The History Of Hypnosis

Evolution of Hypnosis

The history of hypnosis dates back to the early civilizations and its practice can be seen in all the major ancient civilizations including the Egyptian civilization. But a more organized approach towards the actual process can be dated back to the 18^thcentury when the Austrian physician Anton Mesmer reintroduced the benefits of the procedure to the society and is rightly acknowledged as the ‘Father of Hypnosis’.

He believed in the theory of the quasi-magnetic fluid that is present in the atmospheric air and it was somehow absorbed by the body’s nerves and helped in the healing process by correcting the circulation of the magnetic fluid in the blood and the nervous system.

Though the process was known to society from the ancient times, the term hypnosis gained popularity in the 1880s thanks to James Braid. It was used to unblock the magnetic flow in the body and a new term called ‘animal magnetism’ was coined and the procedure was called ‘Mesmerism’.

However, eminent scientists of the day who practiced and popularized the process like Marquis de Puysegur, John Elliotson, James Esdaile and many others agreed that the psychological influences in the process were very important – although it was not known for sure how the process worked.

The process of hypnosis was mainly used in religious ceremonies for healing purposes in many ancient civilizations. The Egyptians for example had their Temples of Sleep and the Greeks had their Shrines of Healing – all these centered on the therapeutic uses of hypnosis.

It was mainly used for the healing of the mind accompanied by the religious ceremonies and then was followed up with the medical practices. Written records of the process can also be found in Ebers Papyrus, the ancient Egyptian Medical Text. It was also used to analyze the dreams of the patient in order to aid treatment.

The concept of the process can also be seen in the ancient cultures of the Persian Magi, Celtic Druids, and Chinese and African witch doctors and even among the Hindu fakirs.

Today, hypnosis is not limited to therapeutic use but is also widely used in the treatment of psychological problems such as addiction. Studies have revealed that many patients respond well to clinical hypnotherapy when all other conventional treatments have failed.

Hypnosis has shown excellent results in the treatment of phobia, controlling over eating and giving up smoking; it is useful in boosting confidence, reducing performance anxiety and in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.