The History of Hypnosis

The word “hypnosis” refers to a trance state and has been used in many different ways throughout the history of hypnosis.

1494, it was seen as drug or magic-related sleep

1612, it was defined as magic cast onto another person with the power to control them. 

1620, it was referred to as a form of self-induced sleep.

1652, hypnotics were added to the list of drugs that could induce trance-like states for various purposes.

1802, one English author wrote that hypnosis is “a sort of sleep, whereby a man finds himself moved at his own volition.” An American physician later changed this definition to “a condition in which a person can follow or start suggestions or orders though he may not be aware of doing so.

In the late eighteenth century, Franz Anton Mesmer began to use hypnosis as a healing method. During this time, he developed a theory that an invisible “magnetic fluid” travels through the body of all living things. People can feel this fluid and that it moves with the revolutions of the Earth. He would hold “settings” with his followers, which involved staring into patients’ eyes and moving objects like magnets or other pieces of metal around their bodies. To draw out what they called animal magnetism. He also used a “mesmeric sleeper” to produce trance-like states.

The use of hypnosis for healing dates back to prehistoric times. It was used by the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, and many other cultures throughout history. But unfortunately, it had not been discovered and recorded as a science. Charles F. Davenport, a professor at Columbia University in New York, Published the textbook on the topic in 1897 entitled Hypnotism: Its History, Theory and Practice. This book was researched and written in consultation with many experts in the field.

Later, in 1899, Davenport published an article called Hypnotism: How to Suggest sleep, which contained over sixty cases of successful experiments with hypnosis. He described how to hypnotize patients and make suggestions to them in the state of hypnosis. He also explained the role of “post-hypnotic suggestion”, by which a patient is hypnotized one day and then given a suggestion to be activated later. It was the first mention of this in English.

In 1907, French psychiatrist Hippolyte Bernheim published Suggestive Therapeutics: A Treatise on the Nature and Uses of Hypnotism. Often referred to as the “bible of medical hypnosis.” In this book, he discussed how hypnosis could cure patients suffering from various disorders. He described this process clearly so that other physicians could know how to use it therapeutically. Hypnosis was controversial, and many people did not believe it was a natural phenomenon. Bernheim’s treatise helped to prove its safety and effectiveness.

It wasn’t until the early twentieth century that neuro-hypnotism started being used to cure all neurotic disorders. Hypnosis was used as a form of anaesthesia. Hypnosis was thought to heal illness without giving a patient drugs or any other type of anaesthetic.

In 1916, Irish psychiatrist James Hugh Moncrieff noted using hypnosis in his practice with patients. He reported “quite marked improvements” in nine out of ten cases, much better than modern methods such as shock therapy or medication. He also asserted that hypnosis was more effective because it did not affect emotions or the will.

In the same year, American physician Leo Stanley developed a “psychosynthesis” process. The process involved a patient lying on a couch while listening to tapes explaining their thoughts and feelings. The patient would then go into a self-induced hypnotic state and begin to talk freely about their thoughts, dreams, and fantasies. Stanley used this method in his practice for many years.

In the 1920s, Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research began to study neuro-hypnotism. Their main objective was to determine whether hypnosis could be used as an anaesthetic for surgery without side effects. In the 1930s, doctors at the University of Pennsylvania conducted experiments. They hypnotized a group of volunteer patients and then sent them home. At this time, the doctors thought that any illness a patient was experiencing could be healed without adverse effects on their health.

In 1940, the Hypnotism Act was introduced into the British Parliament, making it a law for anyone who wished to hypnotize another person to gain their permission in advance. Furthermore, the hypnotist had to advise the patient of the nature of hypnosis before conducting their treatment. With this legislation, hypnosis became less of a mysterious process and more of a scientific phenomenon with evidence to back up its use.

