1. A method for echo planar imaging comprising the steps of: after applying a radiofrequency pulse and a slice selection gradient to a subject, applying continuous readout gradients to the subject alternating between positive and negative and applying a phase encoding gradient to the subject before starting each readout gradient; applying a slice selection gradient to the subject at the same time as applying a phase encoding gradient; collecting scanning signals from the subject during the duration of the readout gradients; and reconstructing an image of the subject from said scanning signals to obtain a scanned image of the subject.