The notion of using hypnosis or self hypnosis for weight loss is certainly intriguing, and one that would be nice to believe in, but is it for real? The
idea isn't quite as farfetched as it used to be, since today more people are familiar with how
the subconscious mind works. Hypnosis and self
hypnosis are now used for a variety of purposes, and while not yet exactly mainstream, the idea is at least accepted as possible by many.
Strictly speaking, no one is saying that you can't make pounds disappear by hypnosis, as though by magic. No, hypnosis is designed to
reprogram your subconscious mind so that you behave differently. After all, your actions have a lot to do with your weight, as well as many other aspects of your physical health. Put like that, it doesn't seem so hard to believe.
So what kind of changes can hypnosis cause in our behavior.
*** Eat Less -consume fewer calories
*** Eat Healthier -make better choices when shopping/cooking/ordering out
*** Exercise More -more motivation when exercising
*** Improved Self Image -reduce self-sabotage
Can hypnosis really do all these things? Theoretically, yes. Does it always work this well for everyone who tries it? Unfortunately, no. But, then, nothing works for everybody, including diets, exercise or diet pills.
What is Hypnosis Anyway?
"Hypnosis" is a relatively new word, having been coined in the 19th Century based on the work of a man named Franz Mesmer (from whom we got the word "mesmerism" which means basically the same thing as hypnosis). It means going into a trance state where you are highly suggestible. In more recent times, scientists have identified certain specific brain waves that occur during such states.
Hypnosis was originally associated with stage hypnotists and magicians, who would make people do funny or bizarre things under hypnosis. Yet at the same time, it was also being used for therapeutic purposes. It fit in well with the emerging field of psychology, which emphasized the role of the subconscious mind in our behavior.
Types of Hypnosis
There are many ideas and theories about hypnosis, but in this relatively brief article, we'll just look at two main kinds. One is hypnosis that someone does to you -whether a stage hypnotist or a hypnotherapist. The other is self-hypnosis, which is more like meditation, as you put yourself into a relaxed, trance-like state.
One of the more popular types of self-hypnosis today are those that use technology to help induce the trance. This is usually a recording with relaxing music that may also have suggestions designed to bring about a certain effect. There are recordings for prosperity, better health, confidence, and, of course, weight loss.
Some hypnosis tapes, CDs or MP3s use subliminal suggestions, which some researchers believe are more effective at reaching the subconscious mind. Others use what are known as binaural beats, where a different frequency is played into each ear (you need headphones for this effect), in order to balance the two hemispheres of the brain.
Using Hypnosis For Weight Loss
If you wanted to lose weight using hypnosis, how would you go about it? Well, you could visit a qualified hypnotherapist. While this wouldn't be cheap, compared to any type of traditional therapy, it has the advantage of being fast acting. Most hypnotherapists focus on teaching you techniques you can use on your own, so you don't have to constantly return to them for sessions.
Another option is to find one of the many recordings that are designed to help you lose weight. These can be played at your convenience, though you can't play them while driving or doing anything where your full conscious attention is required.
Does it Really Work?
That's the burning question we all have. Trying this technique probably won't hurt, and there's evidence that it does really help some people. At the very least, it can help you relax, which can be beneficial all by itself. Aside from this, anything that has you focusing on your goals can be helpful, even if that sounds suspiciously like what doctors and scientists like to call placebos.
Yet, hypnosis or self-hypnosis may actually do what it claims to do, at least for some people. To give it a fair chance, however, you'd have to do it consistently for a while, at least a couple of months. It could work faster than that. but even if you did see benefits, it would be a good idea to keep doing the sessions at least once a day for a while.
One Tool Among Many
Don't expect hypnosis to work all by itself. Of course, the whole point is that it's supposed to make it easier for you to stick to your diet, exercise program and other goals. However, your conscious mind has to help it along by trying your best to stay focused.
Since hypnosis focuses on your subconscious, it's still up to you to find the external tools that work best for you. In other words, you should do your research and find a diet that's healthy and that agrees with your body (not all diets work well for every person).
The same is true for exercise. If you've always hated going to the gym, you shouldn't try to hypnotize yourself into loving it. Work with your natural tendencies, and get yourself to exercise in a way that's consistent with your interests and preferences.
The real objective of hypnosis for weight loss is to allow you to do the things that you have to do to lose weight without having to exert so much will power. If your subconscious mind is more in alignment with your conscious goals, there's less of a chance that you'll sabotage yourself by cheating on your diet or abandoning your exercise program.
Using hypnosis to lose weight may sound strange or exotic, but it's really just another way to use your mind in a way that supports your goals. It may not be for everyone, but if the idea sounds appealing or at least interesting, you may want to look into some of the possibilities for losing weight using hypnosis.
Find out more information on how you can benefit from Hypnosis For Weight Loss!