Mind-Body Therapy: Types of Guided Imagery

Mind-body therapy teaches a patient how to use their mental processes to bring about healing. One form of mind body therapy is called guided imagery. With guided imagery, a patient uses mental images to change negative attitudes and make positive physiologic changes. Guided imagery can be used for pain management, easing worries, quitting smoking, and losing weight. There a several types of guided imagery that can be used when practicing mind-body therapy.

Cellular type guided imagery

Cellular guided imagery allows the patient to focus on changes at the cellular level. For example, if you have cancer, you can imagine white blood cells surrounding and killing the cancer cells.

End state type guided imagery

With end state guided imagery, the patient imagines what a positive outcome to his problem(s) will be. If you are beginning lengthy physical therapy after a car accident, you can picture yourself one day walking down the street without troubles. Or if you are overweight, imagine yourself at your ideal weight wearing smaller size clothing.

Energetic type guided imagery

A patient using energetic guided imagery would picture his body receiving energy. This would be especially helpful if you were feeling were very lethargic. You could imagine yourself pulling needed energy into your body from the sun's rays.

Feeling state type guided imagery

This is popular form of guided imagery. A patient uses feeling state guided imagery to envision himself in a peaceful setting during a time of stress or tension. For example, imagine sitting on the beach or lying in a hammock after a stressful day at work or home with a few rowdy kids.

Physiologic type guided imagery

With physiologic guided imagery, the patient imagines his body healing itself. You can imagine your blood vessels relaxed to lower blood pressure. Or you can picture your sinuses cleared to relieve congestion.

Spiritual type guided imagery

This is also a very popular form of guided imagery. The patient imagines himself making contact with God or some other form of divinity for healing or a feeling of relief. Imagine God's hand on your shoulder to ease physical pain or bring comfort after the death of a loved one.

Note: According to WebMD, guided imagery is safe, however it should not be used in place of traditional medical treatments.

Sources:

Audrey Berman, Shirlee J Snyder, Barbara Kozier, Glenora Erb, Kozier and Erb's Fundamentals of Nursing: Concepts, Process, and Practice 8^th edition, Chapter 19 Contemporary and Alternative Healing Modalities, pp338-339

Guided Imagery, WebMd.com Stress Management Health Center, June 30, 2009