HYPONSIS 3189 words College Essay Example

nature. However, in the 16th century, Europe witnessed the emergence of scientific explanations for disease causes and cures. Paracelsus, a Swiss physician, theorized that magnets and celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars possessed healing powers over human bodies. This concept inspired physicians, astronomers, physicists, and healers to further explore it.

In 1679, Scottish physician Gul Maxwell proposed that a universal life force negatively affected humans. His research influenced Richard Mead, an English physician in the 18th century who delved into the idea of life's universality. Around 1771, Viennese Jesuit Maximillian Hell gained fame for using a steel plate to treat illnesses or diseases. In 1774,Franz Anton Mesmer,a Viennese physician,introduced by Hell,took interest in magnetized steel poles' healing effects (Baker 1990 p.53).

Despite these facts being known today,it is perplexing that Mesmer is often credited as the originator of hypnosis and associated with its beginnings.Nevertheless,Mesmer did contribute to advancing our understanding and progress in hypnosis.

In the late 1700’s, Dr. Franz Mesmer introduced a novel medical treatment in Vienna, Austria. Despite skepticism, Mesmer claimed to have successfully cured patients that other doctors deemed "incurable", using magnets. Although Mesmer's methods, known as "mesmerism" and "animal magnetism", gained popularity, their effectiveness remained uncertain (Kennedy, 1979, p. 25).

Mesmer developed the theory of "animal magnetism" and believed that a universal magnetic fluid existed in all objects that caused disease when imbalanced in the human body (Baker, 1990, p. 53). To restore this equilibrium and cure diseases, Mesmer created techniques based on his theory. He believed that maintaining a harmonious relationship with celestial bodies was crucial for optimal health.

According to Mesmer, the forces governing the movement of celestial bodies also controlled

human well-being. Mesmer believed that when a patient came into contact with a magnet, the magnet's invisible and enigmatic substance would enter the patient's body and cure any ailment. Mesmer referred to this substance as "animal magnetism" (Baker, 1990).

The use of Mesmer's "animal magnetism" brought him great renown. He referred to his approach in treating individuals with this technique as "mesmerism" (Kennedy, 1979, p. 28). By running lengthy iron rods and magnets over the bodies of ailing patients, he aimed to improve the equilibrium of their fluids.

In this paragraph, I will provide an overview of the history and development of hypnosis, as well as explore the scientific aspects of this phenomenon. I will start by delving into the techniques employed by Mesmer, such as the application of "animal magnetism," and analyze the reasons behind the rejection of his theories by various scientific and medical communities. Afterwards, I will elucidate the true nature of hypnosis and its role in interpreting human experiences. Moreover, I will examine the research that either supports or challenges these theories.

During the late 1770s, animal magnetism gained popularity in Paris for approximately five years. Mesmer and his friend established a clinic on Rue Montmartre with the consent of Queen Marie Antoinette. Over this period, hundreds of sick individuals received treatment at this clinic (Baker, 1990, p. 56).

Mesmer employed a technique where he would walk around his patients, touching them with a wand while encouraging them to surrender themselves to the magnetic fluids. He believed that focusing on the divine powers within their ill bodies was necessary for their recovery. He emphasized the importance of delving deeper into their minds (cited in

Baker, 1990, p. 56). Mesmer pushed his clients to achieve what he referred to as a "grand crisis," which is now known as a grand mal convulsive seizure. He claimed that this crisis was responsible for curing many of his patients. Thornton (1976) suggests that hypnosis originated from the misdiagnosis of epilepsy, as there was confusion surrounding whether Mesmer's convulsing patients experienced similar phenomena as those induced by hypnosis, such as relaxation and trance-like states.

How did Mesmer’s patients, who exhibited writhing and convulsions, become associated with individuals who responded to suggestions for body sway, arm levitation, lifting weights, hallucinations, antisocial acts, and deep relaxation (Wagstaff, 1981)?

