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Weight Loss & Hypnotism

by Kimberly Coghlan

Overview

Weight Loss & Hypnotism

Billions of dollars have been devoted to the weight-loss industry. While many people may try fad diets, diet pills and specialized exercise, some people look to hypnotherapy for weight loss. Hypnotherapy is controversial in the medical field, and there are conflicting studies about the effects of hypnotherapy and its successes.
Identification

Hypnotherapy is basically a process in which the brain descends into a level of suggestibility. Supporters of hypnotherapy claim that it can be used to treat and even eliminate human habits, addictions and behaviors. Different people experience different levels of suggestibility, so hypnotherapy may be more effective on some people than others.

How Hypnotherapy Works

Most of our perceptions and actions are a result of our conscious mind. However, there is a portion of the brain devoted to the unconscious mind. Hypnotherapy is focused around the unconscious mind; a successful hypnotherapist can train the unconscious mind to direct the conscious mind, thus changing human behaviors.

Hypnotheraphy can work!
History

Dr. James Braid published a book about the study of neurhypnology, or "nervous sleep." In the book, he described the suggestibility of the mind, calling the process "neurhypnosis." The word "hypnosis" derived from that word. The most famous hypnotist was named Franz Anton Mesmer. During the 18th century, this Austrian doctor claimed to heal people from diseases without the use of medication or surgery. Another famous hypnotist was Dr. Albert Mason. In 1951, he cured a 16-year-old boy of ichthyosis, a disorder in which sufferers have fewer sweat glands than normal. The boy's body had become dry and scaly, and his skin cleared after a hypnotherapy session with Dr. Mason. A 1952 British Medical Journal published the results of the case. Hypnotherapy is not a new concept, though. From ancient Egyptians to Sigmund Freud, many cultures have believed in and used hypnotherapy.
Session Details

Hypnotherapy sessions usually last around 90 minutes, and they can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per session. In a hypnotherapy session, you won't be in an unconscious trance. You will be awake and conscious, but the hypnotherapist will target your unconscious mind. It is important, though, to choose a hypnotherapist who is both highly trained and certified.
Hypnotherapy and Weight Loss

Hypnotherapy works with weight loss for many reasons. First, it trains your mind to not feel hunger pangs or cravings. Secondly, many people are emotional eaters or have a weight-loss issue due to severe emotional trauma of the past. Hypnotherapy will help you address those problems so that you won't eat in response to those emotions. As earlier stated, hypnotherapy is extremely successful in some people, while others may see only minor benefits from a session.