How to Relieve Pain Through Guided Imagery
The theory behind guided imagery is that--since the mind affects the body--deliberately thinking positive thoughts will help heal the body. It is believed that the mind is powerful enough to relieve the body of physical ailments if the mind is reinforced with enough positive imagery. Those suffering from chronic pain (such as arthritis) or temporary pain (such as the discomfort associated with cancer treatments) may find guided imagery a way to relieve their symptoms.
Things You'll Need:
Space where you won't be disturbed
Computer with Internet access
Guided imagery practitioner
Decide if Guided Imagery is for You
1
Learn that guided imagery was used by ancient peoples to heal the body, relieve stress and reduce pain. It is practiced today by many people, though its restorative effects are not yet recognized by the medical community.
2
Decide on which kind of guided therapy you want to practice to relieve pain. You can practice with a professional guide, either one-on-one or in a group. You can purchase an audio recording of a professional and practice in a place comfortable for you. Lastly, you can be self-contained and use your imagination to guide your images.
3
Get the answers you need before undergoing treatment. Visit Web sites like InteliHealth to learn about the history, practice and potential dangers of this technique (see Resources below).
4
Read the advice of experts. Find books like 'Image-Guided Pain Management' by P. Sebastian Thomas at Amazon.com. A number of books discuss guided imagery for specific conditions, such as burn trauma, cancer or eldercare.
Treat Your Pain with Professional Help
1
Visit a search engine that specializes in guided imagery practitioners to find one. A good search engine is available at Worldwidehealthcenter.net (see Resources below).
2
Explain the nature of your pain when you speak with the practitioner(s) over the phone or via email. Some guided imagery therapists may specialize in a certain area of pain management, such as guided imagery for cancer patients.
Tips & Warnings
The cost for guided imagery fluctuates from being free to moderately priced. It depends on if you practice by yourself, with
DVD
or audio aids or with a professional. If you're working with a professional, ask about current rates.
Since guided imagery can be practiced virtually anywhere, some people are tempted to focus on images during times when they should be focusing on the task at hand. Only practice guided imagery when you are in a suitable place and not while driving or operating machinery.
The mind-body link isn't always a positive one, especially when the mind is bombarded with negative images. Try to eradicate negative thoughts and worries in addition to boosting your level of positive thoughts.
Visit an ER or doctor right away if you are experiencing hallucinations. These could be a sign of mental illness, or they could be a sign of a brain tumor.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners are licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider and keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2033186_relieve-pain-through.html
The theory behind guided imagery is that--since the mind affects the body--deliberately thinking positive thoughts will help heal the body. It is believed that the mind is powerful enough to relieve the body of physical ailments if the mind is reinforced with enough positive imagery. Those suffering from chronic pain (such as arthritis) or temporary pain (such as the discomfort associated with cancer treatments) may find guided imagery a way to relieve their symptoms.
Things You'll Need:
Space where you won't be disturbed
Computer with Internet access
Guided imagery practitioner
Decide if Guided Imagery is for You
1
Learn that guided imagery was used by ancient peoples to heal the body, relieve stress and reduce pain. It is practiced today by many people, though its restorative effects are not yet recognized by the medical community.
2
Decide on which kind of guided therapy you want to practice to relieve pain. You can practice with a professional guide, either one-on-one or in a group. You can purchase an audio recording of a professional and practice in a place comfortable for you. Lastly, you can be self-contained and use your imagination to guide your images.
3
Get the answers you need before undergoing treatment. Visit Web sites like InteliHealth to learn about the history, practice and potential dangers of this technique (see Resources below).
4
Read the advice of experts. Find books like 'Image-Guided Pain Management' by P. Sebastian Thomas at Amazon.com. A number of books discuss guided imagery for specific conditions, such as burn trauma, cancer or eldercare.
Treat Your Pain with Professional Help
1
Visit a search engine that specializes in guided imagery practitioners to find one. A good search engine is available at Worldwidehealthcenter.net (see Resources below).
2
Explain the nature of your pain when you speak with the practitioner(s) over the phone or via email. Some guided imagery therapists may specialize in a certain area of pain management, such as guided imagery for cancer patients.
Tips & Warnings
The cost for guided imagery fluctuates from being free to moderately priced. It depends on if you practice by yourself, with
DVD
or audio aids or with a professional. If you're working with a professional, ask about current rates.
Since guided imagery can be practiced virtually anywhere, some people are tempted to focus on images during times when they should be focusing on the task at hand. Only practice guided imagery when you are in a suitable place and not while driving or operating machinery.
The mind-body link isn't always a positive one, especially when the mind is bombarded with negative images. Try to eradicate negative thoughts and worries in addition to boosting your level of positive thoughts.
Visit an ER or doctor right away if you are experiencing hallucinations. These could be a sign of mental illness, or they could be a sign of a brain tumor.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners are licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider and keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2033186_relieve-pain-through.html
