Did you know that imagery can reduce anxiety and pain before and after surgery? That’s right, as I have stated before your thoughts affect your physical body because hormones and other chemicals are released based upon your thoughts/beliefs. For example if you’re anxious about the surgery and afraid you will be in a great deal of pain afterwards that will probably happen even while taking pain medications. You see anxiety causes the body’s immune system and healing process to slow down. It also causes muscles to tighten or contract to be ready to fight off a potential threat or run from it. This can increase pain. The good news is by using imagery and seeing yourself calm and relaxed you trigger the release of endorphins – the feel good hormone. This relaxes muscles which can help alleviate pain. It is also very powerful to visualize yourself coming out of surgery and feeling good, like a rehearsal for your mind and body and it works! Athletes use the technique of visualizing themselves doing an activity perfectly and it improves their performance.
Guided imagery is currently the most substantially documented integrative modality for medical procedures. It is used by a growing number of highly respected hospitals in the United States before and after heart surgery, transplants and other medical procedures. You don’t have to be having major surgery for this to be effective. It can help with any type of surgical or diagnostic procedure that makes you anxious or causes some degree of pain. Imagery helps people feel more relaxed before and after surgery. After surgery many people have less swelling, require less pain medication and heal faster. Some people have even been discharged from the hospital a day early because they felt so good! If you are facing surgery and would like some help in decreasing anxiety or just want a great outcome I invite you to contact me so we can talk about your needs.
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Laurie Ratto, RN, Speaker, HTCP, CCA has 30+ years’ experience helping people to heal from physical, mental , and emotional pain. She provides a safe, nurturing space for women to release fears and self-doubt, what spiritually ties us to pain. Laurie Ratto specializes in complementary medicine, as a holistic healer, she keeps her RN certification current because she understands the power of balance as we heal.