I'm sceptical about the benefits of old-fashioned hypnotism but one area that's exciting is the use of hypnotherapy to help people find inner control over something that makes them anxious.
Self-hypnosis is proving to be an effective way for people to gain power in situations where they would otherwise feel helpless.
Two great techniques that have really taken off recently are hypnobirthing, which helps women feel in control and relaxed during childbirth, and hypnodieting which help compulsive eaters take charge Calgary-Flames of their diet and lose weight.
The idea of a virtual gastric band - which saves overweight people needing the real op - is especially intriguing and I approve of anything that reduces the number of people having this drastic surgery. The technique is also branching out to treat other problems including phobias and Tourette's syndrome.
Hypnotherapy v hypnosis
When we think of hypnosis, what comes to mind for most of us is the stereotypical image of a stage hypnotist waving a watch, saying: "You're feeling very sleepy," before making you cluck like a chicken.
That's the type of hypnosis in which you're put into a deep trance and become under someone else's control.
Deep-trance hypnosis has its uses. I once witnessed an obstetrician give a woman an anaestheticfree caesarean section while she was hypnotised - a technique known as hypnoanaesthia. But, in my opinion, it is not as useful a technique as hypnotherapy, which is all about self-empowerment and taking charge of your own thoughts and behaviours rather than handing over control to someone else.
Mind over matter
This newer form of hypnotherapy involves a practitioner teaching you how to get into a relaxed state of mind, in which you can control your thoughts and feelings and change how you respond to stressful situations. You also learn how to visualise the outcome you want to achieve.
So, if your aim is to lose weight, you'll picture yourself with your dream figure or as someone who happily leaves food on their plate. If your desired outcome is a happy birth, you'll visualise yourself and your baby ruehl calm and healthy following a straightforward labour.
The idea is that you learn these skills then take them away and use on your own.
How hypnotherapy could help you..
anxiety Hypnobirthing
WHAT IS IT? Mums-to-be are taught self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for a more comfortable and relaxed birth. They also learn how to release any fears and anxieties about giving birth.
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
Expectant mums are taught simple breathing techniques that help during childbirth, and self-hypnosis methods that help them stay calm and in control - regardless of what's happening around them. They can then use the techniques during childbirth to relax yet they're fully aware of what is happening to them.
WHAT DOES RESEARCH SAY?
I'm a big fan of hypnobirthing, Midwife-led research shows it leads to shorter, safer births, less need for pain relief or intervention and a happier, calmer mum and baby. It can even make breastfeeding easier. I just wish it had been around when I had my kids!
Hypno gastric bands
Other articles:
http://www.writersadda.com/blog.php?user=mywatches&blogentry_id=1264
http://www.nanoneen.com/MY-KIND-OF-TOWN-Stunning-scen.html
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