Imagery: A Review
Imagery: A Review

Summary/Abstract: Modern neuroscience has shown that relaxing images cause the brain to release high levels of serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, which reduce anxiety, block cortisol and increase neuroplasticity. Modern medicine positions the human being as passive, helpless, in need of external help and in need of repair. However, far beyond this passive role, human beings should be seen as a being with the physical and spiritual power to repair themselves. The common point that all the studies examined in this study converge on is that imagery, which is an intrinsic ability, can be used as a low-cost, effective mental treatment tool. In some studies, imagery was defined as a more effective method than pharmacological interventions. Imagery is used in a wide range of diseases from psychotic disorders to mental disorders such as cancer, asthma, migraine, hypertension, immune system diseases, anxiety and depression. From a psychoanalytic perspective, the imagery technique, which is thought to function as impulse satisfaction and a defense mechanism, is also widely used in schools such as mindfulness-oriented therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical therapy. This review first discusses imagery and its use in history, and then describes current research on imagery applications on different diseases. In addition, it is written to emphasize the lack of research on the mechanisms through which this personal and inner power, which is thought to affect the efficiency of treatment in whichever field of physical or psychological help is sought, operates in the mind and to encourage new research.

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