Original Link: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/vegetable-hypnotherapy-is-a-thing-now-heres-how-it-works/news-story
In the midst of a healthy eating crisis, it seems Aussies will try almost anything to improve the statistics. Here’s how hypnotherapy could be used to encourage healthier and more sustainable eating habits.
It’s no secret Aussies could improve their nutrition habits. In fact, recently published data from CSIRO revealed only 35 per cent of adults are consuming enough fruits and vegetables, devoting far too much of their caloric intake to processed foods and alcoholic beverages.
In response to this national nutrition crisis, leading meal-kit service HelloFresh has unveiled a first-of-its-kind guided hypnosis track, Retrain Your Meat Brain. Guided by hypnotherapist Tim Thornton, the seven-minute track aims to help listening Aussies consider diversifying their protein options, and opt for vegetarian meals more often.
For decades, hypnosis has largely been portrayed in one way through popular culture. Every Hollywood reference usually consists of a mysterious man dressed in a black cloak selecting a volunteer from an eager crowd, and leading them onstage to take a seat. After entering a guided trance of relaxation, the hypnotised individual is immediately brought ‘back’ to reality with the snap of the mysterious man’s fingers. But according to Thornton, the celebrated hypnotherapist featured on the guided track, this tired stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth.
The reality of hypnotherapy
In most instances, hypnotherapy sessions usually involve verbal repetition, mental images and guidance from a professional. The hypnotherapist says in essence, the practice is designed to target a very natural state of human consciousness.
“We’ve all experienced ‘everyday trances’,” Thornton says, referencing our state of mind during moments such as long night drives or the active trance known as a ‘runner’s high’. “During hypnotherapy, the client is induced into the trance state which enables the therapist to make a direct communication with the subconscious part of the mind to shift these patterns and behaviours.”
He explains that once this trance-like state is achieved, the role of a hypnotherapist is to then communicate and harness the subconscious function of the mind.
“The subconscious is where all our habits, patterns, learnings and memories are stored, so, if someone wants to change and is ready for change, but can’t make it happen by themselves, then the hypnosis option usually works very well,” says Thornton.
But does successful hypnosis involve a gradual process, or can people’s brains really be retrained at a snap of our fingers? Thornton says that while some have experienced results after just one short session, it can depend entirely on each individual’s motivations and ability to harness their subconscious.
“The very large majority of people can be hypnotised, but the depth of the trance reached and the speed in which it is achieved is different from person to person,” the hypnotherapist clarifies.
For anyone who may be sceptical, or perhaps apprehensive about trying hypnotherapy, Thornton says anyone can explore the Retrain Your Meat Brain track from the comfort of their own home, “It’s exciting to be able to make practices like hypnosis more accessible for everyone to try!”