by Lily Seabrooke

Created on: February 02, 2009

Hypnosis: An examination into the history, theories and perspectives on hypnosis.
Hypnosis is defined as an artificially induced state of relaxation and concentration in which deeper parts of the mind become more accessible (Collins, 2000). Hypnosis can be put forward as a matter of personal perspective. There are a number of definitions given by various academia on what hypnosis actually is; these include the suggestion theory, the modified sleep theory, and the conditioned response theory1. As a form of therapy, it has a relatively short history, given its origin in the 18th century2. The general consensus on what hypnosis is appears to be that it is an altered state of mind, one of deep relaxation. This in itself requires a definition of an altered state of mind', which, according to Kirsch (1998)3, the term implies a change or changes in ones individual experience(s) . The central argument in the validity of hypnosis is that of suggestibility; the differences in the capability of people to be influenced by the will of another, and how this factors into behaviour in the trance-like state produced by hypnosis. There are a wide range of uses for hypnosis which have varied over time; it is now acknowledged as a valid addition of complementary medicine.4

A short history of hypnosis
The origin of hypnosis as a form of treatment is generally acknowledged as having occurred with Franz Anton Mesmer in 1778, with his methods of magnetism. He believed in a universal fluid that could be balanced in the body to cause healing through magnetization': this was achieved through direct (physical contact from the magnetizer) or indirect (iron plates attached to the patient's body to concentrate the fluid). Mesmer did not achieve public recognition5. His theory was adjusted and officially classified as hypnotism by James Braid in Manchester in 18456. Braid's method was to induce a trancelike state by requesting that subjects fix their gaze on a single point for a short time. Braids later successes implied that suggestion alone was the basic, underlying factor7. It should be noted that suggestion', as given in hypnosis terms, is generally indirect8 This was followed by A.A. Liebault in 1886, who developed a method of inducing sleep as a form of treatment, using little but suggestions to influence cures9. Mesmer's original theory was extended by Charcot in 1878, who succeeded in isolating the nervous system as causing the effects of hypnotic phenomena'. Janet his student, argued

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