Have you ever had a moment or two when you were day dreaming or wool gathering, so deep in thought that you completely ‘tuned out’ of your immediate environment, perhaps even forgetting where you were for a second? Well that is stage one of hypnosis, an altered state of consciousness where the conscious, analytical portion of the brain is bypassed for another part of the brain more susceptible to suggestion. This unconscious section of the brain is used to develop new images altering existing belief systems. Treatments can range from quiet relaxation techniques to self hypnosis to induced trances under medical supervision. It is not necessary to be in a trance to achieve a hypnotic state. Only about 10% of people can be hypnotized to a trance like state and the scientists believe the reason why has some relation to our imaginations.
There have been very few scientific studies undertaken to prove that hypnosis is a helpful tool in weight management. From the scant amount of research conducted into possible connections between hypnosis and weight loss, any trials to be found were inconclusive, incomplete, or inaccurate. In other words it’s hard to find any proof that weight loss hypnosis is effective. Most of the material available online comes from manufacturers who profit by selling you hypnotic tools such as CD’s, e-books, seminars, sessions, even ‘hypnosis by telephone’. These commercial sites will claim that hypnosis is a completely natural process and an effortless way to lose weight with no side effects. The reality is that in the hands of a non professional, hypnosis is very dangerous. Why you ask? Well let me see- um I know- because you are giving someone access to your subconscious mind. I don’t know about you people, but I won’t even let anybody see my underwear on the clothesline, never mind throwing the screen door open to my subconscious.
Hypnosis, when done properly under very controlled circumstances, by highly trained personnel has been successfully used in some forms of psychotherapy and psychiatric treatments. Never allow yourself to be hypnotized by any individual who is not a clinically certified hypnotist. The type of hypnosis used in medical applications is much more complex than what is available online, in any CD or over the telephone. To be truly successful for weight loss, hypnosis must be used as just one part of a balanced program that has an emphasis on behavior modification and includes diet, exercise and any form of meditation that aids in relaxation. Coupled with this plan is the need for ongoing psychological support which may include in certain cases, working with a qualified hypnotist.
So, sorry folks, weight loss hypnosis is not an easy, effortless way to lose weight. You will have to do the work of eating less and exercising more yourselves. And the next time world renowned hypnotist Raveen comes to your town you might want to think twice about being the one jumping up to volunteer as one of his subjects. |
