Guided imagery, a technique used for centuries, is now increasingly being used in personal, professional and healthcare settings as a powerful tool for stress management and coping.
Guided imagery is a mind-body intervention aimed at easing stress, and promoting a sense of peace and tranquillity at a stressful or difficult time in someone's life. It is a process of incorporating the "power of the mind" to assist the body to heal, maintain health or relax by way of an inner communication involving all senses, (i.e. visual, touch, smell, sight, sound). It forms a balance between the mind, body and spirit.
Imagery has had a remarkable affect on heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen consumption, brain waves, body temperature, intestinal motility, sexual arousal and hormonal balances. Certain symptoms and illnesses seem to be more receptive to imagery than others.
Conditions caused or aggravated by stress often respond well to imagery suggestions, (i.e., angina, blood pressure, blood sugar, cardiac symptoms, headaches, pain, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory conditions, etc.).
Relaxation is essential for imagery to be successful as it allows the mind to be open and receptive to new information. Not only does it reduce muscle tension, but also enhances the production of images and triggers the unconscious, which stimulates the emotions. Research suggests that the physiological impact of relaxation may be the result of its effects on cortisol, a hormone released by the body in response to stress. Although the release of cortisol is helpful during the "fight or flight" response, its continual, prolonged release in response to daily stresses can inhibit the immune system and slow tissue repair.
Imagery can enhance coping with lifestyle changes (i.e. losses, job changes, and illnesses), relationships and attitude adjustments. It may be of assistance with weight loss programs, smoking cessation or with conditions that require medical or surgical interventions. It can be an avenue to identify and communicate one's inner most feelings and be beneficial to anyone needing assistance with a stressful or difficult time.
Clinical studies have indicated that encouraging patients to listen to imagery during anesthesia induction and/or medical or surgical procedures has decreased anxiety and stress levels significantly. It has been demonstrated to reduce the need for large doses of medication, thus reducing side effects and decreasing the recovery time frame.
Research has shown that guided imagery may:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Decrease pain
- Decrease side effects
- Decrease blood pressure
- Decrease blood glucose levels (Diabetes)
- Decrease allergy and respiratory symptoms
- Decrease the severity of headaches
- Decrease hospital costs
- Enhance bone and wound healing
- Enhance sleep
- Enhance self confidence
- Assist in losses (job, divorces, death)
- Enhance quality of life
It has also been shown to be of assistance with procedures such as:
- Biopsy
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Angioplasty
- Colonoscopy
- Dental Procedures
Guided imagery is a simple, low cost tool that has been demonstrated to increase dignity, self-esteem, independence, and control that is often lost when faced with emotional trauma or illness.
Many physicians have begun to put aside their skepticism and encourage the use of guided imagery tapes to enhance their patient outcomes. It has a marked impact on quality of care, staff, patient and family satisfaction.
Guided imagery is a way of purposely diverting and focusing the person's thoughts. Initially, it begins by obtaining a level of peace and relaxation then shifts the attention away from the "external environment" to the mind by way of a soothing yet compelling story.
Current research supports the efficiency and power of imagery not only as a therapeutic intervention but a standard of care in many institutions nationally and internationally. Guided imagery is not an alternative to medical or surgical treatment. It is an inexpensive yet powerful tool to assist patients and their family to cope in stressful and challenging times. It is not meant to be a replacement for the nurse, family, clergy or physician. It is an enhancement and extension of the health care team.
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