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Professional /
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Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine /
... /
Guided Imagery /
IN THIS TOPIC

Uses for Guided Imagery

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine
Overview of Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine
Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture
Ayurveda
Biofeedback
Chelation Therapy
Chiropractic
Cupping
Diet Therapy
Guided Imagery
Homeopathy
Hypnotherapy
Magnets
Massage Therapy
Meditation
Moxibustion
Naturopathy
Reflexology
Reiki
Relaxation Techniques
Scraping
Therapeutic Touch
Traditional Chinese Medicine

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Test your knowledge

Mind-Body Medicine
There is abundant scientific evidence that mind-body techniques such as guided imagery and meditation are useful in helping patients manage which of the following conditions? 
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Guided Imagery

By

Denise Millstine

, MD,

  • Mayo Clinic

Last full review/revision Sep 2018| Content last modified Sep 2018
Click here for Patient Education

Guided imagery, a type of mind-body medicine, involves using mental images, self-directed or guided, to help patients relax (eg, before a procedure) and to promote wellness and healing (to try to effect physical changes—eg, by mobilizing the immune system). The images can involve any of the senses.

(See also Overview of Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine.)

Uses for Guided Imagery

Imagery used with relaxation techniques (muscle relaxation and deep breathing) may help reduce pain and improve quality of life and treatment tolerance in patients with cancer. Imagery has also been used in patients with psychologic trauma, including ICU admission.

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Diet Therapy
Homeopathy
Professionals also read
Relaxation Techniques Relaxation Techniques
Naturopathy Naturopathy
Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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