Hypnosis: From Mesmer to Freud Essay

Submitted By ukpeacelove0410
Words: 2080
Pages: 9
Open Document
Describe the physical and psychological aspects of hypnosis
In order to get a clear understanding of what hypnosis is we will first look at the history of hypnosis and the different concepts which have emerged over the years from as early as the 1700’s to modern day. We will start from the grandfather of hypnosis, Franz Anton Mesmer (1766) continuing onto others such as Abbe Faria (1814), Freud (1873).
Once having looked at the history of hypnosis we will go onto looking at the physical and psychological aspects of hypnosis giving reference to Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta waves, the four different brain waves indicating an individual’s mental state, which brain wave comes into play during hypnosis and its relevance. It will also be discussed the condition the physical body needs to be in for the best results of hypnosis and the role of relaxation in getting the body to the right physical condition.
The physical and psychological aspects of hypnosis will be looked at in reference to, the different brain waves the mind journeys between and the brain waves, which come into play during a state of hypnosis. There will also be reference to the discovery made by Edmond Jacobson (1929) on the effects of muscle contraction between his patients and the benefits of relaxation leading to the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy today and the use of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique.
It will be shown that there is no clear cut answer for what hypnosis is? But in order for hypnosis to take place it is important that the physical and psychological state of an individual is in the right state to give access to the subconscious and relaxation does have a big role in helping the client to achieve this state.
What is Hypnosis?
Throughout the centuries there have been many concepts of hypnosis dating all the way back to the 1700’s. In order to come to an accurate understanding of what hypnosis is, it is important to have an understanding of its history first. The earliest notion in the 1700’s came from Franz Anton Mesmer (1766) who eventually became known as the grandfather of hypnosis and came to develop the theory of animal magnetism. Mesmer (1766) believed that every human being had a cosmic fluid flowing through their body and ill health was the result of the disturbance of this flow in the body. Mesmer (1766) believed that his own body was what he called ‘animal type’ of magnet and that he could use his own body to block a patient’s flow of fluid helping them to heal from their illness. His belief of the power of his own body came after he witnessed an exorcism by a priest. Unlike the priest, he did not believe that people were possessed. His theory of animal magnetism stemmed from his belief that the metal crucifix the priest used for his exorcisms magnetised people. It was Marquis de Puysegur (1784) who was brave enough to reject Mesmer’s theories on magnetic fluid and came to soon realise that he was able to communicate with people in hypnosis asking questions and getting replies from his patients.
The next development, which we see in hypnosis and mimics our understanding of hypnosis today came from the 1800’s by Abbe Faria (1814). He believed that Mesmer’s success of healing through his theory of animal magnetism was in fact due to suggestions put forward by the practitioner.
As time progressed more people began investing an interest in hypnosis and applying them to different situations. Dr James Esdaile (1845) began using hypnosis in his operations in India but it was Dr John Elliotson (1838) who bravely went on to demonstrate the use of hypnosis to British Medicine where his theories were not welcomed and were instead rejected.
While Sigmund Freud (1873) invested a brief interest in hypnosis where he came to believe that humans have powerful hidden mental processes and at a later stage it was Pierre Janet’s discovery of the benefits of relaxation on the hypnosis process which brought about the application of relaxation
Show More

Related Documents: Hypnosis: From Mesmer to Freud Essay

what is hypnosis Essay examples

“What is hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy. Introduction If you were to ask people what hypnosis is, everyone will have different ideas, some may even say that it doesn’t exist. This assignment will answer that question of what hypnosis is and how it’s developed over many years. I will describe the physical and psychological sides of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy. History of…

Words 1932 - Pages 8

“What Is Hypnosis?” Describe the Psychological and Physical Aspects of Hypnosis and Discuss the Role of Relaxation in Hypnotherapy. Essay

Word count: 1,841 “What is Hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is a state in which a subject’s mind is more capable of recalling their memory. It is a state of positively altered attention and in this state it can be seem like the subject is asleep however the subject is very much awake and has full control over themselves. Hypnotherapy is a technique that is used to help people make positive changes…

Words 1850 - Pages 8

What Is Hypnosis? Essay

‘What is Hypnosis?’ Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy Zoe Yates - June 2013 The History of Hypnosis Bringing modern, practical use of hypnosis to life Hypnosis is not a modern phenomenon. As part of this paper I will discuss how events and work undertaken by numerous individuals contributed to understanding of what Hypnosis is today and its benefits. Looking at the subject of ‘What is Hypnosis’ through its history…

Words 2468 - Pages 10

Hypnosis Essay

"What is hypnosis?" Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy. The earliest evidence of the use of hypnosis was seen being used by "shamans" who we're also known as "whitch doctors" or "healers". In order for shamans to deliver the healing process they would ensure that they were strongly focused and have heightened concentration. They would then take themselves on a downward journey into a "lower world" where they would then…

Words 2266 - Pages 10

Methods of Hypnosis: Franz Mesmer and Other Scientific Advances Essay

WHAT IS HYPNOSIS? I intend this essay to cover the subject matter, ranging from the generally acknowledged Father of Hypnotherapy through to the founder of the Progressive Muscle Relaxation method, describing on the way the scientific advances that help us have a better understanding of Hypnosis, and why relaxation is an important tool in our arsenal. “And…You’re a Chicken...! ” Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the modern Stage hypnotist, this is the General Public’s opinion of Hypnotism…

Words 2164 - Pages 9

Essay on what is hypnosis

Like most people who probably hear the word hypnosis, I associated it with people on stage being made to do embarrassing things like clucking like a chicken and barking like a dog. The words “look into my eyes, you are feeling very sleepy” came to mind. Hypnosis in many people’s opinions will be all about shows on stage for people’s entertainment. My perceptions about hypnosis have changed vastly. As I have learnt that it is completely different to what it is sometimes perceived to be and there is…

Words 2226 - Pages 9

Hypnosis Essay

Karen Ferguson “ What is Hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy. Words: 1937 In this essay I am going to explain what hypnosis is and both the psychological and physical aspects of it. In order to do this, it will be necessary to look at the origins of hypnosis and hopefully dispel some of the myths attached to it. I will then move on to explain the significant role of relaxation in hypnosis. Stage hypnotists such…

Words 1916 - Pages 8

Hypnosis Research Paper

HYPNOSIS COUNSELING Time is a valuable thing watch it fly by as the pendulum swings.... pendulum, this makes me think of Hypnosis. All of us have heard of it, but what is it really? Hypnosis is a scientifically verified and effective technique that can promote accelerated human change. With Hypnosis, we can create desired changes in behavior and encourage mental and physical well-being. Learn how to guide yourself and others to lose weight, quit smoking and be free of physical pain. These…

Words 2263 - Pages 10

abnormal psychology notes Essay

infrequent Normal curve or bell shaped curve- places majority of ppl in the middle as far as any particular characteristic is concerned; very few ppl fall at either extreme. An assertion that a person is normal implies that he or she does not deviate much from the average in a particular trait or beh patterns Statistical infrequency is used explicitly in diagnosing mental retardation When an indiv IQ is below 70 his or her intellectual functioning is considered sufficiently below subnormal to be designated…

Words 5197 - Pages 21