Background of hypnosis

The origins of the word Hypnosis is derived from the Greek word , Hypnos, which means 'to sleep'. Whilst not asleep, the 'state of hypnosis' is a common occurrence for us all, when we go into a very, very relaxed state of mind. A good technical definition of hypnosis is:

"A state of relaxation and concentration at one with a heightened awareness induced by suggestion."

There is evidence that Hypnosis has been in use for thousands of years, as far back as about the fourth century BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans used hypnosis for therapeutic benefit. Hypnosis and suggestion as we know it can be traced back to the Austrian, Franz Anton Mesmer in the 1700's. Mesmer (from where the term 'mesmerism' came) treated patients at his Paris salon using a state of relaxation and then giving the patient suggestion. He also used magnets, which even today are still believed to have healing properties. Mesmers disciples eventually discarded the magnets but continued to use relaxation and therapy using carefully worded suggestions.

During the 1900's the practice of inducing relaxation and the use of carefully worded suggestions was known as 'Suggestive Therapeutics'. A later developer of this technique was Milton Erickson who specifically used metaphors, allowing the subject to develop their own suggestions. Generally the technique is now commonly termed as hypnotherapy. The fact remains that in the state of 'Hypnosis', a person is deeply relaxed. Whilst in this more relaxed state, it is easier to accept beneficial suggestions (e.g. "you are now a non smoker") and a by product of the whole is memory enhancement as we exercise the subconscious mind.

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