A brief history...
Hypnosis has been around since ancient Egypt and Greece. It was mostly
used by the Priests and Shamans of the time. It was generally thought to be
some supernatural force or gift bestowed upon the practitioner. In the mid
1700’s, a physician from Vienna named Franz Anton Mesmer began using
it for various ailments with astounding success. He became so popular that
his techniques became known as “Mesmerism” and people from all over
Europe came to see him to be “Mesmerized”. Unfortunately, he too thought
it was a supernatural force that he possessed which ultimately led to his being
rebuked by scientists. Since then, the popularity of hypnosis has fluctuated.
Because hypnosis has been so linked to superstition and religion, it has been
difficult to achieve support from the scientific community until the mid 1900’s.
Successful uses of hypnosis in prisoner of war camps for pain free surgeries
during World War II and other successful uses began the scientific study of hypnosis.
Ultimately, in 1958, the American Medical Association (AMA) approved its use
and recommended it be studied in medical school. Since then, there have been
countless clinical trials and experiments with hypnosis that proves it is a successful
tool with many applications. |
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Today, it is understood that hypnosis is a state of awareness that the client or subject
brings themselves into. All hypnosis is self hypnosis. No one can make anyone go
into hypnosis, do anything against their will, etc. (see FAQs). Because of the
increased education about hypnosis, the overall history of its success and the
overwhelming desire for new self empowerment tools, hypnosis is becoming more and
more popular, with the public and with the scientific community.
What is hypnosis and how does it work?
Hypnosis is just a very natural state of mind that everyone enters on a daily basis. It is a relaxed,
focused state of mind. If you have ever cried or become emotional while watching a movie you
were in a state of hypnosis. Your subconscious mind became so caught up in the story that it
became real, you physically reacted to it. If you have ever missed your turn going to work or
home because you were daydreaming, you were also in a state of hypnosis. You were in a very
focused state of mind and thinking deeply. This is hypnosis.
No one really knows exactly how hypnosis works. But the many clinical trials and experiments
have proven that it does work, as well as, thousands upon thousands of personal testimonies from
the many people who have used hypnosis to affect change in their lives.
What is known is that when you are in that relaxed state of hypnosis, your focus and concentration
are intensified. You have a deeper access to your subconscious mind and the memories stored
there, including the ones that affect your behaviors and patterns. If you have ever prayed or
meditated or tried to really concentrate on something, you know that your mind tends to go a
thousand other places and you have to keep trying to pull your mind back to task. The
hypnotherapist will help you to remain in a deeply relaxed state of mind and body, and also helps
you stay focused on what you are there for. They have learned the language of the subconscious
so they know what wording to use to make the most effective changes. There are many techniques
they can utilize and a well trained hypnotherapist will tailor their plan to your specific needs.
With the guidance of the hypnotherapist, and your increased awareness, you can then begin to
change those beliefs that affect the behaviors, patterns or symptoms you want to change.
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