Did you know that hypnotism was recognized by the American Medical Association as a safe and viable alternative treatment method? Here are some more interesting facts about hypnotism, including its history and important uses.
When we hear the word hypnotism, we usually think of a conjurer putting his subject in a trance-like state and the subject agreeing to his commands. But, the science of hypnotism is completely different than what is portrayed in magic shows, TV sitcoms and comic acts. It is mainly used as an alternative treatment to cure physical and psychological conditions.
Clinical hypnosis is used to treat many common and uncommon psychological problems including phobias, depression, social anxiety disorder and also certain bad habits such as smoking and drug addiction. Hypnosis does not result in sleep-like conditions. Instead, a person is in a complete relaxed state of mind and is fully awake. Here are some more fun and interesting facts about hypnotism, including its history:
- The use of hypnosis to treat common and uncommon ailments is not new. Ancient Greeks and Romans availed its therapeutic benefits thousands of years ago. There is scientific evidence that hypnotism was used around the 4th century BC.
- The roots of modern hypnotism go to “animal magnetism”, a theory proposed by a German physician, Franz Anton Mesmer, during the late1700s. Although the theory was flawed, it ignited a new interest among western scientists, who began experimenting with this subject.
- The person who coined the words “hypnotism” and “hypnosis” was an English physician named James Braid. He derived hypnosis from the Greek word “Hypnos”, which means “to sleep”. Inspired by the experiments of Anton Mesmer, Braid came up with his own theory in 1843. He and Sigmund Freud began using his new discovery on patients suffering from psychological problems.
- Besides psychological problems, hypnosis can also be used to treat certain physical conditions including chronic pain, allergic reactions, gastro-intestinal problems, nausea and morning sickness.
- One can become a hypnotherapist only through expert training. The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists approves any person who is qualified and trained in psychology to become a hypnotherapist.
- The use of hypnosis as an alternative therapy is recognized by American and British Medical Association. The American Medical Association recognized hypnotherapy in 1958 as a safe method of treatment. The American Psychiatric Association has also recognized hypnotism as a viable treatment method to treat neurotic conditions including phobias, stress and anxiety.
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In the above article are some of the most interesting facts about hypnotism. Hypnotism is a vast subject and there are many uses and functions on hypnotherapy. Bright Hub has a very nice compilation on hypnotism and its uses:
How Hypnotherapy Works?
Difference Between Psychoanalysis and Hypnotism
How to Control Weight Through Hypnotism?
How to Stop Smoking With Hypnotherapy?