better control of the physical concerns. Visualization exercises include graphic or vivid images that are held in the mind that produce healing and comfort. Moreover, the repetition of these exercises causes learning or a conditioning effect, so that the positive physical changes can eventually become available wherever and whenever the patient chooses to use them. Imagery is not necessarily just visual, but rather the use of all the senses. It can become more vivid if it is made bright and clear – that is, effort is made to actually hear, fell smell or even taste the imagined scene. How long one focuses on the techniques is less important than how regularly they are practiced – a few minutes every day can reap greater benefits than spending more time on it less often.