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Guided Imagery

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Guided imagery uses your imagination along with breathing exercises to help you reach a state of deep relaxation, emotional calm, and feelings of being in control.

Benefits

It is a safe, non-drug technique that can help some people cope with stress, anxiety and side affects such as pain and nausea caused from treatments for cancer. Guided imagery is also used to reduce anxiety related to upcoming medical procedures. It can also be helpful in preparing for stressful events like medical interventions or treatments

What's Involved?

Guided imagery begins with relaxation, meditation or a breathing exercise. After this, the participant is encouraged to develop an image suggesting relaxation or safety. Focusing on the senses (smell, sound, touch, taste, and sight), guided imagery strives to recreate the pleasant state that these images represent. Tapes or guided sessions last approximately 30 - 60 minutes, although they can be done in just a few minutes to help with relaxation.

Choosing a Practitioner

You can participate in guided imagery independently, with tape or with practitioner. Many professionals in the medical setting, such as nursing or social work, have been trained in guided imagery. Tapes are also available in treatment areas of UMCC. For more information on choosing what is right for you:

Academy for Guided Imagery
P.O. Box 2070
Mill Valley CA 94942

Cost and Coverage

Complimentary guided imagery tapes to help with chemotherapy and radiation treatments are available for use in the Cancer Center. You can also purchase your own guided imagery tapes and/or c.d.'s. Prices range from $10 - $15. For more information or recommendations visit www.healthy.net/agi or contact Academy for Guided Imagery, P.O. Box 2070, Mill Valley CA 94942

 

See also: Workshop Schedule

updated 02/06

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Read Finding the Calm Within
an article about the benefits of Guided Imagery

See Also:

• Acupressure
• Acupuncture
• Journaling
• Academy for Guided Imagery

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center