Simple Self-Healing

1. Embrace the Simplicity of Self-Healing

Autosuggestion is as old as the hills – only we had forgotten to practice it, and so we needed to learn it all over again.

Simple, yet profound. Émile Coué's method of autosuggestion, or self-mastery, is remarkably simple, a fact that often leads to its dismissal. We tend to prefer complex solutions, even when straightforward answers prove more effective. This paradox explains why such a powerful self-healing tool has largely faded from public consciousness since its peak nearly a century ago.

Rediscovering ancient wisdom. Coué emphasizes that autosuggestion is not a new discovery but a forgotten art, a fundamental force of the universe that humanity has long overlooked. Just as we eventually harness physical forces, we must learn to utilize the transcendent power of our own minds. This method offers a key to physical and moral well-being that, once understood, cannot be lost.

Accessible to all. The beauty of autosuggestion lies in its universal applicability and ease of practice. It doesn't require specialized knowledge or complicated rituals. By understanding its core principles, anyone can learn to direct their inner forces towards health and happiness, making life "better and better" in every conceivable way.

2. Imagination Reigns Supreme Over Will

Contrary to the generally accepted theory, the will isn’t the invincible force it’s claimed to be.

Imagination's dominance. A cornerstone of Coué's method is the revolutionary idea that imagination is always more powerful than willpower. When these two forces conflict, imagination invariably triumphs. Trying to achieve something while simultaneously thinking "I can't" will paralyze the will, proving this truth in everyday experience.

The law of converted effort. Any desperate effort to force a desired outcome through sheer willpower often backfires, leading to the opposite result. This "law of converted effort" means that struggling against a negative idea only strengthens it. For instance, trying desperately to sleep often results in wretched sleeplessness, as the effort itself keeps wakefulness alive.

Guiding your imagination. True self-mastery is achieved not by brute force of will, but by skillfully directing and training the imagination to align with our desires. Once the imagination is properly guided, the subconscious mind takes charge, working to materialize those conscious suggestions exactly as wished, without conscious effort.

3. The Subconscious is Your Inner Healer

The subconscious self directs everything, both the physical and the moral.

The mind's vast ocean. Our mental personality comprises the conscious and the subconscious. While the conscious mind is often seen as dominant, Coué likens it to a small islet compared to the vast, powerful ocean of the subconscious. This subconscious self is a permanent, ultra-sensitive recorder, registering every thought and serving as the source of creation and inspiration.

Ideas become reality. Every idea, good or bad, that germinates in our subconscious mind has a tendency towards realization. This explains why merely imagining sucking a sour lemon causes salivation, or why the thought of a scratching chalk pencil can induce shivers. The physical and mental are inseparable, with the mental element always holding dominance over the body.

Shaping your destiny. We possess the absolute freedom to implant any ideas we desire into our receptive subconscious. These ideas then determine the entire trajectory of our material, mental, and moral being. By consciously choosing to whisper ideas of health and well-being into this "never-flagging recorder," we can be certain of positive results, aligning with nature's inherent laws of self-preservation.

4. The Universal Formula for Daily Improvement

“Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.” It’s the same remedy for everybody in the world.

A simple, powerful mantra. Coué's most famous contribution is the general formula: "Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better." This phrase, repeated twenty times morning and evening, is a universal remedy. Its simplicity is its strength, bypassing the conscious mind's analytical tendencies and directly influencing the subconscious.

Comprehensive healing. The phrase "in every way" is crucial, as it covers all aspects of one's being—mental, physical, and moral—without needing specific, detailed suggestions. The subconscious, being intimately aware of the body's intricate workings, knows precisely where to direct this healing and strengthening power, often addressing minor ailments that the conscious mind had forgotten.

Faith and consistency. The effectiveness of this formula hinges on repeating it with faith, confidence, and certainty, yet calmly and without effort. It's a mechanical process, like a litany, that sets in motion the stupendous forces of the subconscious. Consistent, passive repetition allows the suggestion to penetrate deeply, transforming into an active, living force that works towards overall improvement.

5. Effort is the Enemy of Autosuggestion

Don’t think you need to struggle to impose your suggestion. The very fact of making it an effort will bring into play the conscious will, and that willpower actually raises a barrier between the subconscious and the suggestion – and prevents the latter from penetrating.

Passive acceptance. To effectively practice autosuggestion, one must achieve a state of mental passiveness, silencing the conscious mind's analytical voice. Any attempt to concentrate or exert willpower during the repetition of suggestions is counterproductive. Effort activates the conscious will, which then creates a barrier, preventing the suggestion from reaching the subconscious.

Unburdened imagination. The imagination should be left unhindered to do its work. Through mysterious, unexplained processes, the subconscious accomplishes marvelous things when allowed to operate without interference. Just as the body's automatic functions like breathing and digestion occur without conscious effort, so too should the process of autosuggestion.

Relaxation is key. When reciting the formula, it is essential to relax all strain and tension. Mental isolation, even in a crowded environment, can be achieved by closing the eyes and adopting a passive state. This approach ensures that the suggestion is gently deposited into the ever-awake subconscious, where it can be instantaneously translated into an active, living force for change.

