Imagery has been used in healing continuously since the times of ancient shamans. In the first part of this two-part program, the late Jeanne Achterberg discusses the holographic model of the brain and suggests that mental images mediate between our conscious intentions and our physiology. She cites a body of research indicating that the use of mental imagery can effect special body functioning -- including that of the immune system.

In part two, Dr. Achterberg expands her theoretical model of imagery in healing, by emphasizing the role of rituals and social reinforcement. She suggests that very precise forms of imagery can be developed to augment the body's natural healing abilities. She discusses the procedure for working with imagery and presents a healing exercise using imagery.

Jeanne Achterberg, Ph.D., was a past President of the Association for Transpersonal Psychology and author of Imagery in Healing and Intentional Healing. She is on the faculty of the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology in Menlo Park, California, and the Saybrook Institute in San Francisco.