PAGE CONTENTS
(1) Brief overview
(2) Introductions to guided imagery
(3) Free online guided imagery recordings
(4) Guided imagery recordings for sale
(5) Books
(6) Guided imagery for pain management
(1) Brief overview: Guided Imagery is a technique that can be used to harness the power of the human imagination to influence mental and physical well-being. There is research evidence that the use of guided imagery can reduce stress and anxiety, and may be helpful in reducing the perceived intensity of pain. Guided imagery is regarded by some to be a form of hypnosis. It can be administered by a health professional or via recordings, and can also be self-administered.
For those who are skeptical about the positive power of guided imagery, consider how powerful imagery can be in influencing negative states of mind, such as anxiety and anger. If just imagining upsetting situations can cause these emotions, why would imagining pleasant situations be any less powerful?
This page provides links to more information about guided imagery, as well as links to free online recordings.
(2) Introductions to guided imagery
What is guided imagery? [From Health Journeys]
Overview of guided imagery, by Andrew Weill, MD
(3) Free online guided imagery recordings
Guided Imagery Podcasts: From Kaiser Permanente, and produced by Belleruth Naparstek of Health Journeys. For health conditions, emotional wellness, and living healthier. Includes recordings for: Fibromyalgia and fatigue; Headaches; Pain; Anger and forgiveness; Grief; Panic attacks and anxiety; Self confidence; Stress; Relaxation and wellness; Sleep; Stop smoking; Weight loss)
Guided Imagery Practices: From the Center for Integrative Health and Wellness, at Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University. Includes recordings for: breathing; easing pain; progressive muscle relaxation; safe place; sleep; and mindful self-awareness. The Center also has recordings for: eliciting the relaxation response; mindfulness practice; "heard-centered" practices (compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, and loving kindness).
University of Houston - Clear Lake: Counseling Center
Guided Body Scan Meditation, by MeditationCoach.com
MindBody Lab – Audio Relaxation, by the University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center.
Deep Breathing Exercise (7 minutes)
Muscle Relaxation Exercise (18 minutes)
Forest Imagery Visualization Exercise (19 minutes)
Cruise Imagery Visualization Exercise (12 minutes)
Mindful Meditation Audio Exercises, by the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
Relaxation Exercises, by the National Center for Telehealth
(4) Guided imagery recordings for sale
Health Journeys: A company that produces high quality guided imagery and guided meditation recordings. Many of them are narrated by Belleruth Naparstek. A sample guided imagery MP3. Online store.
Academy for Guided Imagery - Online Store.
The Healing Mind (Dr. Marty Rossman)
Guided Imagery, Inc. (Diane L. Tusek, RN)
Dr. Emmett Miller: Guided Imagery & Meditation recordings. Letting Go Of Stress (CD)
(5) Books
Guided Imagery for Self-Healing, by Martin L. Rossman (2000)
(6) Guided imagery for pain management
Raising Pain Tolerance Using Guided Imagery, By David E. Bresler, PhD, LAc.