Guided Imagery
Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.
Historically, imagery has been used by many cultural groups, including the Navajos, ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese. Imagery has also been used in religions such as Hinduism and Judaism. The term "guided imagery" refers to a number of different techniques, including visualization; direct suggestion using imagery, metaphor and storytelling; fantasy and game playing; dream interpretation; drawing; and active imagination.
Therapeutic guided imagery is believed to allow patients to enter a relaxed state and focus attention on images associated with issues they are confronting. Experienced guided imagery practitioners may use an interactive, objective guiding style with the aim to encourage patients to tap into latent inner resources and find solutions to problems. Guided imagery is a meditative relaxation technique sometimes used with biofeedback. Books and audiotapes are available as well as interactive guided imagery groups, classes, workshops and seminars.
It is proposed that the mind can affect the body when visualized images evoke sensory memory, strong emotions or fantasy. Imagery has been said to cause many types of changes in the body, including alterations in breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism, cholesterol levels and functions of the gastrointestinal system, immune system and endocrine system. A goal of guided imagery is to use the senses of touch, smell, sight and sound to achieve a tranquil state that may help reduce or eliminate physical symptoms.
Scientists have studied guided imagery for the following health problems:
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