FitSugar

Hypnosis Proving to Offer Health Benefits, Studies Say

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:48:50 PDT

When I hear the word hypnosis, a man swinging a pendulum in front of a person squawking like a chicken is what comes to mind. Stage hypnosis, performed by entertainers, is vastly different than therapeutic hypnosis, which is used to improve a person's well-being. Over the last 10 years hypnosis has gained more recognition because more and more research shows hypnotherapy can effectively treat medical conditions. A number of studies have discovered that this type of treatment can help alleviate chronic pain, reduce stress and anxiety before surgery, and also lower health care costs since patients using hypnosis have shorter hospital stays.

The hypnotic state has been likened to meditation or daydreaming; when hypnotized, one has a heightened sense of inner focus and concentration. When under hypnosis, people tend to feel calm and relaxed and be capable of paying attention to one specific thought, memory, emotion, or sensation while blocking out any other distractions, making them extremely open to the power of suggestion, although they remain completely aware and in control of their actions. This is why hypnosis is used for weight loss, smoking cessation, pain control, childbirth, dental procedures, anxiety, and gastrointestinal problems such as IBS. It should be noted that one session won't instantly "cure" your ails, so don't expect to instantly despise cigarettes after your first appointment.

What's the Deal With Hypnotherapy?

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:30:00 PDT

Let's face it: It's not easy to lose weight, or quit smoking, or get your stress under control. But if you've ever struggled with any of these health concerns, you know that the best solution is simply the one that works for you! So, why not give hypnotherapy a try?

We've heard that Lily Allen used it for weight loss, and I know several other people who have lost weight through hypnosis. Though it may sound a little new age-y, the method really makes a lot of sense, since it gets to the root of your self-control.

When used for health-related matters like dieting and smoking cessation, hypnosis is usually referred to as suggestion therapy. The therapist uses guided relaxation to put the subject into a sort of trance wherein she is susceptible to suggestion. Far from mind control, the trancelike state simply makes you more responsive to ideas - like the fact that you can live without cigarettes or a second piece of pie- that you might normally reject. To hear more about it,

read more. When you are in a hypnotized state, you will likely feel comfortable and relaxed but not really awake, almost as if you are dreaming. The hypnotherapist then makes suggestions in line with your treatment. If you are trying to lose weight, she might tell you that you should always stop eating when you are full. If you are trying to kick the smoking habit, the therapist could suggest that you think cigarettes taste yucky. Hypnotherapy can be used to treat addiction, as well as anxiety, phobias, insomnia, and depression. The technique is often used in tandem with standard psychotherapy or, in the case of smoking, along with other cessation programs. Regardless of whether you're using it to lose weight or tackle another problem, make sure you're working with a licensed professional. Have you tried hypnotherapy, or do you know anyone who has? If so, tell me about it below. Source

Putting Beauty Hypnotism to the Test

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:00:42 PDT

Can hypnosis keep you from biting your nails? Georgina Powell thinks so. The Florida-based clinical hynotherapist works with people to cure common problems including beauty mishaps. (If you're not in the Sunshine State, you can check her out online.)

When I spoke to her the other day, she explained that most women have self-defeating thoughts, and no matter how beautiful they may be, they need to feel good on the inside to look good on the outside. By imagining scenes, you can relax the body and conscious mind into a hypnotic trance; from there, you can implant positive messages for positive change.

To find out what happened when I tried one of her downloads,

read more. She also assuaged my fears about side effects (there are none), and told me that hypnosis can not make you do something you don't want to do. For example, you can't be made to rob a bank or bark like a dog. In fact, you can't be hypnotized if you don't want to be. The most common beauty problem she deals with is nail biting. Since I'm a nibbler, I decided to put her "download" to the test. I listened to the file once and found her voice soothing, but I put so much pressure on myself to become entranced that I never let my body and mind fully relax. I'll have to try it again, because as I laid in bed imagining myself having long beautiful nails on a sunny beach, all I wanted to do was take notes. Her CDs cost $19.95 and her downloads are $12.95. If you think that hypnosis might be for you, I say give it a go - it's around the same price as an eye shadow, and if you don't feel satisfied, there's a 90-day money-back guarantee. Sessions are about 30 minutes and are recommended for use in the evenings for 28 days. Do you believe that hypnosis is a plausible beauty treatment? Or are you a skeptic?

Lily Allen's Hypnotic Weight Loss

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 10:15:00 PDT

People will go to any lengths to lose a little weight and one of the more unusual methods gaining popularity recently is by means of hypnosis. Lily Allen used hypnosis for weight loss, and it's apparently helped her drop about four dress sizes, and it got her to want to go to the gym. Lily said:

"After the hypnotism, I want to go to the gym every day, otherwise I feel really bad. I just want to get more toned and healthy. I'm really good about everything at the moment - I've never been happier."

