Hypnosis, derived from a Greek word meaning "sleep," is an altered state of consciousness that has fascinated civilization for centuries. Cinematic tales of spellbinding mesmerists and visions of stage hypnotists still reverberate through the collective consciousness of modern pop culture. Understanding this phenomenon is essential to determining if hypnosis can assist you in achieving your weight loss goals.
History
The first mention of "hypnosis" occurred in the 1840s when James Baird coined the term. Baird, a physician and student of mesmerism, used induction techniques and suggestion to treat patients with various disorders. Over a century earlier, Franz Mesmer, who spawned the word "mesmerism," manipulated body energies using a process that he called "animal magnetism." Today trained hypnotherapists use hypnosis to tackle a range of conditions ranging from stage fright to obesity.
Misconceptions
Movies, literature and other mediums may portray hypnosis and subjects in manners that do not reflect reality. For example, some may believe that you lose control while in a hypnotic state, but according to MayoClinic.com, you not lose control. Instead, you remain keenly aware of your surroundings, your actions and the hypnotherapist's instructions. For instance, if you receive suggestions to imagine vegetables as your favorite food, you are free to accept or ignore the suggestion.
How It Works
People may learn negative behaviors and associate them with events that occur in their lives. As similar events recur, behavioral patterns can reinforce themselves and become habits. For example, a person might subconsciously link overeating with a childhood memory. This memory could be of a parent who equated "finishing a plate" with reward. Hypnotherapists use suggestion to guide subjects into a deep state of concentration and awareness. While in this state, subjects are highly susceptible to suggestion. Hypnotherapists take advantage of this susceptibility to disassociate a subject's behavior from its underlying stimulus. If the goal is weight loss, behavior modification may focus on visualizing healthy eating habits, proper exercise and positive self-image.
Considerations and Effectiveness
According to the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality & Healing and the Life Science Foundation, hypnosis does not pose significant risks to healthy individuals, but people who suffer from depression or personality disorders should not undergo hypnotherapy treatment. Ideal hypnosis candidates are imaginative, are easily engrossed in movies and can experience memories triggered by physical actions.
References
- "Complementary Medicine For Dummies"; Jacqueline Young; 2007
- MayoClinic: Hypnosis - What you can expect; Mayo Clinic Staff
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypnotherapy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Clinical Hypnosis | Taking Charge of Your Health
- Mayo Clinic: Hypnosis - Results
- Mayo Clinic: Weight-loss hypnosis: Does it work?
Member Comments