Hypnotism is an effective tool for initiating and supporting behavioral changes that lead to weight reduction. It is most effective when combined with behavioral modification and considerably less effective when practiced alone. Hypnotism enables the therapist/hypnotist access to the part of the brain involved with imagery and projection by shutting down the part of the brain involved with facts, quantities and measurements. Seemingly mysterious, hypnotism is just one more clinical tool to benefit patients.
Beware of Fake Weight Loss Schemes
Sometimes controversial and often misunderstood, hypnosis has been proven effective in weight loss---especially when combined with other modalities such as behavioral modification. Although hypnosis alone and self-hypnosis are sometimes touted as effective in weight loss, there is scant empirical evidence to support that claim. The Internet has become a grab-bag of proffered weight-loss solutions from those that offer instant weight loss through a hypnotherapy cassette to those that allegedly show how "you can think yourself thin."
Consumers need to exercise good judgment about fantastic weight-loss claims and ask their doctors for advice. "Buyer beware" is ancient yet timely advice.
How Does Hypnosis Work?
There is still debate among scientists about how hypnosis works, but the consensus is that hypnosis puts the left brain hemisphere---associated with judgment, analysis and synthesis---in a kind of "hold" pattern while stimulating the right hemisphere, associated with intuition imagination and creativity, according to altmd.com. Because the right brain is more directly connected with instinct and deeply held beliefs, it is possible through suggestion and skillful use of imagery to alter behavior patterns based on those instincts and beliefs.
To a large extent, the effectiveness of hypnosis depends upon the chemistry between the hypnotist and subject. Some subjects are more easily hypnotized than others. It's suggested that you try one session at first to see whether you "click" with the hypnotist before proceeding further.
Don't Expect Miracle Cures
Hypnosis reaches beyond the part of the brain that would form a barrier of skepticism and permits behavior-altering patterns to take root. For example, under hypnosis you might be taught how to change old patterns of eating and to adopt new, healthier patterns. Another important ingredient in the success of hypnotism is your willingness to change.
There are no overnight miracles with hypnosis. Typically, as many as eight sessions followed by self-hypnosis are required to initiate and maintain behavioral change, according to a study published in the "Journal of Clinical Psychology."
Hypnosis Myths vs. Reality
A common myth about hypnosis is that subjects are induced into a deep sleep and led to do things they would not normally do, says altmd.com. During hypnosis, the subject is aware of who and where he is and is able to hear and process suggestions or visual imagery by the hypnotist.
Hypnotism, even when effective, is considered a short-term technique for initiating healthy and beneficial changes in behavior, including weight loss. During hypnosis, the therapist often uses other appropriate counseling methods to support the changes the patient wishes.
Hypnotism Has Ancient Roots
Shown effective as an adjunct, or support, for behavioral modification in weight loss, hypnosis is in reality a more modern version of an ancient practice. Modern hypnosis was introduced in 1841 by Scottish surgeon James Braid, who coined the term "neuro-hypnotism," or nervous sleep. Braid was inspired by Franz Mesmer, whose "mesmerism" was a forerunner of hypnosis.
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