What is mental imagery and does it work?
Answer – Mental imagery is exactly what it sounds like. You can picture in your mind an image and your body s physiology does not know the difference between actually being there versus just “imagining it”. It is like a “movie in your mind”, where you close your eyes and “see” an image. If you can picture a quiet, relaxed place, your body also quietens down and sets up the relaxation response in your body (see FAQ # 5). Mental imagery is being used in many health care settings including cancer treatment, childbirth, stress management and women s health.
