A new weight loss technique, called "gastric mind band", is using hypnotherapy to perform surgery - without the surgery!
What is the technique?
The technique, which was the brainchild of Europe-based hypnotists Martin and Marion Shirran, has become the latest fad in non-surgical weight loss, using hypnotherapy to "fight obesity" mentally.
What is involved?
The technique involves an intensive four-day program, in which patients undergo behaviour therapy to learn how to combat temptation and understand what triggers their eating. This is then followed up by the "gastric mind band" hypnotherapy session. The session includes smells, background noises and other senses that mimic a hospital operating room so the patient can visualise themselves receiving surgery, without the actual procedure taking place. The patient then allegedly believes they have a smaller capacity to eat and have received gastric band surgery.
Does it work?
At the time of writing, there was not a lot of information available about the effectiveness of the treatment. However, according to one source, participant Marianne Zeger said she lost 120 pounds (55kg) in 10 months following the program.
The hypnotherapists also cite a 74% success rate in weight loss among the 400 patients who have undergone the hypnotherapy. Following the success of the process in Europe, the program founders will soon launch the $3000 program in the US.
How does hypnotherapy work?
Clinical hypnotherapy has been used widely and successfully for many years in Australia and overseas for the relief of a number of problems and conditions. Well known in the community as being effective for giving up smoking, for weight management and for managing stress, clinical hypnotherapy is also powerful in many areas of life in which people experience symptoms of pain, stress, anxiety and tension.
To learn more, find a nearby hypnotherapist in your area.
Originally published on Sep 29, 2010
