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Original

The Effects of Guided Imagery on the Immune System: A Critical Review

Pages 839-855 | Received 15 Dec 2006, Published online: 07 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

The research on the effect of guided imagery (GI) on immune system is reviewed and, accordingly, a direction for future research is proposed. Studies suggest that: GI can reduce stress and elevate the immune system; cell-specific imagery affects corresponding WBCs, neutrophils, or lymphocytes; decreases in WBC count occur in the initial stages of GI and relaxation due to fluctuations in WBC production or margination; and changes in WBC count or adherence occur earlier in medical patients. Directions for further investigations: Definition of the ideal WBC count; the effects of long-term practice of GI; and influence of cell-specific imagery on WBCs.

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