healingways
Hypnotherapy
Subconscious Beliefs Rule

by brigit ingram
By 1958, the American Medical
especially high in magnesium. In ad- Association approved and endorsed the
dition, an article in Nutrition Research t
he 1984 Olympic Games made
Mary Lou Retton’s name a house-
hold word, as the first American use of hypnosis in tandem with medi-
magazine writes that some studies woman to ever win a gold medal in cine, with the American Psychological
“demonstrate that commercial chlo- gymnastics. Afterwards, the diminutive Association following suit in 1960. Since
rophyll… is strongly antimutagenic.” champion surprised many Time readers 1995, the National Institutes of Health
Thus, recent claims for its anti-cancer by sharing one of her secrets in a maga- have recommended hypnotherapy as
properties. zine interview. During the nights leading a treatment for chronic pain. Many
The medical science commu- up to her win, she lay in bed, mentally dentists also use it to reduce the fear and
nity of dieticians, government- and rehearsing her routine hundreds of anxiety that accompany uncomfortable
pharmaceutically-funded researchers times, visualizing a perfect performance procedures.
and medical doctors mostly remains down to every minute detail. In effect, Today, this natural state of height-
skeptical of claims about chlorophyll’s she was practicing self-hypnosis. ened awareness, in which an individual
healthful benefits, because many stud- The gold med- easily relaxes, accepts
ies have been inconclusive. In answer, alist believed in the suggestions and listens
the natural health community might process of mental
often the best candidates
to the profound guid-
argue that modern scientific researchers conditioning and ance of their own inner
lack financial incentives to test tradi- affirmation. “Since
for hypnosis are highly
wisdom, is used as a
tional natural remedies fairly; the bigger the mind doesn’t
motivated and intelligent
powerful tool by practi-
money is in the drugs prescribed when know the difference tioners of healing arts.
nutrients become depleted in the hu- between fantasy
people like retton, be-
Practitioners ex-
man body, leading to illness. and reality, Retton’s
cause of their ability to
plain that hypnotherapy
Whole-food purists may prefer self-hypnosis helped can help an individual
fresh vegetables and the medical sci- her to do more ef-
focus and concentrate.
access their belief
ence community may scoff at the value fectively what she system anchored in the
of greenfoods, but those curious about was already good subconscious, a store-
greenfood supplements still possess the at,” says Master Hypnotist George Bien, house of memories, habitual self-talk
freedom to try them. Because tradi- a nationally recognized professional and negative messages. Then, guided by
tional health uses of natural products are hypnotherapist, with a doctorate in professional counsel, the person is able
strongly censored in the United States, educational psychology and communi- to create new behavior patterns that
the proof of their value is in the results cations. “Often the best candidates for help them reach their fullest potential.
obtained after trying them. If bowels hypnosis are highly motivated and intel- Hypnosis cannot negate a person’s
function better, digestion improves, mus- ligent people like Retton, because of principles or moral convictions, the
cles become toned, energy levels rise their ability to focus and concentrate.” experts assure us, nor does it put an
and skin and eyes shine after consuming Since the introduction of hypnosis individual to sleep. Rather, it creates
these products on a regular basis, then in the 18th century, outdated images of a deep state of relaxation, allowing
greenfoods may well be the superfood a hypnotic trance-like state, induced by the subconscious mind to accomplish
that their proponents claim them to be. swinging watches and spiraling devices, permanent change.
have been replaced with the concept of Accessing the power of this sub-
Dian Freeman is certified in clinical nu-
concentrated focus and visualization conscious core can certainly create
trition and holistic health with a private
techniques. The belief that the uncon- positive outcomes. Just ask a certain
consultation practice in Morristown, NJ.
scious mind was creative and solution- 1984 gold medalist.
She lectures widely and teaches health
generating led Milton H. Erickson For more information or to find a
seminars, cooking classes and a nutri-
(1901-1980), an American psychiatrist local hypnotherapist, visit the National
tional certification course. Connect at
and author, to elevate the use of hypno- Guild of Hypnotists, Inc. at ngh.net.
AboutHealth@att.net or visit
sis in his practice; he became known as Connect with George Bien at
WellnessSimplified.com.
the father of modern hypnotherapy. GeorgeBien.com.
March 2009March 2009 2929
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