HOW DOES GUIDED IMAGERY WORK?
Activation of the fight/flight freeze response arouses the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. Staying in this state for an extended period of time has negative physiological and emotional effects. Stress-inoculation training is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that teaches techniques to manage and reduce anxiety, such as breathing, muscle relaxation and positive self-talk. Guided imagery counters the progression of the stress response and reduces hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system by teaching controlled, easy, effortless deep breathing followed by physical relaxation of the muscles as well as the optimization of mental imagery. Embedded binaural beat frequencies entrain brain waves to slower more relaxing alpha and theta frequency and provide bilateral brain stimulation promoting neuroplasticity and breaking up dysfunctional patterns in the neural pathways.
Guided imagery grows in intensity the more you use it– it’s like muscle memory for your brain. It even works for “power-naps” helping the user to reach REM states much faster and much easier. You can expect to wake up rested, positive and confident to tackle whatever crisis is erupting.