Guided imagery Health Article

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Headache: Initial research suggests that guided imagery may provide added benefits when used at the same time as standard medical care for migraine or tension headache. Further study is needed before a strong conclusion can be drawn.
Grade: B

Pain: Early research suggests that guided imagery may help reduce cancer pain, intravenous needle pain, nerve pain from spinal cord damage, or lower postoperative pain ratings in children. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Grade: B

Anxiety and wound healing after surgery: Initial evidence suggests that guided imagery relaxation audiotapes may reduce anxiety after surgeries, and may improve healing. More study is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.
Grade: C

Anxiety/depression in multiple sclerosis: Early research suggests that the use of imagery may reduce anxiety but not depression or physical symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. Additional research would be helpful in this area.
Grade: C

Bulimia nervosa: Evidence from early research suggests that guided imagery may be an effective treatment for bulimia nervosa, at least in the short-term. Further study is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Grade: C

Fibromyalgia: Initial research suggests possible reductions in pain and improvements in functioning.
Grade: C

General health maintenance: Although guided-imagery meditation is popularly used with yoga for general health maintenance, there is not enough scientific evidence in this area.
Grade: C

Insomnia: Early research supports the value of combined pharmacotherapy and relaxation training in the treatment of insomnia. Further research is necessary in order to make a firm recommendation.
Grade: C

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Cognitive-behavioral interventions for pain may be an effective adjunct to standard pharmacologic interventions for pain in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Grade: C

Memory: Early research suggests that guided imagery of short duration may improve working memory performance. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Grade: C

Osteoarthritis: Early research suggests a reduction in pain and mobility difficulties in patients with osteoarthritis. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Grade: C

Quality of life in cancer patients: Preliminary studies suggest that quality of life and sense of comfort may be improved by guided imagery techniques such as relaxation/imagery training tapes. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Grade: C

Quality of life in HIV patients: Initial evidence suggests that occasional use of guided imagery techniques may improve quality of life in people with HIV. Additional research is needed in this area before a recommendation can be made.
Grade: C

Relaxation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A small study reports increased relaxation outcomes in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) who use guided imagery techniques. Additional research is needed to confirm these results.
Grade: C

Smoking cessation: Based on early study, guided imagery in addition to education and counseling sessions may be helpful for long-term smoking cessation and abstinence in adult smokers. Further study is needed to confirm these results.
Grade: C

Upper respiratory tract infections: Preliminary research in children suggests that stress management and relaxation with guided imagery may reduce the duration of symptoms due to upper respiratory tract infections. Additional research is needed to confirm these results.
Grade: C

Catheterization / percutaneous coronary intervention: Masked prayer, music, imagery, and touch (combined) therapy did not significantly improve clinical outcome after elective catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention in a recent study.
Grade: D

Congestive heart failure: Preliminary research reports no benefits of guided imagery in congestive heart failure.
Grade: D