You’ve heard the hype. Many products say that they can help you lose weight and there are many methods that people use. One of the most popular ways to lose weight was with hypnosis many years ago.
Today this is still a way that some people use to get rid of extra pounds but you might ask yourself, “Does this really work?” The answers are varied and it seems that it depends on the individual and what they want to accomplish.
According to the Mayo Clinic it really depends on the individual. There have been many studies done that show that there is some help for obesity from hypnosis but they have really been modest results. The challenge is that the studies have not been scientifically done so there is no real way to tell whether this can work.
However, the Mayo Clinic suggests that there is enough evidence to show that hypnosis can be helpful. The reason it can help is because hypnosis puts an individual into a state of relaxation that also provides heightened awareness. By doing this they are also able to be more focused on suggestions and behavior change.
If an individual looks at hypnosis as one method towards their weight loss it can be beneficial. It is not something that is a substitute for other methods. Experts say that hypnosis combined with better eating and a change in lifestyle can lead anyone towards their goal.
How Does Hypnosis Work?
Many people think that hypnosis is an absolute cure to stop them from doing certain behaviors. They think that they will go to sleep, get some suggestions and then automatically (and miraculously) lose weight. This is not the case. The hypnotist will use relaxation techniques to get an individual into a very relaxed state.
The challenge is that the individual can fight the hypnosis and never get to the relaxed state where they need to go. Once there however, they can work on issues around their weight that might help them when they are out of their heightened state.
The hypnotherapist will also use relaxation tapes and may lend one to the individual to use when they are not in session. These tapes will be used for self-hypnosis and can add to the overall treatment.
Once an individual is in a very relaxed state the hypnotherapist will give them instructions to see themselves as thin or at their goal weight. They will use visualization techniques and suggestions during the course of the therapy to help the individual get into the frame of mind to keep moving on their weight loss plan.
But Does It Work For Everyone?
Although hypnosis can work for many people it is not something that is a cure all. According to Dr. David Katz, a professor at Yale University, hypnosis can make a contribution to weight loss but it’s not the only thing someone should do (Source: ABC News).
Hypnosis cannot act as the magic bullet for weight loss and it isn’t a replacement for common sense. It doesn’t work for people who are resistant to this method because they are too hypersensitive to let themselves relax enough to be hypnotized.
Some people are afraid of hypnotism which is another reason why it would not work. It is important to note that this method is also a type of psychotherapy and as such it should be done by a health care provider who is credentialed in this method. There are a lot of people who are doing hypnosis who are not licenses or credentialed in the process.
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