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IMAGINE YOURSELF WELL
(Adapted from Martin Rossman, MD and the Academy for Guided Imagery)
You have the ability to create special imagery to alleviate specific
symptoms or illnesses. Use any image that is strong and vivid
for you (this often involves using all your senses to create
the image), and one that is meaningful to you. The image does
not have to be physiologically accurate for it to work. Just
use your imagination and trust yourself. Here are examples of
images that some people have found useful. Use any of these images,
or make up your own:
Tension and stress
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A tight, twisted rope slowly untwists
- Wax softens and melts
- Tension swirls out of your body and down the drain
Healing of cuts and injuries
-
Plaster covers over a crack in a wall
- Cells and fibers stick together with superglue
- A shoe is laced up tight
- Jigsaw puzzle pieces come together
Infections
-
White blood cells with flashing red sirens arrest and imprison
harmful germs
- An army equipped with powerful anti-biotic missiles attacks enemy
germs
- A hot flame chases germs out of your entire body
Overactive immune system e.g. allergies, asthma, arthritis, etc.
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Hyperalert immune cells in the fire station are reassured that
the allergens have triggered a false alarm, and they can go back
to playing their game of poker.
- The civil war ends with the warring sides agreeing not to attack
their fellow citizens.
Pain
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All of the pain is placed in a large, strong metal box, closed,
sealed tightly and locked with a huge, strong padlock
- You grasp the TV remote control and slowly turn down the pain volume
until you can barely hear it; then it disappears entirely
- The pain is washed away by a cool, calm river flowing through your
entire body
Depression
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Your troubles and feelings of sadness are attached to big colorful
helium balloons, and are floating off into a clear blue sky.
- A strong, warm sun breaks through dark clouds
- You feel a sense of detachment and lightness, enabling you to float
easily through your day
Behavior change
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If you are somewhat shy, imagine a vivid, detailed picture of yourself
walking up to people and chatting with them confidently
- If you want to be more physically active, see yourself walking
in the park, riding a bike, taking a dance class, or joining
a sports team
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