Guided Imagery and Immune System Function in Normal Subjects: A Summary of Research Findings

Almost all the diseases that remain mysterious with regard to cause or cure involve the immune system, including cancer, persistent viral, bacterial and yeast infections, genital herpes, mononucleosis and even acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are one category.

Abstract

Since ancient times, guided imagery has been reported to have effects on bodily processes (Achterberg, 1985; McMahon, 1976), especially on the person's capacity to overcome disease and infection. In modern times, there have been clinical confirmations that this relationship applies to all bodily systems, including the immune system (Achterberg, Lawlis, Simonton, & Simonton, 1977; Achterberg & Lawlis, 1981; Siegal, 1986; 1988; Borysenko, 1987). Thus, Achterberg (1984, p. 2) has noted that: virtually all the diseases that remain mysterious with regard to cause or cure involve the immune system... cancer, persistent viral, bacterial and yeast infections, genital herpes, mononucleosis and even acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are one category, ...along with the autoimmune disorders...which represent conditions when the immune system fails to recognize self from non-self and attacks specific tissue, such as in lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile onset diabetes...a final group of disorders is the allergic reactions or cases when the immune system acts with excessive vengeance toward substances which are normally not harmful (such as is seen in environmental or chemical sensitivity reactions).