Relaxation Therapy, Guided Imagery and Diabetes
Relaxation therapy can take many forms. Learning how to manage stress and relax the body and mind can be a fundamental part of managing chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Guided imagery, sometimes called visualisation, can profoundly affect the state of a patients mind. It is thought that those people who have an optimistic, bright outlook on life will also remain in better health.
Guided imagery teaches the patient the skill of creating a mental image. In the case of diabetes, this mental image would reflect the patients own perception of his or her diabetes. The reactions to this image are then explored and discussed with a therapist who helps to change the image of the disease for the better.
Guided imagery can be used to treat a number of chronic conditions, as well as stress and depression. Guided imagery has been used successfully on many different patients, from the young to the old.
