When it comes to relaxation and taking the mind out of a strenuous or painful situation, there are many methods of therapy and tricks of the trade to try. One way to take a journey through the mind and go to another place for a mental escape is guided imagery. Proponents of the therapy say it enhances coping skills and counteract negative effects of stressful situations.
Definition
The Cleveland Clinic states that guided imagery is a “form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between the body and mind.” This therapeutic technique is a psychological strategy to help people overcome their stress, anger, pain, depression, insomnia and other assorted problems that arise from medical or surgical procedures and illness. According to the Academy for Guided Imagery, a mental image is a thought with sensory qualities, meaning we can mentally feel, taste, touch, smell, hear or see the image. Therefore, guided imagery draws on visualization and suggestion along with dream interpretation, drawing and fantasy exploration to help the unconscious and conscious mind work together.
History
Images as a therapeutic intervention have been used throughout history in cultures that include the Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians and Navajo Native Americans. Modern guided imagery grew in the 1970s when a group of doctors began researching using images for patients with chronic pain and other life-threatening diseases. The late 1980s saw the formation of the Academy for Guided Imagery as a resource for physicians and practitioners with research and education materials.
Application
Guided imagery can be done alone with audio tapes or with the help of a therapist. In either scenario, the first step is to try to relax the mind as much as possible and let go of physical tensions. Special attention is paid to the heart and breathing rates. The subject then is asked by a therapist, or a recording if you are working on your own, to think of a safe place where you feel at ease. The tape or therapist then guides you through a range of emotions and images to achieve the desired result.
Benefits
The benefits of using guided imagery include mental and physical relaxation, reduction in anxiety before a medical procedure and reduction in chronic pain symptoms. Using this mind-body technique has proved to help to decrease side effects and complications of medical procedures, strengthen the immune system and ability to heal and enhance sleep. Patients who have used guided imagery also report a feeling of increased self-confidence and self-control, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Uses
Guided imagery is used for a variety of medical conditions and is recommended before during and after procedures. Heart surgery, chemotherapy, pain programs and chronic headache programs are just a few examples of the use of guided imagery. Those suffering from depression and fatigue also benefit from using guided imagery.