In the 1960s, two Dutch doctors named Johannes Teasdale and Edmund Jacobson published their work on the effects of hypnosis on various forms of neuroses. In light of Bernheim’s success with his treatments, they researched how hypnosis could treat people suffering from multiple disorders. The doctors found that hypnosis could treat various diseases effectively. This was a surprising discovery, as it showed that hypnosis was not only effective in the treatment of mental illness but could also be used to treat physical symptoms. It made people realize they did not have to suffer from mental, emotional, or other physical problems. This was a significant breakthrough in the development of hypnosis.

In the 1970s, hypnotists began to combine their techniques with other therapeutic practices, resulting in greater patient satisfaction and increased recovery rates. These new treatments were based on the idea that patients would achieve better results if they could participate in their recovery instead of remaining passive during treatment.

In 1981, Broadcasters showed a television program called The Body Human across Europe. This show featured a group of surgeons who combined hypnosis and other forms of surgery to cure patients of various physical illnesses. This was a breakthrough in the field because it proved that hypnosis could treat several different health problems without side effects or risks.

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Today, hypnotherapy is a valid and effective treatment for many issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and pain management. If you are interested in trying hypnotherapy, please consult with a licensed mental health professional to see if it’s right for you.

Hypnosis in Ancient Cultures

History of hypnosis from ancient times

Evidence shows that ancient shamans used hypnosis to enter trances and facilitate healing. Shamanic healing traditions have been found in cultures worldwide, and many of these traditions share similarities with contemporary hypnosis. For example, shamanic healing and hypnosis involve the use of altered states of consciousness. The shaman or hypnotist accesses a deeper level of awareness to connect with the spiritual realm. Furthermore, shamanic healing and hypnosis often involve rhythmic chanting or drumming to induce a trance-like state.

More recently, recorded history suggests that the ancient Egyptians also used hypnotism. They had dedicated sleep temples where people suffering from various psychological issues could go for treatment.

The study of hypnosis suggests that hypnosis can be traced back to the 18th century when Franz Anton Mesmer introduced the concept of “animal magnetism” to the public. He believed in something he called “animal magnetism”, a type of magnetic force that he claimed could heal people. He would put his hands on people’s heads and sometimes use magnets to try and draw out the magnetic force.

The term “hypnosis” seems to have been coined by James Braid, a Scottish surgeon. He used the word to refer to an altered state of consciousness that he induced in patients for surgical anaesthesia. Braid believed that hypnosis was not a purely psychological phenomenon but that it also had physiological causes. He used magnets to influence nerve action and eliminate warts on patients’ hands and toes.

Despite Braid’s efforts, however, the medical establishment initially rejected his theories regarding hypnosis. They did not take these theories seriously until the late 19th century. In 1882, French physician Hippolyte Bernheim published a book entitled Suggestive Therapeutics, arguing that hypnosis was a valuable medical tool.

Bernheim’s theories were supported by British physician John Hughlings Jackson, who wrote about hypnotism as a treatment for various neurological disorders. Jackson’s theories were later expanded upon by Sigmund Freud and others in the field of psychoanalysis.

Ancient Hypnosis Techniques

Ancient hypnosis techniques involved sound, drumming, chanting, herbs, psychedelics and other methods to induce a trance-like state. This allowed the practitioner to access the subconscious mind. And thus create powerful suggestions for change. While modern hypnosis is much more refined, these ancient techniques can still be effective in some cases.

From Magic Power to Everyday Trance

The history of hypnosis is full of tales of magical powers and mystical influences. Franz Mesmer, the 18th-century Austrian physician, credited with introducing the concept of “animal magnetism,” believed that he could harness magnetic forces to heal his patients. And while hypnosis has been around in one form or another for centuries, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that it became a scientific discipline.

Today, we know that hypnosis is a natural phenomenon with measurable effects. When under hypnosis, people enter a state of heightened suggestibility and are more open to suggestions from the hypnotist. While not everyone is equally susceptible to hypnotic induction, there is now a wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that hypnosis does work.

