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    Int J Neurosci. 2008 Jun;118(6):839-55. doi: 10.1080/00207450701792705.

    The effects of guided imagery on the immune system: a critical review.

    Source

    Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, California 94303, USA. trakhtenberg@stanford.edu

    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.

    PMID:
    18465428
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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