The Top 10 Guidelines for Using Guided Imagery to Heal Breast Cancer

Originally Submitted on 10/8/2003.

Breast Cancer treatment can be frightening and painful. Used in conjunction with traditional medical treatment, guided imagery, or creative visualization, may accelerate the growth of healthy cells, and intensify the positive outcomes of cancer treatment. By using this proven technique to program the mind, you can influence your body. Your cells will reproduce healthy cells if you consistently use powerful imagery. Below are the ten guidelines for creating effective guided imagery.

1. Get comfortable.

Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Loosen any tight clothing. Take the phone off the hook. Place an "I'm relaxing" sign on the door so you won't be disturbed.

2. Relax deeply.

Start by taking a few deep breaths. Begin relaxing every part of your body starting with your toes. Tighten and release muscles, one body part at a time, until you have reached your scalp. Then in your mind, count down from 10 to 1, relaxing more deeply with each count.

3. Think of something you want.

It could be something you want to have, be, do, or experience. Keep it positive. Perhaps you are hiking in the woods, swimming, working on something you love to do, playing with children, or making love with your partner. Anything which brings you significant joy will work.

4. Feel the excitement.

Pay attention to the energy flow in your body as you let yourself feel the wonder and appreciation of having your life be exactly the way you want. Feel your positive attitude and the joys of living a healthy life.

5. Imagine.

See everything you want happening right now. Imagine how thrilled your friends or family are, when they see you this new way. Notice what is happening to your body, what you are able to do. Hear what people are saying, what you are saying. See the details like a child, planning the perfect birthday party. See, feel, hear, know... colors, sounds, sensations, smells.

6. Affirm.

Make positive statements now and throughout the day to reinforce your
experience. Use descriptive, positive, embellishing words. Keep the sentences short and full of feeling.

7. Ignore.

Disregard all doubting and contradictory thoughts. Just keep refocusing on the positive outcome you've been imagining.

8. Let go.

Trust the process. Let go of concerns about how this can happen, or why. Let your visualization and images be playful. Let go of wanting a particular outcome.

9. Enjoy.

Each practice period lasts only as long as you are enjoying the experience. It's best to practice at the same time(s) every day. Choose a specific time and stick to it; 10-20 minutes is optimal.

10. Get a coach.

Hiring a trained hypnotherapist/coach to help you create and practice your visualizations and guided imagery, can make your use of the technique more fun, satisfying and rewarding.

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About the Submitter

She is the Founding Director of the BreastCancerSupportCenter.org, who can be reached at t@BreastCancerCoach.com

. The original source is: Talasteena Miller, M.Ed., The Breast Cancer Coach.

This content may be forwarded in full, with copyright, contact, and creation information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit context. For other uses, permission in writing from CoachVille is required. Questions: email topten@coachville.com

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