Studies Show that Sports Performance Improves with the Use of Hypnosis

When Bruce mentioned to me during a hypnotic session for chronic pain relief that he was going to play an important game of golf and that he needed to feel physically and mentally at his peak, I suggested that we use hypnosis to help prepare for the upcoming game. Prior to his “big” game we had a few meetings where suggestions were given to reduce physical pain, improve his swing, and play golf like a pro.

There is plenty of evidence that hypnotism, simple imagery, and direct suggestions assist in overall improvements in sports activities. It is possible to elevate an individual’s sports ability through the use of hypnosis. Additionally, hypnosis is quite effective for soothing pregame anxieties. Champion golfer Dave Stockton was once asked to name the player he most feared in the field of golf champions. Without hesitation he answered, “Me.” No one has ever stated more succinctly the truth that what goes on inside you counts most in athletic performance. I always say, “It’s what’s in my mind that counts!”

The use of deep relaxation and visualization was made public in the 1960s when the techniques were applied to training athletes for Olympic competition. Of four skiers trained in Switzerland, three won gold medals in the 1980 Olympics. It wasn’t long before these techniques were applied to virtually every sport, and with astounding results.

The 1984 Olympics demonstrated over and over the effective power of mental training. We saw bobsled teams sway as they practiced visualization before each event. We heard MaryLou Retton tell how she “mind scripted” every move the night before winning her gold medal. We read how Greg Louganis, another gold medalist and the only diver ever to score a perfect 10 in international competition, employed as much mental preparation as physical training. He visualized each dive 40 times as he wanted it to be step-by-step before mounting the platform. Coaches and players have consistently stated, “Training the mind is at least as important as training the body.”

I have worked with groups of teens that have taken many strokes off of their golf games. In fact, I worked with one young golfer that took twelve strokes off of his game and won himself a scholarship to college as a golfer! There is no limit on what the mind can do when it is programmed with positive expectations. After all, hypnosis is belief + expectation = outcome!

When mental training progress is accelerated, as it is with this methodology, performance
improves and fears, worries and stress are greatly diminished or eliminated. Even recuperation from injuries and exhaustion is made more rapidly.

Hypnotists have found that the mind can lessen or eliminate fears and anxieties and physical pain since the body is a “robot” taking directions from the subconscious mind. Hence, whatever you think, see, feel, hear, taste or smell does have a chemical and physiological base in the brain. You can change behavior with some simple hypnotic techniques, thus enhancing your sports performance.

Read the following and then try it on your own: “Close your eyes visualize a lemon, see the waxy surface and the puckers on the skin? Go ahead and get a knife and begin to slice the lemon into pieces, quick, put the knife down, put the lemon in your mouth, and suck on it!” Good, chances are your salivating or your mouth is dry or you tasted the lemon flavor, some of you have probably swallowed!

A technique termed “safe place” is imagery, in which the client begins by imagining him or herself in a location that feels safe and secure. Once the “safe place” is established and the feelings of safety and security are attained, then the client can watch their entire golf game or sport they are participating in while maintaining the feelings of safety and comfort. I like to say, that this is an exercise in memory and you are always safe and secure! Just rehearsing the event brings about a sense of familiarity, which makes things go a lot smoother and easier when playing.

The body has an intelligence of its own that can be engaged through hypnosis to improve any sport performance. Generally, direct suggestions from improving your sport combined with positive imagery will activate the body’s own intelligence to improve your game while relaxing you. Ideally the person should have a few sessions to ensure that all of your desires for sports success are achieved.

I have found that there are many individuals that will engage in only one session with their hypnotist and then complain it did not work. Clearly, we are not all identical and hence I recommend a minimum of 3 sessions. I also highly recommend going to a hypnotist that records the sessions so you can listen everyday prior to your sports event. I have been able to document that daily listening does alter the brain chemistry positively and hence lead you to total success!

Prior to visiting your local hypnotist make a list of the specific areas you’d like to have improved; i.e. swing, tee shot, putting, etc. Also if you align yourself with a specific sports figure watch and listen to that person prior to attending your session as well as thinking about that particular persons golf game and what it is about their style you would care to emulate and then have the hypnotist include this information in your hypnotic session. This will ensure you the most opportunity for success.

Finally, remember the repetition of positive suggestions amplifies the beneficial effects. That is one reason why the hypnotist will make a recording. Recordings should be specifically tailored to the needs of the individual, and will typically include “safe place” imagery, a rehearsal of successful sports games, and suggestions for specific body movements, and a positive attitude. As previously mentioned, for those who need lots of reassurance, it is important that the rehearsals have the greatest detail. That way, as the person goes through the event, all of the details will not only be familiar, they will be reminding the person to feel calm and relaxed.

Just weeks after Bruce’s golf hypnotic sessions he reported he had taken three strokes off his game, played totally pain free, and has never enjoyed golf as much as he does today! Go for it! Great golfing.

Sincerely,

Dr. Karen Frank aka The Bumble Bee Lady

Karen Frank holds a Docotrate degree in Metaphysics and is the Founder and President of Dr. Karen Frank’s Center for Holistic Wellness and Healing Hypno-Harmonics, a CD series for self hypnosis. She is a frequent guest on Radio shows nationwide and teaches in the United States as well as other countries. A published Author and accomplished NEXT Speaker and trainer, Dr. Frank has more than 20 years of experience and research as a Medical Hypnotist with a background in Nursing. Karen is also a certfied F.I.R.E.walk Instructor and addresses hundreds of groups each year teaching people in the areas of personal and professional growth. She has helped thousands to discover their own full potential since she has experienced welfare, food stamps and homelessness as a single parent of an eight month old infant; to mention a few of the challenges she has overcome. Her fantastic success ratio is attributed to her winning abilities and in part her profound understanding of individuals’ readiness and acceptance toward healing themselves through her guidance. To contact Dr. Frank 877-U-R-UNIQUE

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