A Brief History of Hypnosis

Hypnosis, also known as mesmerism or hypnotic suggestion, dates back thousands of years. Today's hypnotherapy practices have evolved to address contemporary issues. You can schedule a hypnotherapy service to help you manage anxiety, weight loss, and smoking. Here is a brief history of hypnosis:

Ancient Roots

Some of the methods hypnotists use today were utilized by ancient Egyptians, Italians, and Greeks to foster healing. In Egypt, there were sleep temples where people would undergo rituals to induce states of consciousness for spiritual experiences and healing. In Greece, the Oracle of Delphi was famous for her trance-like techniques generated by inhaling volcanic gases. Italy had traditional healers who would lie down the sick in caves and foster healing dreams and visions on the ailing.

18th and 19th Centuries

Franz Mesmer, a physician, used hand gestures and passes to manipulate magnetic fluid to heal his patients. This practice became known as mesmerism and became fully developed in the later century. Mesmerism spread to Europe, and Jean-Martin Charcot developed the connection between hypnosis and nervous disorders. Charcot’s research influenced many practitioners, such as Sigmund Freud, who founded psycho-analysis.

20th Century

British surgeon James Braid defined hypnosis or hypnotism as a state of focused attention and suggestibility. He coined the term "hypnosis" based on the Greek word "hypnos," which translates to "sleep." During the late 20th century, hypnosis became accepted in the medical sector. Psychologists and doctors started using hypnosis for pain management, psychological trauma, and psychosomatic disorders.

Modern Hypnosis

Today, hypnosis is used to influence though patterns and behaviors surrounding things such as anxiety, weight management, and smoking. A hypnotherapy service can be customized to suit your unique needs and concerns. Hypnotists can use different approaches during treatment like cognitive-behavioral therapy, regression therapy, and Ericksonian hypnosis. Organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis offer professional training and certification based on ethical guidelines for hypnotists.

Hypnosis and the Subconscious Mind

The subconscious mind stores memories, thought patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses. If you are trying unsuccessfully to change your habits and lose weight, manage anxiety, or stop smoking, you may have subconscious distractors. The subconscious impact of emotional or physical trauma can cause you to return to your old habits. Negative self-talk and beliefs can also cause your progress to stop or regress, potentially leading to further self-sabotage.

 A hypnotist can use the direct suggestion technique to break habitual behaviors and alter negative thoughts in the subconscious mind. During this treatment, a professional hypnotist offers simple, straightforward messages to the client after guiding them into a hypnotic state. Several hypnosis sessions can help clients remove negative beliefs and develop productive strategies for dealing with mental, emotional, and physical issues. Hypnotists can also use this treatment to address your inner child to work through past trauma. 

Find a High-quality Hypnotherapy Service

Hypnosis can help you reprogram your mind, body, and spirit to help you cope with or heal from difficult life experiences. Find a certified hypnotist who can provide services addressing compulsive behaviors and negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety, smoking, and weight issues. The goal of a hypnotherapy service is to help you adopt healthy lifestyle choices. Schedule a consultation with a professional hypnotherapist today to determine whether you are a good candidate for hypnosis.