It has been historically documented that early indigenous cultures have used hypnosis for religious and healing purposes. The ability to hypnotize was considered to be supernatural. It was not until the 18th Century when Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) an Austrian physician, who is considered the "Father of Hypnosis" attempted to turn hypnosis into a science. Mesmer believed hypnosis to be a mystical force flowing from the hypnotist into the subject. He called it "animal magnetism".  Mesmer's assumption was that the power behind hypnosis came from the hypnotist and was in some way inflicted upon the subject.  This power took hold for some time. Hypnosis was originally known as mesmerism, after Mesmer, and we still use its derivative, "mesmerize," today.

British efforts to harmonize Mesmerism were made by the Scottish physician, James Braid (1795-1860). He coined the word "hypnosis". By 1893, a committee of the British Medical Association concluded that the mesmeric state was different than the hypnotic state and that the latter was beneficial in relieving certain pain and certain disorders. Experimentation with hypnosis played an important part in the early development of Psychiatry and Psychology.

A serious medical interest in hypnotism developed during both World Wars I and II to treat shell-shocked soldiers. In 1955 the British Medical Association approved hypnosis for the treatment of psychoneurosis and to relieve the pain of childbirth and surgery. In 1958 the Council on Mental Health of the American Medical Association gave hypnotism its approval.

Hypnosis Facts

• Hypnosis is similar to daydreaming, in which you become very receptive to proper suggestions.
  
  
• The effects are: wonderful feelings of calmness, tranquility and profound relaxation.
  
  
• You will not actually be asleep or unconscious. Therefore, you will always be aware of your surroundings, sounds, etc., but you will not be distracted.
  
  
• You will always remain in control and be able to awaken yourself at any time if you feel unsafe or threatened. In addition you also retain the power to reject any unsuitable suggestions.
  
  
• You cannot remain in hypnosis or feel trapped/stuck. If you are left alone, you will come out of it on your own in just a few minutes.
  
  
• Clients are able to experience hypnosis at different levels: light, medium or deep. Any level is sufficient to break most habits. The most important factor is your ability to accept and follow the suggestions.
  
  
• Anyone of average intelligence can achieve hypnosis to some degree. If you can concentrate and use your imagination, hypnosis will probably occur immediately. However some people may need additional time and practice.
  
  
• You cannot be hypnotized against your will. If you do not want to experience hypnosis... you won't.
  
  
• Many people, who do experience hypnosis, do not feel like they have been hypnotized... it's a common feeling. Do not be concerned about it. Simply follow the suggestions and watch for positive results.
  
  
• Your attitude about reaching your goal with hypnosis is very important. Usually, good attitudes produce good results. Expect to be successful.

• Also keep in mind, we have all experienced hypnosis in one form or another. For example, for those of you who drive, have you ever caught yourself feeling as thought we are a little spaced out and missing your exit. That is a subtle form of road hypnosis. If during your driving a threat was perceived you would come right back and be in the moment. Your brains will not let you overlook any unsafe environment and will signal you to bring you back and allow you to refocus to your surroundings!