According to Thornton (1976), in most cases involving neurological diseases, Mesmer was actually treating epilepsy. This conclusion was drawn because the techniques used by Mesmer to induce the "grand crisis" were the same techniques known to cause epileptic convulsions. "The history of magnetism, which gave rise to hypnosis, is a series of mistakes and misunderstandings" (Thornton, 1976, p. 43). It is unfortunate that these mistakes occurred due to the limited knowledge of the nervous system among Mesmerists.

We now use the term "hypnosis" to describe the imitation of clinical symptoms and the exaggerated effects that come with it. These effects are experienced by people without any pathological illnesses like epilepsy. To put it simply, when "normal" individuals are given hypnosis scales, they are asked to imitate epileptic symptoms as accurately as possible (Wagstaff, 1981, p.218).

Despite the discreditation of Mesmer's animal magnetism, his role remains crucial in the history of hypnotism as he initiated a movement that was later adopted and modified by others.

There is ongoing debate within the medical community about

the nature of hypnosis. Some argue that it is an altered state of consciousness, while many experts believe it involves social compliance, relaxation, and suggestibility. Baker (1990) suggests that these factors together can explain various unusual behaviors associated with hypnosis.

According to Baker (1990), suggestion is the primary tool utilized by clinicians in hypnosis (p. 18). Hypnosis itself is characterized as a state of heightened suggestibility, defined by both Hull and Weitzenhoffer (Baker, 1990, p. 122). Sheehan (1979) suggests that an individual's receptiveness to hypnosis is linked to their ability to employ imagination and fantasies; thus, hypnotic suggestions are most effective when conveyed through visual imagery.

Estabrooks (1957) proposes the concept of the unconscious mind as a means of comprehending hypnotism (p. 23). In Estabrooks' view, individuals who talk in their sleep and can respond to questions are essentially in a hypnotic state. This approach involves converting ordinary sleep into a state of hypnosis. Additionally, it is feasible for a skilled hypnotist to transition someone who sleepwalks or talks during sleep into hypnosis without their knowledge or consent (Estabrooks, 1957, p.23).

According to Estabrooks (1957), in a normal waking condition, our conscious mind operates and controls the body. However, during deep hypnosis, this conscious mind is absent. The hypnotist takes control of actions and interacts with the unconscious mind.

Estabrooks (1957) explains the process of inducing hypnosis in his work on Hypnotism. Suggestion is the primary tool used by the operator, which is most effective when the subject is in a relaxed and receptive state. To achieve this, the subject is requested to sit comfortably. The operator then commences by speaking calmly, directing the subject to close their eyes

and visualize themselves entering a profound slumber. It is emphasized to the subject that they will remain asleep until given further instructions (Estabrooks, 1957).

The hypnotist will test the subject's eyes by commanding them to remain closed and challenging them to open. If the subject cannot open their eyes, it indicates successful control over their unconscious mind.

According to Baker (1990), individuals who are hypnotized remain fully conscious and it is possible for anyone with common sense to hypnotize and persuade them to follow suggestions (Baker, 1990, p.41).

There is experimental evidence indicating that hypnosis involves a state of dissociation. However, this does not mean that individuals in this state can perform two mental processes more effectively than when they are not in a trance. Nevertheless, specific suggestions during hypnosis can make certain memories inaccessible to voluntary recall. These instances can be considered forms of dissociation but not in the sense of dividing the conscious and subconscious into independent "minds". The observed dissociation can always be attributed to direct or indirect suggestion rather than being an inherent aspect of the hypnotic state. Therefore, it is more plausible to explain these phenomena within the general theory of suggestion rather than the theory of hypnosis itself (Hull, 1933, p. 390).

Multiple beliefs about hypnosis exist, with differing perspectives. According to van der Walde (1965), hypnosis is viewed as a mental state rather than a separate consciousness. Baker (1990, p. 167) also agrees that the hypnotic situation assists determined individuals in achieving their desired goals within a safe environment. Furthermore, Baker (1990) argues that the role of the hypnotist is solely to facilitate and emphasizes that their success and elicited responses are

unrelated to their skills or knowledge of induction techniques. Thus, it can be concluded that subjects' reactions during induction primarily depend on their preconceived notions of what a hypnotist should be and do, rather than the qualities and actions displayed by the hypnotist themselves (Baker, 1990, p. 167).

