Imagery: a strategic intervention to empower clients. Part I--Review of research literature.

This article is the first of a two-part series on the use of imagery in nursing practice. Imagery, an ancient healing technique, is a cognitive tool that acts as a communication mechanism among perception, emotion, and bodily change. Research has found that imagery can help reduce pain and stress, alter the course of disease, and improve clients' outlook on their illness. Imagery engenders a feeling of control and gives the client an effective tool for self-care. This article presents an overview of the history of imagery in medicine and nursing, discusses different types of imagery, and examines possible uses for imagery in a CNS's practice. Finally, recent research studies of imagery in nursing, psychology, and medicine are examined. The second article will help the nurse learn to use imagery in practice and will include a detailed imagery script.