A hypnotic state is more than entertaining.
Gastric bypass, gastric banding surgery, diet pills and diets are ways that people try and fail to lose excess weight. Despite the variety in their approach to weight loss, those methods do not address the underlying cause of the excess weight, which is overeating. Overeating has a psychological component that must be addressed before weight lost can be successful. Hypnosis addresses the overeating problem by attacking the psychological food cravings. It also helps patients discover the deep-seated reasons why food is used in ways other than to satisfy hunger.
Significance
The Mayo Clinic describes hypnosis as "a trance-like state in which you have heightened focus, concentration and inner absorption." A licensed hypnotherapist induces such a state to allow the patient the opportunity to explore her memories and thoughts without being inhibited or distracted. The reasons that people overeat are often found in those unconscious thoughts and long forgotten memories.
Function
A person under hypnosis is easily influenced by suggestion. The hypnotherapist takes the patient on a journey to discover the cause of the overeating. Food is often used as a response to issues like abandonment, abuse and low self-esteem. The hypnotherapist works to resolve any unresolved issues in the patient's subconscious that are fueling the overeating. One method is to have the patient substitute another, healthier way to cope in place of the food. Hypnotherapists make such substitutions by hypnotic suggestion, so that a new way of thinking replaces the old in the subconscious mind. In this way, the behavior behind the overeating is changed, thereby ending the overeating.
Features
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the stages of hypnosis include looking at the underlying issue in a new way, becoming absorbed in the words or images of the hypnotherapist and getting rid of the thoughts that lead to overeating. This is where substitution comes in. The hypnotherapist concludes by using a series of words and phrases to lead the patient out of the trance and into the normal mental state. The practitioner and patient then review the session, discussing it for better understanding. More than one session may be needed to overcome the overeating.
Considerations
Not every patient will respond to hypnotism because some people are not as open to suggestion. According to the Mayo Clinic, some qualities reveal if a person will do well under hypnosis. People that can "lose" themselves in music and books, and whose memories are triggered by smell, touch, sight and sounds are good candidates for hypnosis.
Warning
Hypnotism can only work after underlying medical conditions that may be causing the overeating are addressed. Side effects from medications, and diseases such as thyroid disorders and diabetes can cause excessive hunger and overeating. Hypnotherapists urge patients to see their regular doctor for a clean bill of health before starting hypnotism for overeating.
