TREATMENT DATABASE

Visualization (guided imagery, creative visualization, creative imagery, or mental imagery) is the use of mental images to produce changes in the body.

The use of imagery for healing first drew attention in the 1950s when a cancer patient went into remission after visualizing the disappearance of a tumor. This case fueled a great deal of interest in the medical community and eventually led to the development of visualization techniques geared specifically to certain diseases. While visualization may have enjoyed a reputation as a "miracle cure," it should be remembered that spontaneous remissions are possible with any illness and that "correlation is not causation." Despite its limitations as a treatment, visualization can serve as a useful coping technique.

USES IN ME/CFS: Visualization techniques can be helpful in maintaining a sense of calm. This can be useful for patients who are severely ill or are experiencing a relapse. Some have reported that, much like hypnosis and meditation, visualization helps them control pain and anxiety.

Treatment rating for Visualization