...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 tranquility 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, (ie angina, blood pressure, blood sugar, cardiac symptoms, headaches, pain, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory conditions, etc).