Visualization (cam)
Encyclopedia
The technique of visualization (or visualisation) consists of creating a mental image of a desired outcome, and repeatedly playing that image in the mind.
A survey released in May 2004 by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine focused on who used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), what was used, and why it was used in the United States by adults age 18 years and over during 2002. According to this recent survey, visualization, or guided imagery, was the 10th most commonly used CAM therapy (2.1%) in the United States during 2002 (http://nccam.nih.gov/news/report.pdf table 1 on page 8) when all use of prayer
was excluded. Consistent with previous studies, this study found that the majority of individuals (i.e., 54.9%) used CAM in conjunction with conventional medicine ( page 6). "The fact that only 14.8% of adults sought care from a licensed or certified CAM practitioner suggests that most individuals who use CAM prefer to treat themselves (page 6).
In alternative medicine
visualization sometimes occurs in conjunction with medical treatment, including cancer treatment (see oncology
).
In one example of a visualization, one can imagine cancer cells as some slimy form of sea life being consumed by white sharks, which represent the body's immune cells.
Athletes sometimes use visualization to try to help them succeed at their sport
.
Visualization forms part of Rosicrucianism and Esotericism
in general. Magick
also employs visualization.
Compare with meditation
and with petitionary prayer
.
A survey released in May 2004 by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine focused on who used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), what was used, and why it was used in the United States by adults age 18 years and over during 2002. According to this recent survey, visualization, or guided imagery, was the 10th most commonly used CAM therapy (2.1%) in the United States during 2002 (http://nccam.nih.gov/news/report.pdf table 1 on page 8) when all use of prayer
Prayer
Prayer is a form of religious practice that seeks to activate a volitional rapport to a deity through deliberate practice. Prayer may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words or song. When language is used, prayer may take the form of...
was excluded. Consistent with previous studies, this study found that the majority of individuals (i.e., 54.9%) used CAM in conjunction with conventional medicine ( page 6). "The fact that only 14.8% of adults sought care from a licensed or certified CAM practitioner suggests that most individuals who use CAM prefer to treat themselves (page 6).
In alternative medicine
Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is any healing practice, "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine." It is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than on scientific evidence....
visualization sometimes occurs in conjunction with medical treatment, including cancer treatment (see oncology
Oncology
Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer...
).
In one example of a visualization, one can imagine cancer cells as some slimy form of sea life being consumed by white sharks, which represent the body's immune cells.
Athletes sometimes use visualization to try to help them succeed at their sport
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
.
Visualization forms part of Rosicrucianism and Esotericism
Esotericism
Esotericism or Esoterism signifies the holding of esoteric opinions or beliefs, that is, ideas preserved or understood by a small group or those specially initiated, or of rare or unusual interest. The term derives from the Greek , a compound of : "within", thus "pertaining to the more inward",...
in general. Magick
Magick
Magick is an Early Modern English spelling for magic, used in works such as the 1651 translation of De Occulta Philosophia, Three Books of Occult Philosophy, or Of Magick...
also employs visualization.
Compare with meditation
Meditation
Meditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
and with petitionary prayer
Prayer
Prayer is a form of religious practice that seeks to activate a volitional rapport to a deity through deliberate practice. Prayer may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words or song. When language is used, prayer may take the form of...
.
See also
- QiQiIn traditional Chinese culture, qì is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as life energy, lifeforce, or energy flow. Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts...
- QigongQigongQigong or chi kung is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation...
- AutosuggestionAutosuggestionAutosuggestion is a psychological technique that was developed by apothecary Émile Coué from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.-Origins:...
- MysticismMysticismMysticism is the knowledge of, and especially the personal experience of, states of consciousness, i.e. levels of being, beyond normal human perception, including experience and even communion with a supreme being.-Classical origins:...
- EsotericismEsotericismEsotericism or Esoterism signifies the holding of esoteric opinions or beliefs, that is, ideas preserved or understood by a small group or those specially initiated, or of rare or unusual interest. The term derives from the Greek , a compound of : "within", thus "pertaining to the more inward",...
- MeditationMeditationMeditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
- Silva MethodSilva MethodThe Silva Method is the name given to a self help program developed by José Silva, which claims to increase an individual's IQ and sense of personal well-being through relaxation and by developing their higher brain functions...
- Self-hypnosisSelf-hypnosisSelf-hypnosis is a form of hypnosis which is self-induced, and normally makes use of self-suggestion . Listening to pre-recorded audio or other media is often mistaken for self-hypnosis, but is just another form of hypnosis....