Many people struggle to fix their lives. Whether they are overweight, addicted to smoking, or constantly anxious, the usual methods simply don’t work for them. They often seek “magic bullets” to help them cut to the core of the problem and solve it. One of these methods is hyponotherapy, of the use of hypnosis for therapeutic effect. When a patient is under hypnosis, he or she is more susceptible to suggestion. So the theory goes, this will help people change their problem behaviors. But does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis does work for some conditions but not for others. Obesity is a problem that affects many Americans. Instead of going on diets and constantly wondering “does slim fast work?” many try hypnosis. To this point, the scientific data concerning its efficacy is mixed. Some studies have suggested that hypnosis alone may be responsible for 6 pounds of weight loss. Other studies have argued that hypnosis is only effective, if at all, when coupled with standard regimens of diet and exercise.
Smoking addicts are less lucky. The data are unambiguous: hypnosis does not help smokers quit. More traditional methods still reign supreme here.
Luckily, those suffering from chronic anxiety, fears, or other emotional issues may do well to consider hypnotherapy. Recent studies have concluded that regular hypnosis can relieve these emotional problems. This makes sense when one considers that anxiety and pain stems ultimately from the patients’ mind itself. The patient who is able to control and pacify their own brain can thereby alleviate their own symptoms.
Regardless of any pronouncements on the efficacy of hypnosis, research will still continue in the future as more claims are made and refuted by proponents and skeptics. Regardless of any skepticism, scientists agree that hypnosis is a field wide open for future research. The only course of action for a person suffering with obesity, nicotine addiction, or anxiety is to weight out the facts for him or herself and make a treatment decision.
