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History of Hypnosis

Hypnosis dates back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt's Old Kingdom where some of the earliest recorded information on the subject comes from.

 

In ancient Greece "sleep temples" were built dedicated to the god of healing, Aesculapius. Ailing individuals journeyed to the temple to undergo the proper rituals and dream of a cure in the sleep chamber.

 

The use of hypnotic states for healing has been documented as a part of almost every culture throughout time.

 

Hypnosis as we know it today had its origins in the unique medical practices of Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer, a physician who lived in Vienna, Austria during the mid 18th Century. Mesmer was a fervent believer in the more esoteric aspects of Western medical tradition, including the influence of astronomy and magnets on human health.

 

In the modern world Dr. James Braid is known as the "Father of Hypnotherapy". Dr. Milton Erickson was renowned for his work in hypnosis and hypnotherapy and  was the founding president of the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis. Dr. John Kappas founded the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 1968. 

Enjoy this educational video from Hypnosis TV voiced by John Melton, C.hT, revealing the roots of modern hypnosis and hypnotherapy, starting with Franz Anton Mesmer in the 18th century. Includes great illustrations and historic hypnosis photos.

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