A brief history
Hypnotic or suggestive therapy is the oldest of all healing techniques. From the Sleep Temples of Egypt through 
the histories of ancient Greece and Rome some form of hypnosis has always been an intimate part of all cultures.
In the Middle Ages, healing through touch and prayer became the major way of treating disease. In the 18th Century – when it was believed that illness was caused by the magnetic influence of astral bodies – Franz Anton Mesmer would induce people into a trance like state hence the word mesmerized. In the 19th Century James Braid coined the phrase Hypnosis and it became a scientific technique.
Unfortunately, in the early part of the 20th Century hypnosis was used almost exclusively by stage hypnotists, thereby projecting a hopelessly distorted view of this very powerful therapeutic tool. However, in 1955 the British Medical Association endorsed the practice of hypnosis in Medical School education, since when it has become a valuable addition to conventional medical treatment.
What is hypnosis?
The actual experience of being hypnotised is very difficult to describe, neither asleep nor awake. All hypnotic states are characterised by a tremendously pleasant state of relaxation, an altered state of consciousness into which individuals allow themselves to enter so that desired, beneficial suggestions may be given directly to the unconscious mind. Thus, hypnosis is a natural, effective way of making contact with the inner (unconscious) self, a source of many of our problems as well as a tremendous reservoir of unrecognized potential strength and knowledge, ie. the forgotten assets.
Nobody can ever be hypnotised against their will and, even when hypnotised, people can still reject any of the suggestions given if they are not appropriate.
Hypnotherapy means the use of hypnosis for the treatment and relief of a variety of somatic and psychological symptoms.
What are the benefits?
Modern hypnotherapists use hypnosis not only for medical purposes, but also as an aid for the resolution of many problems of psychological origins. It is estimated that approximately 85% of people of all age groups will readily respond to clinical Hypnotherapy. It is often successful when other, more conventional methods of treatment have failed.
Listed below are some of the conditions for which Hypnotherapy is indicated as a practical treatment.
- Stopping smoking
- Performance issues
- Anxiety and panic
- Asthma
- Skin disorders
- Phobias and fears
- Weight control
- Confidence
- OCD and unwanted habits
- Exam nerves
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Pain control
- IBS
- Tinnitus
- Headaches
- Infertility
- Obstetrics
...and much, much more.
For further information please contact us here at the Earlsdon Practice.