Guided imagery: Techniques, benefits, and more – Medical News Today

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves dwelling on a positive mental image or scene. It is a tool that psychotherapists use, but a person can also teach it to themselves and use it at any time.

This technique is sometimes called visualization, or guided meditation. There are many benefits to using guided imagery, such as reducing stress or improving a person’s sense of well-being.

People intentionally visualize peaceful scenarios or images. While one person might choose to visualize a pleasant scene, some individuals use other means, such as picturing white blood cells fighting illness and imagining the desired outcome.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and techniques of guided imagery, as well as a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique. People who try guided imagery might picture events, scenes, or other things that will cause feelings of relaxation and calm.

Relaxation techniques are generally safe for healthy people to use. The aim of relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery, is to stimulate the body’s natural relaxation response. This response might include the following physiological changes:

• slower breathing
• lower blood pressure
• reduced heart rate

A few studies suggest the intervention may have the following benefits:

Relieves pain

Guided imagery can help distract someone from pain.

For example, arthritis and other rheumatoid diseases (AORD) typically involve pain and inflammation in the joints. Due to the side effects of drug treatment, many people with AORD might try psychosocial strategies, such as guided imagery to ease their pain. Some research suggests that guided imagery is effective in managing pain in people with AORD-related health conditions.

Alleviates stress

Guided imagery may help relieve chronic stress, a problem that can have harmful effects on the brain and the body.

Research looking into the effect of guided imagery on 35 pregnant teenagers, found a reduction in short- or long-term stress. This supports the use of guided imagery for stress management in some people.

Another research study examining the effect of guided imagery on 111 teenagers, found that guided imagery delivered in a group format reduces levels of cortisol in saliva and feelings of stress. Chronic stress may cause a slight increase in the levels of …….

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/guided-imagery