|
The technique of hypnosis is thousands of years old but modern hypnosis actually started over 200 years ago in France around the time Ben Franklin was there. Frank Anton Mesmer is the early father of
hypnosis. He called in “Animal Magnetism.” This is where we get the term mesmerize.
James Braid, MD, from Scotland is known as the father of modern hypnosis. He coined the word hypnosis after the Greek word for sleep, Hypnos. Of course we are not asleep when we are in hypnosis, just
in a very relaxed state, similar to daydreaming, where the conscious thinking, analyzing, judging mind relaxes to the side, comfortably and safely and the subconscious part of the mind comes to the surface
to accept suggestion for life changes, eliminating old non-productive thinking and habits.
James Eisdale, MD originally from England was a surgeon in India, treating soldiers on the front. He had no means of chemical anesthesia and used hypnosis as anesthesia. Also, through post operative
suggestion in hypnosis, showed increased healing results.
Joseph Brewer, MD changed the emphasis in hypnosis from just direct direction to hypnotherapy in dealing with the cause of emotional or physical trauma through the regression technique. (See section
on Regression.)
Milton Erickson, MD was one of the mot influential hypnotherapists in the early to mid 20th century in the United States. We still use many of his techniques today.
Modern hypnosis became even more accepted during the 1950’s when British corpsmen taught it to our medics during the Korean conflict.
Dave Elman was another influential hypnotist who worked in New York City during the 1930’s to the 1950’s. He taught medical doctors and dentists hypnotic techniques.
In 1958 the American Medical Association stated, “hypnotherapy is an important and valuable tool as an adjunct to traditional medicine.” Also around this same time, the Roman Catholic church
made the pronouncement that “the church accepts the use of hypnosis to help women with the pain of childbirth.
Today, many people are obtaining wonderful physical, emotional and spiritual improvements with the safe, non-invasive technique of hypnotherapy.
|
