Physician, author, speaker, researcher, and consultant, Dr. Rossman founded The Healing Mind in order to raise awareness about the power of high quality Mind/Body self-care tools in self-healing and in the health professions.
A graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School in 1969, he has had a long-standing interest in the practical importance of attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and Mind/Body practices in medicine and health. In addition to a busy practice emphasizing non-drug medicine and patient participation, he has taught clinical guided imagery to over 10,000 health professionals since 1982.
Mind/Body medicine focuses on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior, and on the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors can directly affect health. It regards as fundamental an approach that respects and enhances each person’s capacity for self-knowledge and self-care, and it emphasizes techniques that are grounded in this approach.
Renowned as a leading expert and pioneer in Mind/Body imagery, Dr. Rossman has taught clinical guided imagery to over 10,000 health professionals since 1982.
Guided imagery is a Mind/Body technique that teaches you to use your imagination to reduce stress, relieve pain, change lifestyle habits, and stimulate healing responses in your body. It’s a power that has been researched more than all other approaches to health combined, and it’s complementary to all of them. It’s safe, effective, inexpensive, and has side benefits instead of side effects! While you already have this power, you may have never been taught to use it.
The Healing Mind has developed a series of products authored by Dr. Rossman and his team of experts to help you manage many medical conditions and live healthier, fuller lives. Through these products, you will learn to you to use your mind to deeply relax, find solutions to difficult problems, evoke healing responses in your body, and learn to listen to your body so you can better help it heal itself.
Guided Imagery for Kids
Believe it or not, kids also experience stress… Whether it’s leaving a parent to go to preschool, an unfriendly environment at school, their ‘first love’, or changes in their body, they face numerous challenges. In fact, both kids and teenagers encounter a lot of stress. And if not us, then who is responsible for teaching them to build resilience and recognize their inner strength?
Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that uses positive mental images to influence how you feel. For children, it can be an especially effective way to introduce mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques. The vivid imagination of children makes them particularly receptive to this method.
Benefits of Guided Imagery for Kids:
Stress Reduction: Helps children relax and manage stress.
Improved Sleep: Can be used as a bedtime routine to promote restful sleep.
Enhanced Focus: Helps improve concentration and attention.
Emotional Regulation: Assists children in managing their emotions and reactions.
Boosted Creativity: Encourages imaginative thinking and creativity.
Here are the essential steps not to be missed when introducing the magic of guided imagery.
- Choose a Quiet Place: Find a calm and quiet spot where the child can relax without interruptions.
- Comfortable Position: Have them lie down or sit comfortably. They can close their eyes if they wish.
- Deep Breathing: Start with a few deep breaths to help the child relax. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly.
- Begin the Imagery Journey: Use a calm and soothing voice to describe a peaceful and happy place. This could be a beach, a forest, a magical kingdom, or any other place that would appeal to them.
“Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a beautiful forest. The trees are tall and green, and there’s a gentle breeze that makes the leaves rustle softly. You can hear the distant sound of birds singing their sweet songs.
As you walk into the forest, you notice a clear, sparkling stream. The water is cool and refreshing. You decide to take off your shoes and dip your feet in. The water feels wonderful!
You continue walking and come across a meadow filled with colorful flowers. Butterflies are flying around, and there’s a soft, sweet scent in the air. In the middle of the meadow is a big, comfortable hammock. You decide to lie down and look up at the sky. Fluffy white clouds drift by, and you feel so relaxed and peaceful.”
Gradual Return: After a few minutes, gently guide the child back to the present moment. You can say something like, “Now, slowly start to wiggle your fingers and toes. When you’re ready, open your eyes and come back to the room.”
Discuss the Experience: Ask the child how they felt during the imagery and what they imagined. This can help them process the experience and make it more meaningful.
Personalize the Experience: Tailor the imagery to the child’s interests. If they love space, take them on a journey to the stars. If they love the ocean, let them swim with friendly dolphins.
Use Props: Play soft background music or nature sounds to enhance the experience.
Practice Regularly: Like any skill, the more you practice guided imagery with your child, the more effective it will become.
Remember, the goal is to make the experience enjoyable and relaxing. With regular practice, guided imagery can become a valuable tool for promoting mental and emotional well-being in children.
Welcome to the “Ask Dr. Marty Rossman” section!
