More than 150 studies have been published about the effects of various relaxation and guided imagery methods on patients’ bodies and emotions before, during and after surgery. In most of the studies, the following significant changes were found in the test group compared to the control group:
- Before surgery: low anxiety and depression levels, calm sleep and fewer bothersome thoughts.
- During surgery: shorter operations, less sedatives used and fewer blood transfusions.
- After surgery: low anxiety and depression levels, calm sleep, fewer bothersome thoughts, rapid healing of the area, low pain level, less painkillers and antibiotics needed, fewer instances of infections and high temperatures, faster return to normal activity (particularly of intestines and bladder) and early discharge from hospital.
The NGO “Giving from the Heart,” founded by Dr. Baruch Elitzur, Clinical-Medical Psychologist, has websites in Hebrew and English to train the public in basic psychological techniques for coping positively with a variety of stress situations. Both sites have relaxation tapes you can download free of charge.
Among the research on the subject:
Suggestion, relaxation, and hypnosis as adjuncts in the care of surgery patients: a review of the literature. Blankfield RP. Am J Clin Hypn 1991 Jan;33(3):172-86
Effects of relaxation with guided imagery on surgical stress and wound healing. Holden-Lund C. Res Nurs Health 1988 Aug;11(4):235-44
Guided imagery in cardiac surgery. Halpin LS, Speir AM, CapoBianco P, Barnett SD. 2002 Jul-Sep;6(3):132-7
Relaxation strategies for patients during dermatologic surgery. Shenefelt PD. J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Jul;9(7):795-9
Imagery-induced relaxation in children’s postoperative pain relief: a randomized pilot study. Pölkki T, Pietilä AM, Vehviläinen-Julkunen K, Laukkala H, Kiviluoma K. Pediatr Nurs. 2008 Jun;23(3):217-24
Anxiety, relaxation and anaesthesia for day-case surgery. Markland D, Hardy L. Br J Clin Psychol 1993 Nov;32 ( Pt 4):493-504