Hypnosis has a long history and has been used for centuries in various cultures and settings.
The phenomenon has taken various forms over the years, from ancient rituals to modern medical applications.
Many people associate hypnosis with mystery and magic, but in reality it is a science-based technique that is useful in a variety of situations.
In this article, we explore different facets of hypnosis and show how you can apply it in everyday life.
Hypnosis explained
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state of heightened concentration and relaxation in which your consciousness temporarily changes.
In this state, you are more receptive to suggestions, which means you are more likely to accept new ideas or behavioral changes. See our complete overview of articles on applications of what hypnosis is and how it works here.
Applications of hypnosis
Hypnosis in therapeutic settings
Hypnosis is widely used in therapies to help people overcome fears, address addictions and reduce pain.
It is an effective tool for mental and physical health. See our complete listing of articles on applications of hypnosis here.
Medical hypnosis
In the medical world, hypnosis supports treatments for chronic pain or is used in preparation for surgery.
Known as medical hypnosis, this phenomenon offers a valuable complement to regular care. Read more about medical hypnosis here.
Hypnosis for performance and creativity
In addition to medical applications, hypnosis is often used in coaching and personal development.
Athletes use hypnosis to enhance their mental focus, while entrepreneurs increase their self-confidence. Read more about performance and creativity here.
Self-hypnosis and personal development
With self-hypnosis, you can achieve a lot with regard to personal development. Read our articles on self-hypnosis and personal development here.
History of hypnosis
Early forms of hypnosis
Hypnosis has been around for thousands of years.
Early forms of hypnosis were used in ancient cultures such as ancient Egypt and Greece.
Healers and priests performed rituals to put people into a trance.
Modern hypnosis took shape in the 18th century by Franz Mesmer, an Austrian physician.
His technique, “mesmerism,” laid the foundation for today’s hypnotherapy.
Medical professionals such as James Braid and Milton Erickson further researched and refined the technique in the 19th and 20th centuries.
They recognized the therapeutic value of hypnosis and brought the phenomenon to modern medicine. Read our articles on the history of hypnosis here.
Science and hypnosis
Neuroscience and hypnosis
Today, hypnosis is no longer a mystery.
It is a well-studied phenomenon within neuroscience and psychology.
Research shows that hypnosis has measurable effects on brain regions involved in attention, self-awareness and pain perception.
During hypnosis, activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, responsible for critical thinking, decreases.
At the same time, other brain regions, such as the somatosensory system, become more active.
This explains why people are more sensitive to suggestions and experience less pain.
Hypnosis also helps to access repressed memories or emotions, which is often used in psychotherapy to process trauma and release emotional blocks. Read our articles on hypnosis and science here.