This is your opportunity to delve deeper into the world of mind-body medicine, healing, and wellness. Whether you have specific queries about techniques, need advice on managing stress, or are simply curious about the science behind it all, I’m here to provide answers.
How to Submit Your Questions:
Email: Send your questions to [email protected]. Please use the subject line “Question for Dr. Marty Rossman” to ensure your query is directed appropriately.
Social Media: Drop your questions on our official Facebook, or Instagram pages using the hashtag #AskDrMartyRossman.
This Month’s Featured Questions:
Q: Are there any specific foods or diets that can enhance the mind-body connection?
Dr. Rossman’s Answer:
A balanced diet rich in whole foods is crucial. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, have been linked to improved brain health.The gut-brain connection is a growing field of study, suggesting that a healthy gut can lead to a healthy mind.Try incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut into your diet to support gut health. “The Gut-Brain Connection” by Emeran Mayer dives deeper into this topic if you’d like to read more about it.
Q: How do I know which mind-body technique is right for me?
Dr. Rossman’s Answer:
It’s a personal journey. Dedicate a week to trying out different techniques. For instance, start with meditation on Monday, yoga on Tuesday, and so on. Journal your experiences to see which resonates most. “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk provides some helpful insights into how different therapies can help heal trauma and stress.
Q: I’ve always been fascinated by the connection between the mind and body. What is mind-body medicine exactly?
Dr. Rossman’s Answer:
Mind-body medicine focuses on the interactions between our thoughts, feelings, and bodily functions. Modern research suggests that chronic stress can lead to physical ailments, highlighting the importance of mind-body practices. Conversely, treating the body poorly can lead to negative mental effects. Check out “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers” by Robert Sapolsky to read more about the effects of stress on the body.
Q: I’m a busy person, but I want to incorporate some mind-body practices into my daily routine. Any tips?
Dr. Rossman’s Answer:
Even a few minutes can make a difference. Visit thehealingmind.organd try the “Stress Relief” download. This is a short, yet very helpful guided imagery for daily use!
Q: My child seems stressed with school. Can children benefit from mind-body medicine too?
Dr. Rossman’s Answer:
Children can greatly benefit. Introduce them to simple visualization exercises, like imagining a safe place or a favorite story. You can also find the “Restful Sleep” guided imagery on thehealingmind.org. This one is good for relaxation.
Q: I’ve heard about some people experiencing side effects from mind-body therapies. Is this true?
Dr. Rossman’s Enhanced Answer:
Yes, while mind-body therapies are generally considered safe and non-invasive, they can sometimes bring to the surface suppressed emotions, memories, or traumas. This is because these therapies often involve deep introspection, relaxation, and heightened awareness of one’s internal state.The process of confronting and processing these emotions can be therapeutic in the long run, but it can also be initially distressing for some individuals. For example, someone practicing deep meditation or guided imagery might recall a traumatic event from their past that they had forgotten or suppressed. Such experiences, while potentially healing in the long-term, can be overwhelming in the moment.
If you’re considering trying a mind-body therapy, it’s essential to start slowly, especially if you’re aware of any past traumas or significant emotional events in your life. It can be beneficial to have a trained therapist or counselor to guide you through the process, especially when starting.If you or someone you know experiences intense emotional reactions during or after a session, it’s crucial to seek professional help.
For a deeper understanding of how trauma can be stored in the body and the potential effects of mind-body therapies, consider reading “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk. This book provides insights into the nature of trauma and offers various therapeutic approaches to address it.
I hope these answers provide a deeper understanding and practical steps for your journey into mind-body medicine!
P.S. Due to the volume of questions received, I might not be able to answer every single one immediately. However, I’ll do my best to address as many as possible, either directly or in upcoming newsletters and articles. Your quest for knowledge and understanding is deeply appreciated.
I wanted to share with you some inspiring testimonials from individuals who have used The Healing Mind’s cancer products to find calm, healing, and hope during their cancer journeys:
I came across Dr. Rossman’s CD disks
when diagnosed with breast cancer.
I listened to them while receiving chemotherapy.
His calming voice and sensible messages
made the situation manageable.
He slays chaos!
– Jane Smith
Dr. Rossman offers so many outstanding products
for anything that ails you!
The value that one gets from his products
in comparison to such reasonable cost is awesome!
As a breast cancer survivor,
I have used his guided imagery
to control my anxiety and worry,
and also in healing my body.
