Positive mental imagery can promote relaxation and reduce stress , improve mood, control high blood pressure, alleviate pain , boost the immune system, and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Guided imagery is the use of relaxation and mental visualization to improve mood and/or physical wellbeing.
Guided imagery can induce sleepiness, and some individuals may fall asleep during a session. Other than this, there are no known adverse side effects to guided imagery.
Guided imagery can induce sleepiness, and some individuals may fall asleep during a session.
Some commonly used types include relaxation imagery, healing imagery, pain control imagery, and mental rehearsal.
guided imagery can significantly reduce stress and anxiety before and after surgical and medical procedures and help the patient recover more rapidly
For a successful guided imagery session, individuals should select a quiet, relaxing location where there is a comfortable place to sit or recline
Once complete relaxation is achieved, the second component of the exercise is the imagery, or visualization, itself.
Use of guided imagery is a widely accepted practice among mental healthcare providers and is gaining acceptance as a powerful pain control tool across a number of medical disciplines.
Results of a study conducted at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and published in 1999 found that cardiac surgery patients who used a guided imagery tape prior to surgery experienced less pain and anxiety.
Rapid imagery refers to the quick succession of vivid mental images or visualizations. It is often experienced during intense emotional states or heightened creativity, and can be used in techniques like guided imagery to promote relaxation or enhance focus.
Acupuncture, hypnotherapy , and guided imagery may be useful tools in treating the pain of lymphomas.
Martin L. Rossman has written: 'Anxiety Relief' 'Guided Imagery for Self-Healing'
The first component involves reaching a state of deep relaxation through breathing and muscle relaxation techniques.