Page 22

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

November 20, 1992

Images in the mind can help heal the body

by Jamie Evans

Three years ago, when Cleveland psychotherapist Belleruth Naparstek first started making her series of 14 "Health Journeys" audio tapes for specific illnesses, high priority went to creating one for her patients and friends with HIV and AIDS.

"In the '80's, I was showing people on the HIV spectrum how to use this safe, simple approach." Naparstek, LISW, recalls. "The feedback was enthusiastic. People told me guided imagery helped them relax and regain a sense control over their health."

What exactly is guided imagery? Naparstek, a clinical social worker, adjunct faculty at Case Western Reserve University, and nationally known lecturer, says "Guided imagery is a way of creating images in the mind that direct the body to increase physical and emotional healing. Narratives on the tapes contain positive imagery that is designed to activate the nervous system to send neurohormones (the body's chemical messengers) through the bloodstream to trigger healing activity in the cells."

In order to determine how effective the bodymind link can be for people with HIV,

Lucille Eller, R.N., M.S.N., a Ph.D. candidate at CWRU's Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing, is currently conducting a study that uses Naparstek's HIV imagery. Her research is being funded by a grant from University Hospitals and will help ascertain whether guided imagery is more effective at one stage than another.

Eller explains, "This is an experimental design looking at groups of adult men and women from Cleveland. They include people who are recently diagnosed HIV and asymptomatic, others who are mildly symptomatic, and finally those who have full-blown AIDS. In one group people are using guided imagery. In another they are doing only a relaxation technique, and in the third they are receiving only standard treatment."

Eller's study is the first of its kind to distinguish the impact of relaxation from guided imagery, and the first to measure long term effects of guided imagery studies using patients with cancer, high blood pressure and other conditions were conducted by hospitals, universities and research institutions nationwide. The results show guided imagery and other relaxation techniques can boost the immune system, lower

Sistahparty & The Women's Building Project present

The Women's New Year's Eve Party

Black & White Ball

Thursday, December 31st, 1992 SPACES

2220 Superior Viaduct

blood pressure, reduce depression, control pain and speed up healing after surgery.

Naperstek explains why. "Guided imagery offers a corrective story to the bodymind by using the body's own special language, the senses. Because of this, it is possible for profound and relatively speedy change to occur."

There are three principles underlying guided imagery that create an ideal environment for patients, she adds. First, in a state of deep relaxation, rapid change and more intense healing can occur. Second, to the body, an image can be just as physically real as an actual event. Finally, people who take an active part in their own healing feel and do better."

Occasionally, a person may feel anxious when using an HIV tape, because they are frightened by specific images of the virus. In this case Naparstek recommends other tapes that include general wellness, depression and grief. "This is a way for people to attend to their health...I have a seropositive friend who does an enormous amount of work with other tapes. Guided imagery has helped him settle into his body and connect with what it needs."

Naparstek is quick to point out that

guided imagery is "complementary" medicine and not a substitute for regular medical care. She consulted with leading medical experts while researching her information for the Health Journeys series of tapes. Michael Lederman, M.D., John Carey, M.D., and Stefan Ripich, R.N. along with many HIV patients, were her advisers for the HIV tape. Similar research went into Health Journeys for diseases that include cancer, asthma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes; mental health concerns such as grief, depression and relationships; and medical procedures such as chemotherapy and surgery.

Although guided imagery has helped many people feel they are taking responsibility for their health, it does not work for everyone. However, studies show a person's ability to use it will grow with experience. And as Naparstek sees it, the benefits can be enormous. "The imagery isn't just about the cells. It's imaging the reduction of symptoms and battling fatigue and depression. That, in turn, helps a person get back in touch with wanting to be a part of things and participate fully in their life."

Health Journeys are available at Medic Drugstore or by mail order from Image Paths, Inc., 216-623-4675.

FRIED, KOESTER and Co. Certified Public Accountants

• Tax

• Audit

• Bookkeeping

Tickets are $20.00, by advance purchase only, at

Gifts of Athena

2199 Lee Rd.

The Cleveland Shop

11606 Detroit Ave.

or call (216) 348-3215 for more information

MASSAGE THERAPY

North Shore Massotherapy Clinic 1392 Warren Rd., Suite 11 Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Liscensed by the Ohio Medical Board

Massage Therapies for:

Stress Relief/Relaxation • Neck Shoulder Back Pain

By Appointment 226-1948

Call us for the details on our 15 minute on-site chair

massage service.

Kristine C. Koester, C.P.A.

5587 TURNEY ROAD GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO 44125 16) 475-7844 FAX (216) 475-7845

NICHOLAS PALUMBO, ACSW, LISW

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

(216) 331-2898

Westwood Associates 20800 Center Ridge Rd. #113 Rocky River, Ohio 44116

Patisserie Baroque

A Gallery for the Fine Art of Dessert

Tuesday & Thursday

8 am-6 pm Friday

8 am-7:30 pm Saturday

10 am-5 pm Closed Sunday & Monday

861-1881

1112 Kenilworth Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44113

In The Historic Tremont Area

JCAHO ACCREDITED

PENNY ADELSTEIN ACCOUNT MANAGER

C

Clinical Homecare Home Infusion Therapy Specialist

4949 GALAXY PARKWAY WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OHIO 44128

216-831-5443 1-800-752-5938

FAX 216-831-5639