Touted by some as a panacea to all that ails you and condemned by others as a complete hoax, guided imagery is a complimentary therapy that many of us wonder about. How do you do it? Does it really work? Is it dangerous, and are there any side effects?

Guided imagery is also often referred to as guided visualization, biofeedback, guided meditation, or a stress management or relaxation technique. While each of these modalities have special nuances, for the general scope of this article, we'll use the term guided imagery.

Guided imagery is a technique used to focus the mind and direct the imagination. While in a relaxed state, we allow images or thoughts to guide our bodies or actions to a desired result. There are many professional recordings we can use to assist us, or we can seek outside help. Guided imagery, therefore, can range from something as simple as a brief daydream or calming thought to an elaborate "session" with a counselor, therapist or other trained professional.

In some sense, we all practice guided imagery from time to time on our own. If you think back to a particularly stressful situation, you may have tried to visualize a peaceful meadow, or perhaps a beautiful sunset, in an attempt to stay calm. This is one of the most simple forms of guided imagery, and we all do it almost by instinct.

There is a difference, however, in that our brief calming thought probably only involves our visual sense, whereas true guided imagery "guides" us to involve all of our senses. If you think of imagery as the conduit between our minds and our bodies, this may help. By suggesting simple images or thoughts to the mind, complex messages are transferred to the body. Does this mean that if your therapist asked you to visualize a lemon, and then began to describe it in sensory detail, you would actually taste the lemon that is being visualized? Some people can, and studies have shown people will actually salivate in anticipation of the tartness of the lemon.

Guided imagery speaks to the concept of the body-mind connection, and has been proven effective not only in reducing emotional stress and anxiety, but also in such tangible areas as lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart rate.

According to the Academy of Guided Imagery, one of the primary uses of guided imagery is for relaxation and stress reduction. The techniques used for this type of guided imagery are simple to learn and easy to put into practice. When I was first diagnosed, and basically hysterical, the nurse practitioner at our cancer center handed me a copy of Anxiety Relief, a guided imagery CD by Martin Rossman, M.D., one of the preeminent authorities on guided imagery today. During those first few weeks after my diagnosis, I used that CD at least three or four times a day, and even now, a year later, I use it on a regular basis. Invariably, when I am a stressed-out and worried wreck, it takes about five minutes of listening to Dr. Rossman's soothing voice and common sense solutions to bring me back to sanity.

A second type of guided imagery, according to the Academy of Guided Imagery, is directed imagery, or active visualization. This involves imagining a specific outcome. Often used as an adjunct to surgery or other cancer treatments, this type of guided imagery gives the patient a sense of control and participation in the healing process. As I approached both of my surgery dates, I again turned to Dr. Rossman's expertise. Preparing for Surgery was the CD that I chose for this guided imagery, and I used it regularly for two or three weeks prior to each surgery. Without trying to sound like a snake oil salesman here, I have to say that I sailed through both surgeries with flying colors, and barely a bump in the road, so to speak. I don't know if some of that was due to the guided imagery, but I'm positive it didn't hurt. I felt in control of my situation, empowered, and most of all, I was not afraid. And that's huge when you're fighting the battle of your life.

There is no one "right" way to achieve the beneficial results of guided imagery. There are many excellent CDs to choose from, as well as doctors, therapists and coaches specially trained in the proper techniques. I refer to Dr. Rossman in this article because I can vouch for his products personally.

Click here to buy Anxiety Relief by Martin Rossman, M.D. Anxiety Relief

Click here to by Preparing for Surgery by Martin Rossman, M.D. Preparing for Surgery