History

• Hypnotism has been traced back to the work of Anton Mesmer, who in the 1770s called his own work "animal magnetism." The article, "Hypnotism: A Scientific Approach," states that fluids and magnets were originally used in curing Mesmer's patients, but the tools later proved unnecessary and the results were found to have been psychological. His work was later referred to as "mesmerism." In the mid-19th century, James Braid was the first to use hypnotism as an anesthetic during surgery. By the late-19th century, neurologists and scientists used hypnosis to relieve the nervous conditions of thousands of patients. Hypnosis was widely used to treat affected soldiers during World War I and World War II.
  
  

Methods

• The APU divides hypnotism into six methods for inducing a hypnotic state:
  
  - Eye fixation was used primarily in the 19th century and is the method most often associated with hypnotism in film and television, wherein the subject would focus on a image like the one above or an item attached to a pendulum.
  
  - Progressive relaxation uses guided imagery to provide a "peaceful place" for the subject. This is the method often employed in "self-hypnosis" tapes.
  
  - Mental confusion methods confuse the mind until it becomes easier to fall into a hypnotic state.
  
  - Mental misdirection methods convince the mind to respond to a series of suggestions.
  
  - Loss of equilibrium method relies on an inherent desire to be "gently rocked" into a hypnotic state.
  
  - Shock to nervous system methods employ sudden, shocking commands that force the subject to fall into a trance. This is the method most often used by stage hypnotists.
  
  

Benefits

• Hypnosis has been used in place of sedatives and anesthetics during major surgeries. Hypnosis also has been shown to help subjects stop smoking or overeating. Hypnotists say they have cured phobias, depression and other psychological problems, as well as heart problems, chronic illness and other physical ailments.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Hypnosis is often thought of as a sleep state, but hypnotists disagree. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) considers it a state of heightened awareness. While many people fear the loss of control under hypnosis, the group claims weakness and gullibility are not common traits of hypnosis. The group claims such assumptions are based on dramatic stage acts. The ASCH also claims amnesia and loss of consciousness only occur in a small number of subjects. They say most subjects can remember the entire process.
  
  

Considerations

• According to the ASCH, hypnosis is most effective if a subject has a strong desire to overcome a particular problem. It can be a major benefit for certain patients, but will not work for everybody. Prospective patients should only seek licensed professionals.