Hypnosis can benefit many psychological and physical disorders including habit control (behavior modification for nail-biting, smoking, stuttering), weight management (reprogramming eating habits), pain control (e.g., back pain, arthritis, chronic pain, migraine), stress and anxiety reduction (reduce stress and help put life events in perspective), phobia elimination (e.g., reduce common fears), creativity (remove blocked potential), goal-setting (set and achieve attainable goals), sleep improvement (improve sleep onset and sound sleep), and motivation (increase confidence). In addition, it is often used for numerous other health conditions including gastrointestinal problems, respiratory conditions, anxiety, and some dental-related problems such as anxiety or as part of a pain-management protocol.
Early Hypnosis
References to hypnosis have existed for thousands of years. Ancient literature, mythology, and scriptural writings contain mention of consciousness and crude forms of hypnosis. From the scientific perspective, early reference of altered states and the influence of magnetic fields dates back to the time of Swiss physician Paracelsus (1493-1541) and later, to Swiss mesmerist Charles Lafontaine and Austrian theorist, Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer (1733 -1815).
However, the title, "Father of Hypnosis," belongs to English physician, Dr. James Braid, MRCS (1795-1860). Although hypnosis was initially rejected by medical authorities, Braid eventually made it a respectable medical practice. Braid's successful findings eventually attracted the attention of Sigmund Freud, and C.J. Jung, both of whom briefly explored its uses as a therapeutic tool.
Modern Hypnosis
In 1933, Clark Hull (1884-1952) helped move hypnosis into the realm of psychology. In 1955, the British Medical Society officially recognized hypnosis as a legitimate medical procedure, and in 1958, the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association followed suit.
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