by Tim Brunson, PhD
If systems can entrain to those of their external environment – whether through physical or mirror neuron means – then what would happen if the input came from mental resources? Can thoughts, imagination, or suggestion have an entraining impact? Can such entrainment become a positive therapeutic tool?
There are several examples of people using imagery to self-entrain. Charles Garfield's (1986) "peak performance" book series popularized the concept that a person should visualize the results they aspire to manifest. In fact, he pointed out how Russian Olympic weightlifters could significantly improve their performance merely by visualizing their desired results. In fact in the world of sports psychology this technique has pretty much become a cliché as it is widely acceptable. Within the medical arena, the wound healing research conducted in 2003 by psychologist Carol Ginandes, PhD, at the Harvard Medical School indicates that we may be able to affect somatic changes merely by visualizing the desired results.
The probability of being able to create an imagined entity to which the mind and body can entrain should not be surprising. The previous chapter discusses how both the brain and the body participate in a synchronous communication system. Feedback causes the receiving elements to either continue their status quo or to adapt. This communication flow involves a recognition or perception of a structure. Our imagination has the potential to change how that structure is assumed to exist. When our imagination changes the perception of a structure, then communication is provided to the various related elements. If this signals that regular or habituated responses are inadequate, then obsolescence occurs and the requirement for adaptation is assumed. Of course, this adaptation is in response to input – totally the product of the mind – through the right orbitofrontal cortex's (R-OFC) power of imagination.
The International Hypnosis Research Institute is a member supported project involving integrative health care specialists from around the world. We provide information and educational resources to clinicians. Dr. Brunson is the author of over 150 self-help and clinical CD's and MP3's.
References:
Garfield, C. A. (1986). Peak Performers: The New Heroes of American Business. New York: Avon Books.
Ginandes, C. Brooks, P. Sando W., Jones C. & Aker, J. (2003 April 3). Can medical hypnosis accelerate post-surgical wound healing? Results of a clinical trial. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 45(4):333-51.
Posted: 10/30/2009
