Quieting the Mind, Healing the Body: Guided Imagery and Mindfulness Meditation among Cancer Patients
Indian Journal of Palliative Care June 12, 2026 Gireesh Giriyapura Rudrappa, Leena Kunnath Chacko
Among 148 patients with stage II and III cancer undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy in a South Indian hospital, 15-minute twice-daily sessions of guided imagery or mindfulness meditation over four weeks significantly improved heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, salivary amylase levels, pain, depression, anxiety, and stress compared to a control group. Mindfulness meditation showed relatively greater improvement in psychological outcomes, while guided imagery was comparably effective for physiological stabilization. Both are low-cost, feasible non-pharmacological interventions that can enhance holistic care in oncology and palliative settings.