Hypnotism Hypnosis Historical Reports
November 7, 2018Hypnotism and hypnosis: Historical reports
Have you ever wondered if hypnotism is genuine or just some magic trick? Maybe you’re curious if it’s powerful enough to change your behaviour or if it’s just something people do on stage for fun. You’re probably not alone. Hypnosis has been surrounded by scepticism and mystery for centuries, and it’s understandable. The idea of someone controlling your mind or making you quack like a duck sounds far-fetched, right?
But here’s the thing—hypnotism is real. It’s been practised for hundreds of years and has historical roots that go deeper than you might think. Today, we’re diving into the history of hypnotism and hypnosis, not with the boring facts you’d find in a textbook but with a straight-to-the-point, no-nonsense look at how this practice evolved. By the end of this, you’ll know why hypnotism is a lot more than just swinging pocket watches and strange words.
Where Did Hypnotism Start? The Origins You Didn’t Expect
Hypnosis wasn’t born on a stage in Las Vegas, which is far from it. The concept of entering an altered state of consciousness to heal or alter behaviour goes back to ancient civilisations. Yeah, we’re talking way back to ancient Egypt and Greece. The Greeks had temples where people would go to sleep and be “cured” of their illnesses through a sort of trance state. They believed it was the gods speaking to them through dreams. Do you think hypnotism is strange? Imagine being treated by a priest who claims divine intervention cured your headache!
The Birth of Modern Hypnosis: Franz Mesmer’s Mesmerism
Fast forward a few thousand years, and we’ve got Franz Mesmer. You’ve heard the word “mesmerise,” correct? Well, it came from this guy. Franz Mesmer, an 18th-century German physician, believed illness was caused by imbalances in a person’s “animal magnetism.” That sounds fancy, but he meant that people have magnetic fluid running through their bodies, and if it’s off balance, they get sick. His idea was that by “mesmerising” someone or moving his hands over their body, he could manipulate this magnetic field and heal them.
Was he right? Not really. But he was onto something because even though he didn’t know it, he was using hypnotic techniques—and people did feel better. This laid the foundation for modern hypnosis. Mesmer believed so much in this process that he sparked a movement, but it wasn’t until later that someone truly figured out what was happening in the brain.
James Braid: The Man Who Gave Hypnosis Its Name
Mesmer might have been a little off with his ideas about magnets. But this is where James Braid comes in. Braid, a Scottish surgeon in the 1840s, saw Mesmer’s work and thought, “Okay, this magnet stuff is ridiculous, but there’s something real going on here.” Braid was the one who gave hypnosis its modern name and started using it in surgery.
You heard that right. Hypnosis was used as anaesthesia for surgical procedures in the 1800s. People were going under the knife with nothing but hypnosis to dull the pain! And it worked. That’s mind-blowing. Imagine trusting someone to open you up, not because you’re knocked out with anaesthesia, but because you’re in a deep trance.
The Rise of Hypnotism in Psychology: Sigmund Freud and Beyond
Have you heard of Sigmund Freud? Of course, you have. Freud dabbled in hypnosis, too. He believed that hypnosis could be used to uncover repressed memories and help people deal with trauma. But Freud wasn’t delighted with it, so he moved on to developing psychoanalysis. However, hypnosis continued to thrive in other branches of psychology.
People like Milton Erickson took hypnotism to the next level in the 20th century, using it as a tool for therapy, behaviour modification, and even as a way to treat anxiety. Erickson wasn’t your stage hypnotist, though—he used hypnotism to get actual, tangible results. His work is still the foundation for much of what we know about clinical hypnosis today.
What Happens When You’re Hypnotised?
Now that you know the history, you’re probably wondering—what’s happening when someone is hypnotised? First off, it’s not mind control. No one will make you do something you don’t want to do. Let’s squash that myth right away.
When you’re hypnotised, you enter a state of focused concentration and heightened suggestibility. Your brain waves slow down, like when you’re profoundly relaxed or meditating. It’s like that moment right before you fall asleep when you’re still awake but starting to drift.
Why People Use Hypnotism Today
There’s a good reason why hypnosis is still used today. Sure, it’s great for entertainment, but real, clinical hypnosis has profound benefits. People use it for all kinds of things:
- Stress reduction: Hypnosis can help people enter a relaxed state, lowering cortisol levels and reducing the impact of stress.
- Pain management: As I mentioned earlier, it was once used for surgery and is still used in some medical fields today.
- Phobias and anxiety: If you’ve got a fear of flying or panic attacks, hypnosis is effective in calming those responses.
- Behavioural change: Hypnosis can help shift deeply ingrained habits, such as quitting smoking, eating healthier, or stopping nail-biting.
The Modern Misunderstandings: Is Hypnotism a Scam?
I get it—some people are sceptical. Hypnotism has been used in movies and magic shows so much that it’s hard to take seriously. But here’s the deal: modern hypnosis is backed by neuroscience. Studies have shown that during hypnosis, real changes happen in your brain. Brain scans reveal shifts in the areas of the brain responsible for focus and self-awareness. So, while it’s not magic, it’s also not fake.
Why Some People Can’t Be Hypnotised
Let’s discuss a common question: “Can anyone be hypnotised?” The answer is—kind of. Some people are more suggestible than others, meaning they’re more likely to enter that deep hypnotic state. If you’re sceptical or resistant, it might be harder for you to get into it. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just takes practice and the right environment.
Hypnotism Is Not What You Think: Final Thoughts
So, now that we’ve reviewed centuries of historical reports on hypnotism, hopefully, it’s clear that hypnosis is more than just a weird party trick. From ancient Egyptian dream temples to modern-day therapy sessions, hypnosis has been evolving, and it’s not slowing down.
Remember, hypnotism isn’t about controlling someone’s mind; it’s about helping people unlock their own power. Whether you’re trying to break a habit, manage stress, or understand your subconscious better, hypnotism has been around for centuries and might just be what you need to make a shift.
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