Allen does look great these days, but I am still wondering why she didn't ask the hypnotist to get her to stop smoking too?

Sound interesting? Then check out The Zen of Thin for more info on hypnotism and weight loss. If you've had your own experience with weight loss and hypnotism I'd love to hear, so share them in the comments section below.

Source

What Do You Think About Hypnotherapy?

DearSugar — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:00:00 PDT

Hypnosis claims to help people quit smoking, stop snoring, overcome fears, and lose weight, but how does it work?

I did a little research and found out that the brain operates in 4 different states: Full Conscious Awareness, the Hypnotic State, the Dream State, and the Sleep State. We spend most of our waking hours in the Full Conscious Awareness state, and as we drift into sleep, we pass through the 3 other states. The Hypnotic State is a place where you are not really thinking, you are just experiencing.

When you are hypnotized, the therapist can then make suggestions to your subconscious mind without your conscious mind getting in the way so you can overcome whatever fears or habits you want to get rid of.

When you are hypnotized, you're in an enhanced state of awareness so if you're contemplating going under, don't worry about doing things you aren't comfortable with -- you are actually fully aware of what's going on.

While it did help my friend quit smoking for a short period of time, I'm still a bit skeptical. Have any of you experienced hypnotherapy? Has it worked for you or do you think it's just a big scam?

Source

Healthy Dose Link Time: White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn For the Holidays

Susi May — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:46:14 PST

A healthier holiday snack: white chocolate peppermint popcorn - Peanut Butter Fingers
Hypnosis for weight loss? How the mind can help you drop pounds - Shape
Open your heart for the holidays with this yoga sequence - Yoga Journal
Matt Lauer grills Jane Fonda over hip and knee replacements - Bisstree
Lighten up about weighing in! - Daily Spark
Go paleo! Try this casserole featuring bison and Cuban spices - Healthful Pursuit
A Grammy nominee playlist to rock your next sweat session - Fitness

Avoid Putting On the Pounds When Giving Up the Smokes

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:30:22 PST

With all the health benefits to gain from giving up the smokes, the decision to quit is an easy one, but the follow-through can certainly be a challenge. Cravings brought on by nicotine withdrawal can be intense and one way distract yourself from the desire to light up is to eat, eat, and eat some more. That of course can lead to weight gain, so here are some tips on how to ditch the cancer sticks without busting out of your pants.

First and foremost, focus on quitting and don't worry so much about gaining weight. Smoking is much more of a risk than gaining a few extra pounds, so once you ditch the cigs for good, then worry about how you're going to lose the extra fluff.

To find out how to avoid gaining a hefty amount of weight,

read more. When you quit, you may miss having something in your mouth, which is why many people end up reaching for food to munch on instead. This is a great way to keep your hands and lips busy, just be sure to choose wisely. Crunchy carrot and celery sticks, frozen grapes, cubes of cheese, air-popped popcorn, and even gum will give your mouth something to do without packing in too many calories. You can also go for calorie-free options. Sucking on a straw or toothpick may also satiate that need to have something in your mouth. Instead of sticking to the three-meals-a-day plan, opt for smaller more frequent meals. This will keep hunger at bay, which will make you less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks or overeat. Food choices matter too, and ones that are high in protein and fiber will keep you feeling full longer. Also try to avoid alcohol. Cocktails, beer, and wine tend to be high in calories, and for some people, they trigger the urge to light up. Keep busy with exercise. Smoking breaks take up a lot of time, so replace them with walks around the block or short strength-training sessions including push-ups, squats, and crunches. As little as five minutes of exercise has been shown curb nicotine cravings. Exercise also helps to naturally suppress your appetite, so the more you make exercise a part of your regular schedule, the less hungry you'll feel and the more calories you'll burn. You may also benefit from an alternative therapy when it comes to quitting. Hypnosis, acupuncture, and meditation may be effective tools that help you quit faster. If you have any other tips on how to quit smoking without going up a jeans size, share them in the comment section below.

DrSugar on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DrSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:57 PST

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's teaching us about digestive issues.

In last week’s column, I answered a great question from a reader who was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by her physician. I addressed her question regarding Candida infection of the gastrointestinal system but felt that a separate column on IBS was warranted, given its common prevalence and media attention. As many as one in five adult Americans have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than men; the onset of the symptoms occurs before the age of 35 in over half of people with IBS.

To learn more continue reading.