Dr. Rossman is a hero and way ahead of his time
among other medical doctors
who just want to give you a pill!
– Kelly Palace
Dr. Rossman has been a valuable guide
through my perilous health journeys.
His books, audio guided imagery, and courses
have all been very helpful in my health recovery
and sense of well-being.
– L. Marion
Thank you so much Dr. Marty
for the audio tracks on the HEALING MIND.
Some months ago,
I purchased the set online and, since then,
your soothing, friendly, and expert encouraging voice
has been my daily dose for relief
of my nervousness and diagnosed generalized anxiety..
Our interaction and self-exploration
allow me to feel how, in the end,
it is I who can be in control of the strengths
of my healing mind whenever needed.
Congrats on your fine work!
– Jose Ortiz
These powerful testimonials demonstrate the transformative impact of The Healing Mind’s cancer products, which can help individuals going through cancer treatment find peace, resilience, and strength.
If you or someone you know is currently going through cancer treatment, I highly recommend checking out our selection of cancer products, which include guided meditations, audio programs, and books. Our products are designed to support individuals going through cancer treatment by reducing stress, providing education in mind/body healing, and encouraging a sense of empowerment and inner peace.
So whether you’re looking to reduce anxiety during chemotherapy, manage pain and discomfort, or simply find comfort and hope during this challenging time, The Healing Mind has products that can help.
P.S. If you have any questions about our cancer products or any of our other products, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us: [email protected] We’re always here to help. And if you know someone who could benefit from our cancer products, please share this email with them.
Dr. Rossman is the author of Fighting Cancer From Within (Holt, NY, 2003) and the award winning self-help book, Guided Imagery for Self-Healing (New World Library, Oct 2000), and The Worry Solution (Crown Archetype, NY, 2011) and has authored numerous professional textbook chapters on imagery, Mind/Body medicine and integrative medicine. He is also the creator of dozens of guided imagery audios and home study courses for both public and professionals.
Dr. Rossman has studio-recorded the 15 guided imagery techniques explained in his book on this set of 5 CDs. His reassuring voice makes it easy to start using these techniques right away. The book provides the information, research and explains how to use the techniques on the CDs and the CDs lead you through the guided imagery experiences themselves. Together they make a powerful system for learning to use your mind to live well and fight cancer.
He is Founder and Director of Marin Integrative Medicine, Greenbrae, California, and is the Co-Founder and Past President of the Academy for Guided Imagery, Malibu, California. He is a Clinical Instructor, Dept. of Ambulatory and Community Medicine at the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, Adjunct Teaching Faculty, California School for Professional Psychology, and a consultant to the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at UCSF and Dr. Andrew Weil’s Fellowship Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.
Dr. Rossman is a popular keynote speaker and workshop leader who has presented more than 600 invited lectures, keynote lectures, and workshops, with consistently outstanding reviews from both lay and professional audiences. He has consulted on various issues involving integrative health care with organizations such as Kaiser Permanente, Tenet Health Systems, FCB HealthCare, Stanford University, the University of Arizona, and the University of California, San Francisco.
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to share with you a valuable resource that you may have missed on my YouTube channel, The Healing Mind. It’s a PBS special on sleep called “Sleepless in America” that explores the impact of sleep on our health and well-being, and shares practical strategies for improving sleep quality and quantity.
In this informative and engaging program, we delve into the latest research on sleep, including the effects of blue light on sleep, the importance of a regular sleep schedule, and how to create a sleep-conducive bedroom environment. We also share practical tips for improving sleep habits, such as establishing a calming bedtime routine and using relaxation techniques to promote sleep.
#TheHealingMind #RestfulSleep #IntegrativeMedicine
Dr. Marty Rossman turns worry upside down and shows how it can actually be beneficial if handled wisely.
THE WORRY SOLUTION may be the last book on stress management you’ll ever need to buy….
Dr. Larry Dossey
Dr. Marty Rossman is a gifted practitioner and teacher of guided imagery and mind/body medicine.
I highly recommend his CDs and audio programs for learning how to use your mind/body connection for healing.
Dr. Andrew Weil
Dr. Rossman, the earliest pioneer of mind/body imagery, is one of the great healers of our generation.
Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen
ACCEPTS VIRTUAL CLIENTS
TheHealing Mind
drrossman.info
[email protected]
415 925 8600
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