Dieting and exercising aren’t the only ways to lose weight. In fact, one of the most effective ways to lose weight is by applying the power of our subconscious. Read on to learn more.

The Mind
Most of us think of hypnosis as a bizarre trance done in severe situations, but Beryl Comar, Consulting Hypnotist and Owner at The Change Associates in Knowledge Village explains that hypnosis is actually something natural we do anyways many times a day. It’s defined as a state of selective, focused attention that’s completely normal and natural, yet one of the most fascinating phenomena of the human mind. “Our ability to enter this unique state of consciousness opens the door to countless possibilities for healing, self-exploration and change,” she says, and in fact, when we enter into the absorbed state of hypnosis, we can use our thoughts, talents and experiences in ways not usually available to us.

How it Works
Essentially the body responds physically to thoughts—“For instance, we think a frightening thought and we experience increased heart rate and shortness of breath,” she explains, similarly, when we think of a pleasurable thought, we can experience reduced heart rate and a relaxation of muscles. These autonomic nervous system responses are involuntary, but can be applied to promote health. When hypnotized, an individual is very open to suggestions that can enhance positive and diminish negative physical reactions. “The unconscious mind formed you; it sent the signals to make every part of you and even our sicknesses can be ‘psychosomatic’ from the unconscious brain so the brain, once it has set its mind can make any change,” she points out. “The state of hypnosis and your imagination in a very powerful way will help you actually believe that you are going to get a gastric band installed while your beliefs help to foster the physical sensations that arise as a result of actually having undergone the real surgery.

Results
According to Comar, results are felt immediately. “The very heavy clients tend to lose weight very quickly using this method as long he/she has done the preliminary work,” she says. “I also work in all the standard suggestions for weight loss in the session; “you will only eat those foods you know in your own mind lead to great health and weight loss, and you’ll stay away from junk foods and fast foods”.” She also uses a golf ball (pink for the ladies and white for the men!) and as soon as they emerge from surgery, he/or she is asked to squeeze the golf ball “as that’s now the size of your stomach”