Hypnosis and Self Hypnosis For Weight Loss

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.