John Elliotson, one of the most prominent physicians of his day, was an early adopter of mesmerism (as hypnosis was then known). He used it successfully to treat patients with various conditions, including hysteria and pain management. Thanks to Elliotson and other early pioneers, we now better understand how hypnosis enables us to improve our health and well-being.

Key Personalities from the History of Hypnosis

Some key personalities in the history of hypnosis are Sigmund Freud, Franz Anton Mesmer, James Braid, and John Elliotson. Freud was an Austrian physician best known for his work in psychoanalysis. Mesmer was an Austrian physician credited with being the first to use hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. Braid was a Scottish surgeon who coined the term “hypnosis” and developed many early techniques used in hypnotherapy. Elliotson was an English physician who was one of the first to use mesmerism for medical purposes.

Hypnosis Pioneers of the Modern Day

These are three of the people I consider to have significantly impacted the world of hypnosis and suggestibility.

1. Milton Erickson

After contracting polio Erickson spent much of his early adulthood in solitude, focusing on learning how to understand his body language. This interest would prevail throughout his career.

Polio left Erickson partially paralyzed, and he developed post-polio syndrome in the 1950s. This condition further inhibited his mobility and forced him to use a wheelchair. To deal with muscle fatigue and pain, he used self-hypnosis techniques. Erickson believed that people often resisted hypnosis because they were afraid to change their behaviours. His approach to hypnosis used language that gave a client complete control over the facts they chose to disclose. 

1. Dave Elman

(1900-1967) was one of the pioneers of the medical use of hypnosis. Elman’s definition of hypnosis is still widely used today among many professional hypnotherapists. Elman’s description of hypnosis is still widely used today among many experienced hypnotherapists. Elman coined the term “Esdaile state” after the operations of Dr James Esdaile. The latter used hypnosis in the 1840s as an alternative to chloroform while performing major surgery.

To describe a new state that he had discovered, which featured complete anaesthesia of the subject without suggestions for removing discomfort. Elman believed that he had found the condition Esdaile had written about in his medical journals. This is also known as the “twilight state”. However, the subject is not in a coma and can wake up anytime.

3. Paul McKenna

Paul became interested in hypnotism due to a guest who appeared on his show. At first, he was interested in hypnosis for personal development. But he realized he could use it for entertainment and help more people learn about its power. His teacher was American practitioner Richard Bandler, whom he worked closely with for many years.

He is an international best-selling author whose books have sold over seven million copies and translated into 32 languages.

Recognized by The Times of London as one of “the world’s most important modern self-help gurus”, McKenna is a highly successful self-help author in the UK, as recognized by The Times of London. I Can Make You Thin is the best-selling self-help book in UK history. His other popular titles include 

Quit Smoking Today Without Gaining Weight. 

I Can Mend Your Broken Heart. 

I Can Make You Rich.

 And I Can Make You Happy, which reached number one.

To help those with PTSD, severe trauma, extreme pain and high levels of emotional distress. McKenna has been researching and developing psycho-sensory therapies targeting the Amygdala region of the brain (Amygdala Depotentiation Therapy) with Dr Ronald Ruden and Dr Stephen Ruden. And have been presenting seminars to health care professionals in the UK and USA.

The hypnotic state

The hypnotic state is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. In this state, you are more likely to respond to suggestions, including those made by the person hypnotizing you. There are a few ways to induce hypnosis or a hypnotic state. You may either practice self-hypnotism or visit a hypnotherapist.

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis doesn’t put you into a deep sleep where you are forced to do strange things. For most of us, whilst in a hypnotic state, we are still conscious and can hear the hypnotist. The only difference is that we are very relaxed and may be more open to suggestions. You need to be motivated and willing to be hypnotized for it to work, and it’s impossible to be hypnotized if you don’t want to be.

Hypnosis works by focusing your attention so that you are less conscious of everything around you. As your attention becomes narrower, you become more open to suggestions or directions the hypnotherapist gives. Should you become scared or become aware of some emergency, you can instantly wake up from this relaxed state.

