Guided Imagery for Self-Healing

"Truth in Advertising" - this post tells you why imagery is important to healing, not how to do it.

Guided Imagery for Self-Healing is the title of a book by Martin L. Rossman, M.D. (see "Books & Articles" sidebar). The title also serves well as an introduction to another aspect of the mind-body connection.

Can you heal yourself by using your imagination?

We know that we can be "worried sick," why not imagined healthy?

Ever had a nightmare and awakened terrified, in a cold sweat, with a pounding heart?

The images created by your brain (imagination) produce the same physiological fight-or-flight response that would occur when confronted by the real thing. Film and TV images cause us to laugh, cry, sweat, faint and other emotional responses. Imagined images can, and do, produce the same physiological effects as externally generated images. From here, it is a small step to see how imagery can support wellness, too.

Research in psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) (cf my August 31, 2009 post) has identified a number of mechanisms that help us to understand how images affect the immune system. For example, research at Georgetown University by Nichols Hall has shown that visualizing an active immune system produces increased levels of the hormone alpha-thymosin which increases production and activation of T-cells, an essential immune system function. A 1996 meta-research review by Dr. Karen Olness at Case Western Reserve, found 18 out of 22 studies investigating whether or not the use of imagery can affect the production and activation of T-cells reported positive results.

In addition to direct effects, such as immune system support, imagery can be used for stress reduction, too. Stress has negative physiological effects, which lead to high blood pressure and other heart diseases, over-eating and obesity, diabetes, asthma, cramps and muscle pain, insomnia, headaches, and many other physical symptoms. Cancer patients, as I can attest, suffer from stress. Stress reduction using guided imagery or other relaxation techniques (breathing techniques, hypnosis, meditation, chanting, etc)are a useful first step toward attaining "right-mindedness" for the effective use of imagery for self-healing.

Everyone has the capacity to improve wellness through imagery; not everyone is willing to make the effort. The first requirement is the "willing suspension of disbelief;" the second is proper technique; and, the third is practice, practice, practice.

It's just like golf. Anyone can hit a golf ball; the hard part is to consistently hit it well. First, you have to believe you can hit the shot (visualize it); next, you strike the ball well, and lastly you practice doing the first two over and over again until you achieve automaticity - that is, to be able to repeat the stroke without conscious thought - the golfer's mantra: "Empty mind, Loose body"

Like golf, to use imagery to promote self-healing, you must believe that it can help the healing process,or at least willingly suspend disbelief; learn to practice effective techniques for relaxation and visualization; and, practice, practice, practice.

There are dozens of books, tapes, CD's, and DVD's available to assist in learning effective techniques, but beware, there is a lot of woo-woo stuff out there, so choose carefully. For those of us who need a "pro" to guide our practice, I suggest seeking out a licensed practitioner (M.D., Ph.D.)who is associated with a teaching hospital and specializes in pain management and cancer therapy, or an established center of practice, such as the Simonton Cancer Center.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of practitioners/authors/researchers for your use in seeking resources: Jeanne Achterberg,PhD; David Bresler,PhD,LAc; Hyla Cass,MD; James S. Gordon,MD; Stanley Krippner,PhD; Lewis Mehl-Madrona,MD,PhD; Emmett Miller,MD; Dean Ornish,MD; Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD,MD(hc); Martin Rossman,MD; Francine Shapiro,PhD; C. Norman Shealy,MD; David Sobel,MD; Andrew Weil,MD.

Keep your eye on the ball and practice, practice, practice.