Guided Imagery Therapy: Focusing the mind on positive images

Guided Imagery Therapy is a form of mind-body therapy, wherein mind power is used to evoke a positive physical response. It proves a very effective form of self-care if taught in the rightful manner.

Uses of Guided Imagery Therapy

• It makes beneficial physical changes in the body and promotes relaxation.
• It can reduce pain and stress; stimulate immune system, slow heart rate; found useful in a number of chronic conditions like headaches, high B.P., anxiety and for people undergoing surgery or conventional cancer therapy.

Procedure of Guided Imagery Therapy

Sessions usually begin with general relaxation exercises followed by specific visualization. You are asked to make use of all your 5 senses and build a detailed image in your mind. Then the exercise is repeated with a different image. For a localized disorder you will be asked to visualize that the affected organs are working perfectly, for generalized problems you are made to visualize that your entire body is calm, strong and healthy, and for a specific medical complaint you are asked to visualize that the problem no longer exists.

Treatment Time – They are typically 20-30 minute sessions.

Treatment Frequency – They are usually held once or twice a week, sometimes more frequently if need arises.

Benefits of Guided Imagery Therapy

• Often used with other mind-body techniques, it brings about changes in the body by focusing the mind on positive images.
• It helps in focusing several visualizations and it is proved that mind can definitely affect functions of the body.
• It provides psychological benefits and enhances effects of the drug.
• Imagery stimulates the brain, which has a direct effect on the nervous and endocrine systems that ultimately produces changes in immune system and other body functions.
• It is used as a supplement for standard treatments and has no side effects.