Have the benefits and effects of hypnosis been proven

The benefits and effects of hypnosis have been proven through research. Clinical hypnosis is a recognized treatment by the American Psychological Association and the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis. Examples of the use of hypnosis include helping people quit smoking, reducing anxiety and stress, and improving sleep quality.

Is hypnosis safe for children, adults and the elderly?

Hypnosis is safe for children, adults and the elderly when used correctly. First, chat with your doctor to ensure you have no contraindications. Then, learn about self-hypnosis so that you can practice it safely on your own. If you have more severe issues, visit a qualified hypnotherapist. Hypnosis can be a great alternative to conventional pain medication, anxiety and depression and sometimes even certain forms of surgery.

What is Self Hypnosis, and how do I learn it?

Self-hypnosis is the act of altering one’s state without any external assistance. The trance state can be achieved passively, through deep relaxation and breathing techniques, or by imagining one’s desired outcome and working towards it. Self-hypnosis allows the mind to imagine specific feelings differently from other forms of imagined images. Self-hypnosis, also known as autohypnosis, is a complete relaxation induction. It’s the process of telling your mind and body to relax. The more relaxed you get, the easier it becomes to access your subconscious or creative mind. As you are fully aware, your mind focuses on your thoughts rather than letting them run away with themselves like they do when you’re sleeping.

There are a few ways of learning self-hypnosis and entering a hypnotic trance or state.

1. My first introduction to self-hypnosis and hypnosis techniques was a book called The Silva Method Of Mind Control . In today’s world, the title may sound a little strange, but I still often use the book and the method used to induce the “Alpha State is something I still often use. There are a host of other books on Self Hypnosis and meditation, as a quick Google search will reveal.
2. Another method to access the experience of hypnosis is guided audio hypnosis sessions. You can also visit a qualified hypnotherapist and discuss what you want to achieve with self-hypnotism. They will most often be happy to teach you how to use self-hypnosis.
3. You can also buy various audio tracks designed to get you into an altered state of consciousness using calming sounds and specific audio frequencies. Audio tracks are a great way to start your practice of hypnosis and relaxation.

Applications of hypnosis

You can use hypnosis as a tool for relaxation and stress relief. Hypnosis can be a potent tool in the hands of patients and doctors, which is why it has become more prevalent in recent years. In addition to its historical use as an anaesthetic for surgery, hypnosis can treat various psychological diseases. The benefits of hypnosis are that it does not disrupt feelings or desires, nor does it involve any drugs or anaesthesia. It makes a person aware during treatments by remaining conscious through this process. Hypnosis has been proven to effectively anaesthetize the mind and body without any adverse effects, unlike other anaesthetics such as morphine or other drugs.

If you are trying to quit smoking, you might find that hypnosis is a helpful tool. It can help you overcome your cravings and make it easier to stick with your plan to give up smoking. In some cases, people have found that hypnosis helped them lose weight by making it easier for them to follow a healthier diet and exercise program. It also can help people lose weight by changing their thought processes and focusing on what they want rather than what they don’t want. It makes it easier for them to follow a healthier diet and exercise program.

People have also found hypnosis very helpful in pain control for:

•childbirth

•dental procedures

•surgical procedures

•cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation

Conclusion and Resources

 I find that the best way to use self-hypnosis is to listen to calm music, read my favourite book/article, and then go into a quiet place. I usually don’t have to concentrate on breathing; it just happens as I focus on other things. This puts me in a deeply relaxed state where I can imagine anything I want without worrying about what might happen if I don’t achieve it or how it might affect my life. You can also check out my post Destroy Limiting Beliefs And Claim Your Power

Until next time, keep on keeping on,

D

PS here is a fantastic piece of software that I use for self-hypnosis.

Resources

1. https://www.cuyamungueinstitute.com/articles-and-news/hypnosis-in-ancient-civilizations/
2. https://www.hypnotherapy.com/ormond-mcgill
3. https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_hypnosis#Dave_Elman
4. https://londonspeakerbureau.com/speaker-profile/paul-mckenna/