1. What is guided imagery?

Guided Imagery is a way to let the mind influence the body in positive, healthy ways. A form of deep meditation, the patient is guided by vocal cues that create uplifting multi-sensory visualization.  Backed by science, this supplemental modality has been gaining popularity for the last few decades. Many in the medical community now suggest Guided Imagery as a way to enhance traditional protocols.

2. What does the research show?

Psychoneuroimmunology looks at the relationship between cognitive/emotional states and the effects on the immune system. Dr. Candace Pert, an internationally recognized neuroscientist and pharmacologist, spent her lifetime linking the thought-immune-disease response with over 250 research articles. In the 80’s, she discovered the existence of neuropeptides, which communicate between the immune system and the mind. Her discoveries validated the communication network between the brain, the glands and the immune system. By bridging science and psychosomatic medicine, she is credited with pioneering the mind-body connection. Dr. Pert’s work opened the door for complementary and alternative therapies like Acupuncture, Acupressure, Guided Imagery to become more widely adopted. As Dr. Pert once said, “Since emotions run the body, don’t underestimate their power to treat and heal.”

You will also find testimonials from physicians and other health practitioners who have used Gail for Guided Imagery throughout this website. Their first-hand experience speaks to the benefits many find prescribing this complementary path for their patients.

There is a robust body of research evidence supporting mind quieting techniques like guided imagery for a variety of health concerns.

3. Who can benefit?

Nearly everyone can benefit from Guided Imagery. Using the power of the mind to help connect with the body often reduces stress that engages the fight or flight response.  For those dealing with overwhelming life or medical issues, feeling relaxed and staying positive allows prescribed medication to be more efficacious and the body’s immune system to be more efficient. Those who suffer from aphantasia are the rare handful of people who genuinely can’t go on an imaginary experiential journey led by someone else.

4. What are the contraindications?

There are no known negative side effects or contraindications with Guided Imagery, except for patients with aphantasia as noted above or those with severe psychiatric disorders.

5. How do I refer?

Please invite any of your patients to reach out through this website. If there are specific side effects from medications, upcoming anxiety about a future surgery or anything that would benefit from a more custom recording, they may want to inquire about a custom guided imagery. Gail often teams up with physicians to create one-of-a-kind suggestions that speak directly to patients with a specific diagnosis, offering them more personalized support on their healing journeys.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to Gail.