Hypnosis is ancient. The human mind has always explored altered states of consciousness. We have records that show of hypnotic techniques being used in the Egyptian temples, by the Greek oracles and from the ancient warriors of the east. But the more modern view on hypnosis only dates back to a couple of centuries.
In the 18 Th century Franz Anton Mesmer started practising what he named Animal Magnetism. He believed that there were a “fluid” within the universe that influenced the human body. Mesmer used to do hour long sessions with passes of his hands in front the body, trying to accelerate the course of nature. He saw illness as an obstruction to the free flow of energy streaming through small channels in our body. To cure an insane person he would try to provoke a fit of madness etc.
Despite these “Mesmerizing” sessions had an effect, two committees dispelled Mesmer’s theories and the presence of animal magnetism.
Sign up for the free newsletter and get hypnosis updates weekly.
