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Benefits of Using Guided Imagery

by Jerry Rothman, LCSW, Ph.D.

The research of Hans Selye and Herbert Benson have had significant impacts on the way in which the medical profession views stress and relaxation. Selye detailed a "Generalized Stress Response" which is common to al organisms. The chemical composition of the brain and the book are changed, blood flows from the periphery to the core of the body, adrenalin, hormones, and other chemicals are released, muscles tense, and to the core of the body, adrenalin, hormones, and other chemicals are released, muscles tense, and perception becomes hyperalert. In the natural state all of this is discharged and the organism returns to homeostasis using either option: fight or flight. Either option involves a physical, muscular discharge of tension.

The problem for so-called civilized human beings, is that we often respond to stressors with the fight or flight response, but we rarely can discharge the tension. In most cases we are unable to flee and unable to fight. We can't just gallop away from our job, our partner, our friends, nor can we punch them in the nose. Thus we need a way of discharging the muscular tension, the chemical buildup, the cardiovascular changes, and the hypervigilent mental/perceptual state of the fight or flight response.

The research of Dr. Herbert Benson of the Harvard Medical School, illuminates the way of resolution. Benson explored a "relaxation response" which discharges or neutralizes the stress. By staying in a deeper state of consciousness for a minimum of 20 minutes, we can lower blood pressure and begin the process of reversing the fight or light buildup. Imagery is one way to enter a deeper state of consciousness to help ourselves manage stress.

Another benefit of Guided Imagery is that there are no undesirable physical side effects. This may be especially important for certain populations where drugs are contraindicated. For example, chronic drug abusers often cannot be trusted to use drugs as directed. Patients with multiple prescriptions such as the elderly, may need to avoid adding more drugs. Children who take certain commonly prescribed drugs, may have trouble in school since some of these medications may interfere with cognitive processes.

Finally the use of Imagery often increases bonding and openness to suggestion between the guide and the follower. This would be important in cases where painful, intrusive therapies are unavoidable.

Thus, using Imagery for pain management has a number of significant benefits for the patient such as healthful physiological changes, lack of physical side effects, and increased bonding with added openness to professional suggestion.*

*If you have interest in learning more about the uses of Guided Imagery please contact us.

*If you would like to see a list of available guided imagery audio tapes click here.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print the list of guided imagery tapes. This is a free download at the Adobe web site.

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