Guided Imagery for Pain, Panic and Surgery

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Guided Imagery for Pain, Panic and Surgery

• Chaplain David Carl
• Executive Director of Spiritual Care
• AVP Patient Experience
• Carolinas HealthCare System

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Interface of Mind, Body and Spirit

• A focused way to relax
• A psychological strategy
• Imagination creates calm and peaceful images
• We can have a part in the healing process

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The Word Becomes Flesh

• What is imagined can become real
• Suggestions and thoughts guide the mind toward a
  focused and relaxed state
• Can involve an instructor, recordings, or scripts
• Can lead to inspiration

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Pain Management

• Music
• Imagery
• Art

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Panic

• The body responds to what we are thinking
• Feelings and thoughts form emotions
• Emotions permeate very cell of our body
• Are we promoting dis-ease or healing?
• There is no neutral

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Surgery

• Peggy Huddleston (www.healfaster.com)
• Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster
• Allows for us to participate constructively in
  our own surgery

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Huddlestons 5 Healing Steps

• Relax to feel peaceful
• Visualize your healing
• Organize a support group
• Use healing statements
• Engage your surgical team to include your
  anesthesiogist

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Results

• Feel calmer before surgery
• Have less pain after surgery
• Use less pain medication
• Recover faster
• Strengthen your immune system
• Save money on medical bills