International Handbook of Clinical Hypnosis - E-Lib FK UWKS

226 INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS
and become aware with every bite I take, how my stomach tells me that it is ®lled
with food ...'
Physical Exercise
Since physical exercise to increase metabolism is of crucial importance for promoting
weight loss, the patient will receive a suggestion to start with more and
regular movement during a hypnosis exercise. After hypnosis induction the patient
is asked to imagine that she is for instance riding a bicycle. While cycling,
suggestions are given to become more and more relaxed, reaching a deeper state of
trance and/or relaxation. This exercise aims also to motivate the patient to start
cycling with a home-trainer) in the actual situation at home.
An alternative to the classical induction technique is active-alert hypnosis
Banyai, Zseni & Tury, 1993). In this method the hypnotic subject rides a bicycle
ergometer home-trainer) with eyes open throughout the whole hypnotic session.
While cycling, verbal suggestions are given to enhance alertness, attentiveness and
a feeling of freshness. This exercise combines different goals: increasing actual
metabolism, learning to relax while cycling and enhancing motivation for doing
physical exercise. For several years active-alert hypnosis on a bicycle has become a
basic strategy in our treatment of obesity.
Example
When the patient starts pedalling on the bicycle, the following suggestions can be
given:
And now that you have started pedalling, you can listen to my voice and concentrate
on all the sensations in your body ... And while you are pedalling continuously, you
can become more and more aware of the rhythmic movement of your muscles,
especially your legs. Try to concentrate more and more on the rhythmic movement of
your legs, ... Maybe you will notice how this movement, the pedalling, will become
more and more automatic, how cycling becomes easier. After a while you will maybe
notice how your legs perform the pedalling more and more easily, you will be able to
pedal the bicycle in a more relaxed fashion, easily and automatically. The physical
exercise can increase your metabolic rate and help you to burn your calories ... And
the more you cycle, the more you may have the feeling as if your legs become
independent of your body. Your legs move automatically ... And while you are
breathing in the fresh air, your head can feel lighter and clearer, you can concentrate
more and more easily, and start to feel more and more relaxed ... and become aware
more and more of your inner resources ...
In only a small number of patients will teaching self-control and relaxation succeed
in helping them to change their eating behavior and weight. In most of the obese
patients we are working with, the uncovering and exploring of the meaning or