Parkinson's Disease and Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is a proven form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between the mind and body. Guided imagery coaches you in creating calm, peaceful images in your mind -- a "mental escape" for people with Parkinson's disease.

How Can Guided Imagery Help Parkinson's Disease?

This technique, which can aid any treatment or procedure, provides a powerful psychological strategy that enhances a person's coping skills of patients with Parkinson's disease. Many people dealing with stress feel loss of control, fear, panic, anxiety, helplessness, and uncertainty. Research has shown that guided imagery can dramatically counteract these effects. It can help people overcome stress, anger, pain, depression, insomnia, and other problems often associated with illnesses and medical/surgical procedures. It is clear that stress and depression can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. By using guided imagery, you can stay calm.

In addition to reducing stress and depression, guided imagery can:

• Dramatically decrease pain and the need for pain medication
• Decrease side effects and complications of medical procedures
• Reduce recovery time and shorten hospital stays
• Enhance sleep
• Strengthen the immune system and enhance the ability to heal
• Increase self-confidence and self-control

Guided imagery is not an alternative to medical or surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease, nor is it a cure. Rather, it is an inexpensive, yet powerful way in which you can actively participate in your health care.

How Do I Use Guided Imagery for My Parkinson's Disease?

Identify your self-talk, that is, what you are saying to yourself about what is going on with your Parkinson's disease, whether daily or when preparing for a surgery or procedure. It is important to identify negative self-talk and develop healthy, positive self-talk. This is a powerful way that you can take control of the way you are reacting to the sense of unknown common with Parkinson's disease. You can reduce worry by performing a self-assessment of your emotions. Then take steps to reduce anxiety, reduce unhappiness, and increase your social support.

By making affirmations, you can counteract negative thoughts and emotions. Here are some positive statements you can practice.

• Let go of things I cannot control.
• I am healthy, vital, and strong.
• There is nothing in the world I cannot handle.
• I am not judgmental.
• I forgive and release the past.
• All my needs are met.
• I am completely and utterly safe.
• Every day in every way I am getting stronger.

Where Can I Find Out More About Guided Imagery?

For more information on guided imagery, take a look at the following resources: