Yonemoto Physical Therapy

Cancer patients have gone into remission by imagining “white knight” cells killing off the cancer cells in their bodies.   A group of students significantly increased strength by imagining themselves doing a weight training program without actually lifting the weights.  Athletes report imagining going through their event prior to competition to enhance their actual performance.  You can use these imagining techniques in many ways.

TO RELIEVE STRESS:  Do some deep, relaxed, belly breathing.   The belly will move in and out with breathing and it should be fairly effortless.   As you breathe, imagine air circulating to the tense muscles, feeding the starving cells.  Air is energy.  It is food for the brain.  Your brain cannot survive without air for more than 4 to 5 minutes.  Imagine blood circulating to your feet and hands, bringing them warmth and energy.  Imagine tension leaving your body and your muscles feeling relieved by the fresh air you brought to the area.

TO REDUCE PAIN: Think of pain signals as a way the body communicates to you.  Your body is warning you of possible injury and telling you to avoid those positions it considers harmful.  Try to imagine the body is doing its best to protect you from harm.   It is not the enemy.  Also, imagine you have ignored repeated warnings from your body about impending danger.  Your body starts giving you stronger signals hoping you will hear them.  The pain signals are forcing you to look at the situation and see what needs to be corrected.  Think about how you can work together with the body.  You may require help to get the situation corrected, but the right mindset will facilitate the healing process.

There are many other ways you can incorporate these ideas into your daily life.  Perhaps, John Lennon wasn’t too far off with his song, “Imagine.”   Imagine what your life would be like if you were truly happy, then act as if it is so.  Or, as Abraham Lincoln said, “ A man is as happy as he makes up his mind to be."

If you have any questions, please submit them to:
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE:  626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890
Links:
http://www.yonemoto.com/ - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system

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