6. Targeted Autosuggestion for Specific Ailments

We repeat, rapidly and often, that the thing is going to happen, or isn’t going to happen, according as to whether it’s something desirable or undesirable.

Banish pain quickly. For immediate relief from physical or mental pain, Coué prescribes a specific technique. Lightly and rapidly rub the affected area (or forehead for mental distress) while quickly repeating "Ça passe" (it passes) in an undertone. This rapid, gabbling repetition prevents contrary thoughts from interfering, often dispelling pain within twenty to twenty-five seconds.

Inducing peaceful sleep. For those suffering from sleeplessness, a different approach is recommended. Settle comfortably in bed and repeat, in a quiet, placid, and even voice, "I am going to sleep, I am going to sleep, I am going to sleep..." Crucially, avoid any mental effort to force sleep. This droning repetition has a soporific effect, whereas trying to sleep activates the will and keeps wakefulness alive.

Overcoming specific challenges. Autosuggestion can also address issues like stammering, nervousness, lack of confidence, and even certain forms of paralysis. These conditions are often rooted in negative self-suggestions. By replacing the idea of inability with a firm conviction of capability—e.g., "I can walk," "I'm calm"—the subconscious is reprogrammed, leading to remarkable improvements or complete cures.

7. Cultivate a Positive Mental Environment

Don’t spend your time thinking of illnesses and symptoms you might have – for if you have no real ones, you’ll create artificial ones.

Censoring your thoughts. Given the immense power of ideas, it is crucial to exercise careful censorship over the thoughts we allow into our minds. Thought is the legislative power of our lives, and harboring negative ideas of sin or disease is akin to letting criminals govern our being. We must actively seek ideas of health, success, and goodness.

Avoiding mental contagion. We should be wary of depressing conversations, crime reports, and media that disturb our feelings without offering beauty or resolution. While duty may sometimes require attention to difficult subjects, true sympathy involves actively seeking solutions rather than passively absorbing negativity. Allowing ourselves to be infected by others' gloom is a perversion of sympathy.

Positive influence. Autosuggestion dictates a method for practicing true sympathy: maintaining our own mental and moral balance to effectively help others. By denying negative ideas our attention and focusing on curative autosuggestions, we reduce their power. Conversely, dwelling on the virtues of others can help reproduce those qualities in ourselves, fostering a positive mental environment for everyone.

8. Autosuggestion's Limitless Potential (Within Reason)

The limits of the power of autosuggestion aren’t yet known; final recovery is possible.

Beyond functional disorders. While often associated with nervous and functional disorders, Coué asserts that autosuggestion's influence extends even to organic diseases. He cites cases of stomach ulcers, tumors, and even heart affections showing significant improvement or complete symptom relief, challenging conventional medical views of his time.

Repairing the body. Coué observed that autosuggestion could repair wasted tissue and heal long-standing sores and wounds that resisted other treatments. He believed that by strengthening the organism's resistance, autosuggestion aids nature's inherent ability to react against disease, making it a formidable weapon even against conditions like tuberculosis and general debility.

Enhancing life quality. Beyond curing specific ailments, autosuggestion can improve overall well-being, from boosting self-confidence and combating fatigue to even enhancing physical appearance. By visualizing desired outcomes—a youthful face, a strong body—and consistently implanting these ideas, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life within the bounds of material possibility.

9. You Are Your Own Healer

It is not in me but in yourself that you must have confidence. For it’s in you alone that dwells the force which can cure you.

No miraculous powers. Coué emphatically states that he is not a healer and possesses no extraordinary magnetic power. His role is solely to teach individuals how to cure themselves and maintain perfect health. He aims to dispel any "fanatical belief" in him, emphasizing that the power resides within each person, not in an external agent.

Self-belief is paramount. Patients who arrive with an established belief in their own recovery are already halfway cured. Coué's influence, when perceived, is merely a catalyst for this pre-existing faith. He stresses that the system's potential is limitless because everyone can practice autosuggestion, making personal contact with him unnecessary for results.

Natural forces, not religion. Autosuggestion is presented as the application of natural forces and functions of our being, entirely separate from religion or any new faith. It is a scientific approach to utilizing the faculties given to us by nature, allowing individuals of any belief system to harness their inner power for healing and self-mastery without violating their spiritual principles.

10. Educate and Protect the Young Mind

Character is formed by imagination.

Early influence. The education of a child, and the shaping of their destiny, begins even before birth through the mother's autosuggestion. By visualizing the desired physical and moral characteristics, a prospective mother can significantly influence her unborn child. This early susceptibility continues into childhood, making positive suggestions crucial.

Guarding against negativity. Parents and educators have a vital duty to implant only good suggestions and protect children from bad ones. Negative labels like "lazy" or "stupid" can become self-fulfilling prophecies. Instead, encouragement and positive reinforcement, even if not entirely true in the moment, can gradually transform into actual improvements.

The power of example. Children are highly sensitive to suggestion and readily imitate what they see. Therefore, setting good examples is paramount. Furthermore, practicing suggestion while children are falling asleep—murmuring desired qualities or corrections—can profoundly influence their character development, proving that imagination, guided correctly, forms who we become.

Last updated: December 9, 2025