Using Imagery to Improve your Mood
Posted on April 3rd, 2007 by garyPosted in Health
Using directed thoughts and images to elicit a desired physiological response in the body is called guided imagery. By using tapes, CDs, scripts or with the help of an instructor, a person can use guided imagery to increase mental clarity, maintain health, or quicken recovery from illness or injury.
Guided Imagery promotes and engages the relaxation response- what psychologists call the state of deep relaxation that slows your heart rate and breathing, loosens your muscles, and leaves you calm, focused and refreshed. It can help you beat stress and improve your mood.
There are two parts to our brain. One part thinks as we are accustomed to thinking, with words and logic. The other part thinks in terms of images and feelings. When we communicate consciously with our bodies, we typically use our verbal-logic language, which connects directly with the voluntary nervous system. So if you want to sit down- you think- “sit down” and your voluntary nervous systems coordinates all the necessary muscles to sit down.
Visual imagery, through communication with the involuntary nervous system defines the psychological processes working outside of conscious awareness. The involuntary nervous system regulates heartbeat, breathing, immune and inflammatory responses, tissue repair and regeneration, digestion and other bodily functions. These processed happen automatically occur but we can direct images to influence and change the unconscious working of our involuntary nervous system.
Throughout the day, our brains process thousands of images. When the images are positive we likely feel healthy and stable. But negative images we can feel at risk and our body’s response to the perceived danger can lead to illness.
The most common imagery that affects are health is worry. While you are worrying your body is overworking, imagining images as if they were real. You focus on thoughts of danger and pain or failure. The imagined events may or may not come to pass. Worry and stress triggers your fight or flight response. Your heart beats faster; more blood is bumped to muscles that are already tense. Your body releases hormones that give you a burst of energy. Your body increases cortisol production which suppresses your immune system.
If this fight-or-flight response if activated for a long time it can become unhealthy. It can leave your body susceptible to illness. You are depressing your immune system and working your heart harder. It is estimated that as many as 85% of all medical problems are caused by stress.
By using guided imagery we can gain some control over our bodies. We can reduce daily stress and worry. Positive images promote mental clarity and help our muscles relax, our breathing slow down and our pulse rate decrease. We learn a relaxation response. A state of relaxation can be a place of power for someone. It can be the safest place they can imagine. The person can go there to achieve a specific goal like heal an injury, prepare for an athletic event, maintain health or quit smoking.
Guided imagery can have positive effects for those suffering from a severe medical condition or facing surgery. A 2006 study published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery indicates that guided imagery significantly reduced post surgical pain and tension when patients were treated before and after surgery.
Guided imagery can be useful to anyone who feels stressed. It gives the body a chance to rest. It is already part of the fast growing field of integrative medicine, where conventional medical care incorporates alternative treatments in a balanced approach to wellness. It is part of an overall commitment to health and wellness and should be used with diet and bodywork.
Guided imagery works best when you can close your eyes and listen to another voice. CDs and tapes can provide a series of sessions and exercises. You can work it into your daily life for a healthier mind and body. The more you interact with your own mind, the more quickly and effectively you will use it to improve your health.
Popularity: 5% [?]
