Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that when it's combined with a healthy diet and exercise, hypnosis may help dieters lose weight. There is little scientific evidence to support hypnosis, but modest results have been reported in various limited studies, according to National Institutes of Health researchers. With practice, a hypnosis CD allows you to practice focusing your attention on your weight-loss goals, making you more responsive to the suggestions that you can alter your behavior and achieve success.
Step 1
Believe that the hypnosis will help you change your eating patterns and start exercising more to lose weight. Hypnotist Tom Nicoli, who produces weight loss and other behavior modification CD programs, reports that dieters must believe the hypnosis will work, strongly desire success and expect that the behavior will change in order for the hypnosis CD to work effectively.
Step 2
Look for a CD hypnosis plan that targets your specific needs. There are CDs targeted toward reducing sweet intake or carbohydrate binging. If you eat at night, consider a CD that directs its message toward that behavior. Use a relaxation hypnosis technique if you eat when you are nervous or anxious.
Step 3
Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Don a pair of good headphones that are comfortable to wear and block out outside ambient sound so that your mind can totally focus on the message on the CD.
Step 4
Allow yourself to be completely absorbed in the sounds on the CD. Stop thinking about anything. When you find your mind drifting to other thoughts, remind yourself that you believe in the hypnosis process and that you are sure that it will help you. Stick with the entire program, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes for each session.
Step 5
Continue with hypnosis sessions once a day. Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) report that progress can typically be expected after anywhere from four to 10 sessions, depending on your age and how susceptible you are to the technique. UMM researchers report that children between the ages of 9 and 12 can get results from hypnosis after only one or two sessions.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider visiting a licensed hypnotherapist before you start self-hypnosis with CDs. A professional can help you become acclimated to the process and help to build your resolve. Continue to use the CDs at home after a few professional sessions to build on the work that's been done so far.
- Talk to your doctor before beginning a hypnosis program to make sure that your weight gain is not a result of a physical or mental problem. UMM researchers report that certain anxiety problems can be exacerbated by hypnotherapy. A doctor should be consulted before undertaking any drastic weight-loss program to make sure your heart and thyroid are working properly as well.
Things You'll Need
- CD program
- Good headphones
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