Hypnosis to cure anorexia nervosa
Can hypnosis cure anorexia? Firstly let’s examine the history of anorexia.
The earliest recording of Anorexia dates back during the 17th century. Although, the medical profession did not accept it as a known medical condition until the late 19th century. It is therefore often thought of as a ‘modern-day’ ailment.
The general public was only made more aware of that when the American singer Karen Carpenter died in 1983 at the young age of 32 years old. Another young woman who sadly died from this illness was the Scottish singer Lena Zavaroni. She battled with Anorexia since she was a teenager finally succumbing to it in 1999 at the age of 36.
Most people think It is a physical condition. However, it is, in fact, a mental health issue which affects the individual’s physical health and well-being. Females make up 85-90% of those affected and teenagers. Meanwhile, young adults aged between 12 and 26 make up 95% of those who are diagnosed with an eating disorder. Anorexia is the most common cause of death in young women aged 15 to 24. This is almost twelve times higher than any other cause or illness. The numbers in males with anorexia are also rising. This is because social media puts a lot of pressure on young people to look unrealistically good at all times.
Can hypnosis cure anorexia nervosa
The majority of people will tell you they would like to lose a few pounds. All this to look and feel better and some go on a diet to achieve this. However, for some, it becomes all about control and they begin to enjoy the control they have over their body. At an age when young people are already pushing the boundaries in all aspects of their lives whether it is at home or in school, they often don’t have the freedom to express themselves regardless of the situation as their elders still treat them as being immature. Their bodies are the only real part of their lives they can completely control and it makes them feel good. Each generation has increasing social pressure on them to look better than their predecessors and the demands can become overwhelming.
Some can quickly become obsessed with their weight and appearance. So, they go to incredible lengths to do everything they can to lose more and more weight. They need to account for every mouthful of food and record every single calorie. Plus, they take up or increase exercise. They will often put themselves through the most gruelling regimes, punishing themselves if they fail. They do this by denyi
ng what little food they are allowing themselves. Or, they become secretive. They are cunning at hiding their weight loss and actual food intake from their families and others closest to them. Also, they start wearing baggy clothes. They make themselves sick after mealtimes. Or, lie about how much they are eating, hiding food or playing around with it on their plates. Sometimes the weight loss is extreme and they are very ill before their families realise the extent of the problem.
Aggravation
As their weight plummets, their ribs are sticking out and their appearance is gaunt, they still believe they are fat. As food becomes their sole focus they increase their regime even as their body becomes weaker through lack of nutrition. They start taking laxatives to ensure to expel that little food they consume from their body as soon as possible. Some take diuretics and use enemas to vacate any food in their stomach or bowels.
As starvation sets in they may occasionally have a blowout and binge as their resolve weakens. However, immediately afterwards they feel guilty and unhappy. So, they purge themselves any way possible to gain some of that control back. This is similar to Bulimia Nervosa. It is a similar illness where the individuals binge then purge on food, retaining their weight though causing long term damage to their bodies the same as an Anorexic.
Eventually, the damage to their health becomes apparent as they cannot hide their gaunt appearance and skeletal image forever. The symptoms they cause by starving their body becomes more and more apparent to others. These include constant fatigue, insomnia, low blood count and pressure, depression, feeling cold and in females, their menstruation cycle stops. Their appearance gives them away. Their hair thins, their nails become brittle and their skin becomes dull and lifeless looking. This is the body beginning to shut down as vital organs are not receiving any nutrients to keep them working.
Anorexia hypnosis cure
Unfortunately, there are no medicines available to cure anorexia. It is a mental condition and it is the
mind that needs treatment. If the weight reaches a dangerously low level, the hospitalisation and medical intervention is the only option where they can monitor them closely. The rehabilitation process involves psychiatrists and dieticians to ensure their weight increases again. Many refuse the help or are too weak to eat and they have to feed them by force through a drip. Once their weight is back up to an acceptable though still underweight level, they are free from medical care. They promise they will not return to their old habits.
Unfortunately, many are not ‘cured’ and immediately begin the cycle, this time more cunning and determined than ever. Sadly, many have not been able to accept that they have a problem and may die. They believe to the very end that their skeletal image is overweight.
Hypnotherapy is known as an alternative method
Hypnotherapy is known as an alternative and viable method. It helps the individual look at the reasons why they need to control their life in this unhealthy way. The therapist will help them look at what might be the cause that they want to abuse their body. There are several reasons why they may have anorexia. Lena Zavaroni was told she was chubby at 10 years old. So, could do with losing a few pounds for the cameras. This led to a lifetime obsession of struggling with her weight which became fatal. Karen Carpenter died of heart failure, the consequences of strict dieting and purging for years.
Other causes which can lead to a lifetime of dieting and self-loathing of their body image is bullying. Or an
innocent comment by a family member can be taken out of context as regards to their weight. There may be a close family member who is a serial dieter and obsesses about food and diets all the time. This may lead the individual to think this is the norm. So, they automatically assume they should restrict their food intake too. The media portrays unachievable and unrealistic body images daily. Magazines display pictures of airbrushed, skinny models. The public is brainwashed into believing this is the image we should all work towards to achieve. Television programmes employ the slimmest and most attractive people to act day in and day out on our screens. As a result, we believe everyone should look like that.
Celebrity lifestyles
Our obsession with celebrity lifestyles increases the pressure on our impressionable young people. They want to look like them all the time. This is impossible as we do not have the money or the time to invest in these unrealistic images. These ‘celebrities’ have personal chefs; personal trainers and many undergo surgical procedures to obtain and upkeep their image.
It is important to find a good therapist. He or she should work on raising the individuals self -esteem, their confidence and self-worth. The therapist will help improve their self- image. Also, to love themselves for who they are and not for whom they are not. The therapist will work on changing their attitude toward food. He will make them aware of the value of food as a nutritional resource and not one to fear.
Contact us today to find out about hypnosis therapy to cure anorexia. Click here to read further articles on eating disorders and their treatment.
