Goal-oriented meditation

For decades hypnosis has taken a bad rap due to endless myths and misconceptions like the accusations of mind control and the chicken clucking antics of stage hypnosis.  The truth is that hypnosis was researched, validated and accepted by the AMA over 50 years ago as a legitimate healthful modality.

I normalize the process to my clients by explaining hypnosis as simply goal oriented meditation. We visit the same peaceful inner stillness one experiences when meditating, but rather than simply enjoying the cathartic healthy bliss of the moment we have work to do. With the subconscious open and active we get to the business of pulling out the unwanted patterns and rooting preferred alternatives. I hope this helps you better understand hypnosis.

By: Paul Gustafson RN CH

Quick disconnect

Hypnosis offers such a quick disconnect effect. I see so many clients who enter the office with the weight of the world on their shoulders. The don’t know me, they have never been to my office, and most know nothing about hypnosis besides the entertainment side of the field.

My initial approach is to let them tell their story. I certainly need to gather pertinent information so I can assist them but this also helps them begin the process of separating themselves from their problems, which is crucial. The cathartic relief clients experience by simply offloading their ‘junk’ helps them to relax and the process also helps in developing rapport, they feel supported and begin to see me as someone who genuinely cares.

At the conclusion of the session I ask each client if they feel disconnected from the problems and concerns that burdened them upon arrival and most readily agree. This is a pivotal moment in their transition to success with their goal. The disconnect from their problematic past is palpable. Intellectually they recall the problems but clients no longer feel its effect.  Responses to this freedom range from smiles to laughter, and on occasion, tears of joy.

By: Paul Gustafson RN CH

Dangers of gastric band surgery

A gastric band, also called a lap band, is an inflatable silicone band surgically inserted around the top section of your stomach that creates a small pouch to restrict food intake.

In 2007, about 25 to 30 percent of the more than 200,000 bariatric surgeries (weight-loss surgeries) done in the U.S. used gastric banding.
Doctors say gastric banding is the least invasive form of bariatric surgery. With the obesity epidemic showing no signs of slowing down, many of those battling weight issues may be considering using a gastric band.
Obesity puts you at an increased risk of arthritis, depression, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, several forms of cancer, and many other diseases. It is a major public health crisis, but one that can be addressed without resorting to gastric band surgery, Dr. Joseph Mercola points out.
There’s always a risk when you go under the knife, but gastric banding and all types of bariatric surgery are fraught with a higher ratio of potential complications and risks.
One American clinical study that included a 3-year follow-up revealed that 88 percent of patients that tried a gastric band experienced one or more complications. 25 percent ended up having the gastric band removed permanently.
About nine percent of patients who had gastric band surgery had to undergo a second surgery to correct a problem with the band and/or a complication from the original operation.
Common gastric band complications are:

  • Band eroding into the stomach (1.3 percent, requires band removal)
  • Band slippage and/or pouch dilation (24 percent, requires another surgery)
  • Difficulty swallowing (9 percent)
  • Esophageal dilation and reduced esophageal function (11 percent)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (34 percent)
  • Leaking or twisted access port into the stomach (9 percent)
  • Stomach obstruction (14 percent)

Other possible complications include bowel and gallbladder issues, fainting, infection, kidney stones, malnutrition, and an increased risk of death, Dr. Mercola warns.

Bariatric surgery is just a quick fix and is NOT an effective weight loss tool because of the many negative long-term health consequences associated with this type of procedure.
Losing weight is very simple, if you know what you need to do, says Dr. Mercola. The number one dietary enemy in America is fructose, which is believed to be the main culprit in the obesity epidemic. Avoiding or completely eliminating fructose from your diet will greatly help your weight loss efforts.

By: Dr. Mercola