Absolutely. Using imagery to talk to the body, you can tap into the subconscious with powerful suggestions to accept any medication or surgical procedure with less stress and far less side effects. During this meditative process, science is proving that the heart rate slows down, the pulse is lowered, and the immune system is actually strengthened, affording quicker healing and reduced pain. However, it is not a substitute for proper medical attention.

A client is talked into a light, relaxed state, then is directed by a therapist to "see" a specific situation or circumstance in his mind, and then to allow the imagination to unfold a story. It's much like having a dream in an awake state. The story is literally tapping into the subconscious, where much truth can be learned. The process is lead by the client's subconscious insights and not by the Therapist.

No, Imagery has been around for hundreds of years and has been known by many names. Both Freud and Jung used types of imagery. In 1997, an estimated 23 million visits were made to guided-imagery practitioners, according to a study of complementary-care usage by David Eisenberg, M.D., author of Guided Imagery for Self-Healing.

It operates on the premise that the mind, body, and spirit are connected. What the mind hears, it believes, and the body then follows that direction. The body knows how to operate at optimal health. There is not a single drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that the body cannot naturally produce. Somehow, through trauma or negative talk, the mind has gotten in the way and disrupted the normal function of the body. Guided Imagery talks directly to the subconscious to reprogram the body.

Yes. Modern medical wisdom seems to suggest that we combine what is useful from each source. Indeed, this is the case in China today. In medical schools in China the students learn 60% Chinese and 40% Western medicine and can apply both after training. Because Chinese medicine addresses the underlying cause of a condition rather than just the symptoms, it is often helpful to treat conditions generally unresponsive to western drug-oriented treatment.

Basically, the two processes are very similar. Guided Imagery, however, is a much lighter trance and allows you much more freedom to have an experience unique to you. Whereas hypnosis deals primarily with behavior modification with specific instructions and commands, imagery is more free flowing, affording new information and insight from the client, not the therapist.

Mind-Body Health for medical evidence on how the mind and body effect each other, and a more detailed imagery explanation. Resources for other websites, books, hospital programs, and a review of how to prepare for surgery including tapes available. Research for extensive medical references about mind-body health and various forms of treatment using mind-body medicine.

The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, created by music therapist Helen Bonny, is a therapy process in which the client images freely to recorded, classical music while dialoguing with a trained guide. The imagery can include any kind of imagination experience, such as sensations, feelings, memories, and fantasies. Throughout the process, the guide supports and encourages the client's development through careful selections of music, skillful intervention, and a caring presence.

Many, but not all, venues operate free public guided tours throughout the week and at weekends. Check the individual venue page for details, or call the venue before your visit.

The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole body through individualized treatment that is safe, natural, and free of side-effects. Its main mechanism is to stimulate the body's own natural ability to heal itself. It does this through the use of nutrition, acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and supplementation, to name a few.

Yes, you can. Acupuncture has no recorded interactions with western medications, with the exception of blood thinners. It is always a good idea to discuss your treatment with your doctor. Although there have been a few documented interactions with herbal medicine and western medications, herbal medicine has been used alongside western medicine in China for at least one hundred years, both in hospitals and at home. Research is continually being done in this area.

Chinese herbal formulas tend to be much gentler than western medicines. They work not only to help relieve symptoms but also to help return the body to balance and equilibrium. Unlike Western medications, herbal formulas can be customized for the individual and are often modified as treatment continues to meet the changing needs of the body.

Western medical doctors have developed great interest in incorporating acupuncture, particularly as they have noticed its impact and success with addictions, AIDS, sports injuries, trauma, and pain relief. |top|