The Healing Power of Imagery
Guided and Interactive Imagery by Nancy Nelson, RN, NP -6/2005-
We all have images of people we know, people we’ve never met, events we’ve experienced and those we’d like to experience, places we have read about or perhaps just dreamed up. Memories, dreams, fantasies, worries and plans all involve imagery. Imagery is a natural thought process using one or more of the five senses and usually associated with emotions. The processes in writing, painting, or developing a new idea cannot take place without imagery coming into play. One first imagines, then creates.
Although imagery is a natural process, few of us have ever had a real education in learning how to use it for healing. Take a few moments to close your eyes and imagine biting down on a piece of lemon. Feel the juice squirt in your mouth. Now swallow the juice. Did you begin to salivate or get a sour taste in your mouth? Many people do. This is an example of how imagery works.
The human body does not know the difference between whether you are imaging biting into the lemon or whether you are actually biting into the lemon. The same physiologic responses occur. Another example is when you worry about something that you may anticipate happening. As a result, your brain produces chemicals associated with an anxious state. When you choose to direct your mind toward some beneficial result, as opposed to worrying, you can activate your own healing response.
It is estimated that 80% of illness is caused or made worse by stress. Both guided and interactive imagery are mind-body interventions aimed at easing stress, and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility. It is a process of incorporating the “power of the mind” to assist the body to heal, maintain health or relax by way of inner communication involving all senses. It forms a balance between the body, mind, and spirit.
Guided and interactive imagery are both therapeutic and beneficial but they differ in approach and depth of mind-body interaction. Whereas guided imagery is pre-scripted, interactive imagery takes the process to an even deeper level by eliciting and working with the person’s own images. This process is best facilitated by a practitioner guiding a person to bring to mind an image and then directly interacting with this image, often in dialogue. This is a meaningful and self-empowering way to use imagery because it taps into one’s own inner resources.
The first skill most people learn with imagery is using it to relax. Regular interruption of chronic stress with a combination of relaxation techniques and “mini vacations” or visits to a special place of healing can sustain or create a positive mood and increase your level of energy and ability to cope with daily challenges. Beyond relaxation, imagery can be used to stimulate your immune system and improve blood flow to areas of the body, two major mechanisms of healing. Research has shown that imagery improves outcomes in wound healing, length of hospital stay, control of pain, anxiety, and use of medications.
Imagery can stimulate your creativity and help you find solutions to difficult problems. An imaginary conversation with a wise and helpful guide will often provide creative and useful solutions to difficult problems, and if problems are not solvable, it can provide internal support.
Imagery can also be very beneficial for weight loss by allowing people to envision how manageable lowering weight is and what they would look like at their preferred weight. Imagery helps build confidence to reduce the emotions that fuel overeating. Whether for problem solving, healing, relaxation or self-development, learning to use your imagination skillfully can be one of the best investments you will ever make with your time.
