UGH,You can use the imagery anytime you need to.At this early stage it may help to relax as deeply as you can, then bring up the imagery. Once you do that, the subconscious mind will take over, using the imagery to do what it needs to do.This takes time and practice, so persevere. Remember, you're teaching your subconscious mind new thought patterns, having lived with IBS patterns for years. Your subC may fight this for a while, and you can read more about that in the "mind-armies" post.AZ