Using images for healing has been practiced by shamans, ancient Greeks, modern day psychologists, doctors and health providers for over a thousand years. Images are the language that allow the body-mind to communicate. And we can tap into this communication!
The next time you have a pain somewhere, ask the area what is wrong? The answer most likely will come in the form of an image. Images can be used to help heal us both psychologically and physically. Cancer outcomes can be improved by using Guided Imagery techniques. Chronic pain can be lessened or better controlled using Guided Imagery. And Guided Imagery can help us become more receptive or less overwhelmed when receiving medical interventions.
Carl Jung taught us about active imagination. This too works by using images to communicate with our body/mind and our unconscious thoughts. When you have a dream and you wish to know more, you can continue the dream by consciously communicating with one of the dream figures. Initially, it might be best to be taught the technique, but once you’ve done it a few times, it’s likely you can continue on your own. The dream images often have information for us that would be useful to us, but that we are presently unaware of.
From preparing for chemotherapy to learning relaxation techniques for anxiety, imagery is being used in the healing profession – but not often enough from my point of view. Guided imagery tapes can help you prepare for medical interventions, including surgery, or help one heal once a diagnosis has been made.
Interactive Guided Imagery is done by having someone personally guide you to the healing that you specifically need. It is done in real time; not from a tape. From the Academy of Guided Imagery website:
Interactive Guided Imagery℠ is an innovative process that includes all the features of guided imagery and adds the important element of interactivity to the mix. IGI℠ works directly with the images that arise from the individual’s own imagination and inner wisdom. These images reflect the inner workings of one’s own healing processes, and often permit access to critical information about the issue at hand. With IGI℠, the Interactive Imagery Guide℠ assists the client in learning to access and utilize the insights, resources, and solutions that arise from their own unconscious.
If you would like to learn more about this powerful therapeutic tool, Martin Rossman MD and David Bressler PhD have both written books about the technique. They also offer trainings for healthcare professionals. If you are interested in an Interactive Guided Imagery session please email Erika who has been certified by these professionals and has practiced for decades in this area of healing.
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