Dr. Angela Bowers, a Scottsdale-based psychologist, recently announced the launch of two compact discs: "Embracing Healing: Guided Imagery for Surgical Patients" and "Transforming Anxiety: Guided Imagery for Anxiety, Panic Attack or Chronic Stress." The two CDs utilize the technique of 'guided imagery' and are now available to both physicians and patients. Guided imagery is a powerful process which encourages the visualization of relaxing thoughts while being led by specific instructions and prompts. The participant forms images in the mind which promote relaxation, concentration, body awareness and distraction from unpleasant circumstances. This technique can also evoke a sense of peace, tranquility and control, while allowing the confrontation of fears, thus lowering anxiety.

Guided imagery is effective for surgical patients because it lowers anxiety. Anxiety causes the body to send chemical messengers such as hormones, immunomodulators and neuropeptides, causing such effects as increased heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, oxygen consumption and a host of other symptoms which can interfere with the healing process. Anxiety has been proven to delay wound repair due to elevations of glucocorticoids which suppress the manufacturing of interleukin 1 and other important substances the body requires to heal properly.

Research has shown that guided imagery is successful for surgical patients because it lowers anxiety, causing a decreased need for pain
medication due to patients reporting less surgical discomfort. Guided
imagery provides patients with a sense of control, a distraction from
discomfort and a reduced state of anxiety. In a study conducted
amongst cardiac patients in 2002, those who used guided imagery before, during and after their surgery left the hospital an average of 1.5 days earlier than patients who did not utilize the technique.

While the use of psychological preparation for surgery has been
documented for over 40 years, the research has become more prevalent
within the last decade. Specifically, the technique of guided imagery
utilized as a form of relaxation has received much support in clinical
studies since the late 1980s. Although studies abound regarding guided
imagery's effectiveness, it is not used routinely in most clinical or
hospital settings. Until now, most patients have been unaware of the
benefits of guided imagery, primarily because the studies were
published in academic and professional journals. "As patients continue to take an active role in their healthcare, the patient/physician relationship is evolving into a partnership," said Dr. Angela Bowers. "Patients now have the opportunity to practice the guided imagery techniques provided in the CDs prior to a scheduled surgical procedure knowing they are actively contributing to the success of their procedure."With the surge in outpatient procedures performed in physicians' offices with little or no anesthesia supplied, patients can utilize the techniques provided in the CDs to assist in their comfort.

Additionally, surgeons can improve their patients' comfort and
recovery time by providing pre-surgical patients with the guided
imagery CDs, as patients using the technique report more satisfaction
in their care during hospitalization and recovery." Generalized anxiety disorder is widespread throughout our society as people face unexpected challenges each day. Concerns about lost jobs, marriage dissolutions, family illnesses, impending bankruptcy and the overall safety of our homeland, anxiety plagues many people by exhibiting symptoms such as insomnia, mood swings, inability to concentrate, diminished overall health which can lead to clinical depression and/or panic attacks. The tracks on the CD: "Transforming Anxiety: Guided Imagery for Anxiety, Panic Attack or Chronic Stress," are approximately 10-15 minutes. If you are experiencing chronic anxiety or stress, this CD could be helpful in allowing you to halt the progression of some of the symptoms listed above and assist you in reversing the domino effect of this continual and progressive illness.

Dr. Angela Bowers is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been in private practice in Scottsdale for over 20 years. In addition to her clinical practice, she has taught various psychology courses at California State University Fullerton. Dr. Bowers also trained at the Milton Erikson Foundation in hypnosis and has an interest in using hypnosis for relaxation, pain management, building and integrating new behaviors, and the cessation of undesirable behaviors. Dr. Bowers is a member of the American Psychology Association, the Arizona State Psychology Association and the Scottsdale Psychology Association.

Dr. Bowers has received considerable training in yoga and the science of Ayurveda. She has a special interest in combining the wisdom of ancient yogic practices with the contemporary cognitive/behavioral approach to psychotherapy. She incorporates yogic breathwork with psychological principles as well, for effective management of stress in our daily lives. Dr. Bowers teaches guided imagery to patients with cancer and other illnesses to aid them in accepting and integrating their treatments in the most efficacious manner.

Additional information about Dr. Bowers, guided imagery for pre-operative and post-operative healing or to purchase copies of the two CDs: "Embracing Healing: Guided Imagery for Surgical Patients" and "Transforming Anxiety: Guided Imagery for Anxiety, Panic Attack or Chronic Stress," log onto the website www.art-of-transformation.com or www.alternativesinhealth.com. Surgeons who are interested in obtaining copies of the CDs to provide to their patients should contact the office of Dr. Angela Bowers at info@artoftransformation.com to inquire about bulk shipments, volume discounts and physician-reseller authorizations.