The Top 10 The Top 10 Guidelines for Using Guided Imagery to Heal Lymphedema

Originally Submitted on 6/22/2004.

Breast Cancer treatment can be frightening and painful. Lymphedema has its own set of challenges. Used in conjunction with traditional medical treatment, guided imagery, also known as creative visualization, may accelerate the growth of healthy cells, and intensify the positive outcomes of cancer and lymphedema treatment.

By using the proven technique of guided imagery to program your mind, you can influence how your body feels and heals. You can become pain-free. With consistency, your cells can reproduce healthy cells if you use powerful imagery.

Below are 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, in through your nose, out through your mouth. Begin relaxing every part of your body, using the following technique: Starting with your toes, tighten and release each muscle group, one body part at a time, until you have reached your scalp. Then in your mind, imagine yourself at the top of a staircase. Count down from ten to one, relaxing more deeply with each count, as you imagine yourself slowly descending the stairs.

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. This helps to open your heart and relax you even more deeply.

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. Maybe you are swimming, dancing or playing tennis again!

5. Imagine.

Part One: See everything you want happening right now. Imagine how thrilled your friends or family are, when they see you this new way. Healthy and active. 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.

Part Two: Imagine your lymph fluid like a smoothly flowing river. See the color, texture, lightness of it as it flows through your arms and body. Imagine it has a color that you can easily discern. Watch as it flows so easily, so lightly. Its texture so thin and fluid. Embellish this image in any way your mind creates. Feel the cool temperature of your body and the environment. Imagine it is 75 degrees or cooler, and you feel so refreshed.

6. Affirm.

Make positive statements now and throughout the day to reinforce your experience. Use descriptive, positive words. Keep the sentences short and full of feeling. For example, "My lymphatic fluid easily and lightly flows healthfully throughout my body."

7. Ignore.

Disregard all doubting and contradictory thoughts. Just keep refocusing on the positive outcome you've been imagining – the thin fluids flowing lightly and easily.

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 while still anticipating that it will happen.

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 twice a day is optimal.

10. Hire a coach.

Hiring a trained hypnotherapist/coach to help you by phone, to create and practice your visualizations and guided imagery, can make your use of the technique more fun, satisfying and rewarding. You will learn to adapt the images and affirmations to living pain-free, healing your body completely, sleeping without hot flashes awakening you, and other options customized to meet your individual needs.

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About the Submitter

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