Clinical Studies on the Efficacy of Imagery
Imagery has been proven highly effective in the treatment of stress. Imagery is a core component of relaxation techniques designed to stimulate the release of natural brain tranquilizers, which reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety levels. Extensive research suggests that these techniques yield positive results. Given its ability to relax the body, doctors specializing in imagery often recommend it for stress-related conditions like stress-related headaches, chronic pain in the neck and back, high blood pressure, spastic colon, and premenstrual syndrome cramping.
Studies conducted at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio found that individuals with cancer who utilized imagery techniques during chemotherapy reported feeling more relaxed, better prepared for their treatment, and more optimistic about their care compared to those who did not use this method.
Multiple studies indicate that imagery can enhance immunity. Danish researchers observed increased activity of natural killer cells in ten college students who envisioned their immune systems becoming highly effective. Natural killer cells play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and destroying virus-infected cells, tumor cells, and other invaders.
In a smaller study, researchers at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA, and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio discovered that seven people who frequently suffered from canker sores in their mouths significantly reduced the frequency of outbreaks after visualizing their sores being enveloped by soothing white blood cells.
Imagery can also influence menstrual cycles and alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms. In a preliminary study at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, 12 out of 15 women aged 21 to 40 who practiced imagery for three months lengthened their monthly menstrual cycles by nearly four days on average and reduced their perceived levels of premenstrual distress by half. They also reported fewer mood swings.
At the University of South Florida in Tampa, researchers instructed 19 men and women aged 56 to 75 with chronic bronchitis and emphysema to rate their levels of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and discomfort before and after using imagery. The researchers concluded that imagery significantly improved the overall quality of life for these individuals.
A study at Yale revealed that patients battling severe depression experienced improvements when they imagined scenes where they were praised by individuals they admired, a clear boost to their self-esteem.
Visualization and other relaxation methods have the potential to offer significant benefits, especially in pain relief and alleviating depression. Ongoing research aims to explore the possibility of achieving even more remarkable results.
A controlled study involving 55 women examined the effects of imagery and relaxation on breast milk production in mothers of infants in a neonatal intensive care unit. They received a twenty-minute audiotape of progressive relaxation followed by guided imagery of pleasant surroundings, milk flowing in the breasts, and the baby's warm skin against theirs. Those who used imagery produced more than twice as much milk compared to those receiving routine care.
In another study, a group of metastatic cancer patients who practiced daily imagery for a year achieved significant improvements in NK cell activity and several other measures of immune functioning.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that students could employ guided imagery to enhance the function of specific white blood cells called neutrophils, vital immune cells for defense against bacterial and fungal infections. Students could also reduce, though not increase, white blood cell counts. In one instance, imagery aimed at increasing neutrophil count unexpectedly led to a decrease. Subsequently, students were taught imagery specifically designed to maintain neutrophil count while increasing their effectiveness, successfully achieving both goals.
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