Hypnosis has been utilized for various ailments and has gained popularity in addressing undesirable habits such as smoking, drinking, and weight gain over time. Another common application of hypnosis is its use as an alternative to anesthesia during surgical procedures.

The history of hypnosis as an anesthetic can be traced back to Cloquet, a French surgeon, Eliotson at University College Hospital in London in the 1830s, and Esdaile's use of mesmeric techniques in India (Baker, 1990, p.199). However, Wagstaff (1981) suggests that the pain relief experienced during these early cases may not have been complete. Only a small number of people reported being completely pain-free while undergoing surgery under hypnosis. Baker (1990) supports this observation and notes that the number of individuals who can have painless surgery without anesthesia is small overall, with an equally small number selected for hypnosis-assisted surgery. Researchers agree that the actual percentage is much lower than the frequently reported ten percent; a more accurate estimate is around two to three percent.
Additionally, cultural factors play a role in how individuals respond to pain. Those from impoverished Third World countries with high levels of hunger and disease tend to exhibit higher tolerance for pain compared to those from America and Western Europe. Baker (1990) suggests that what Americans perceive as extremely painful situations might not be seen as severe by individuals from more primitive cultures.

It is believed that one's perception of pain during surgery is influenced by their upbringing and beliefs about its relative level of discomfortThe text states that in China, children are taught to believe that procedures like tonsillectomies are not very painful, and this conditioning has a significant impact on how pain is defined and its intensity. According to Wagstaff (1981), Esdaille successfully performed painless surgeries on East Indians, but it does not guarantee the same outcome if he had attempted with Americans or Europeans.

The different methods of performing surgery under hypnosis vary. One approach involves using the placebo effect to suppress pain without anesthesia, where medications may actually be placebos like sugar pills. Thus, the relief from pain is not due to the medication itself but rather the belief in taking it (Baker, 1990, p.201). During World War II, two surgeons successfully used hypnosis as a painkiller when anesthesia was unavailable by suggesting anesthesia with fake morphine pills. Distraction is another effective technique; for example, a nurse may firmly squeeze someone's hand to divert the pain from their leg during stitches. Various forms of distraction include imagining a fantasyland or imagining numbness in the area where the pain originates. Deep breathing can also help reduce perceived and reported pain levels (Baker, 1990,p .200). Additionally, relaxation is another useful technique for alleviating pain since muscle relaxation closely relates to responsiveness towards pain. Relaxation effectively reduces fear and anxiety which are closely linked to experiencing pain (Baker, 1990,p .200). However, convincing fearful and anxious individuals with traumatic wounds to practice deep breathing and calm themselves down can be challenging when using relaxation techniques for pain relief. Nowadays,

hypnosis is less commonly chosen as a method of pain relief compared to anesthesia.According to Baker (1990), pain is the main motive for seeking medical assistance and taking medication. Although hypnosis was previously utilized for healing purposes, it is now less common due to advancements in technology and medicine. Nevertheless, doubts may still arise regarding the possibility of self-healing without relying on drugs. Personally, I prefer receiving a prescription from a healthcare professional for immediate relief rather than trusting that my body will become numb or enter a fantastical state during surgery, despite reports of painless surgical procedures achieved through hypnosis. Even though the idea of self-healing is alluring, my skeptical mind remains unconvinced about its effectiveness (Baker, Robert A. 1990.They Call it Hypnosis.New York: Prometheus Books).

Estabrooks, George H.'s book, Hypnotism, was published in 1957 by E.P. Dutton & Co. Inc. in New York.

Hull, C.L. (1933) conducted an experimental approach to study hypnosis and suggestibility, which resulted in the book titled "Hypnosis and Suggestibility: An Experimental Approach." The research was published in New York by Appleton-Century.

Kennedy, Marge M. 1979. The Mystery of Hypnosis. New York: Contemporary Perspectives, Inc.

The author Sheehan (1979) explores the connection between hypnosis and imagination in their book titled "Hypnosis: Developments in Research and New Perspectives." This publication was released by Adline Publishing Co. in New York.The book "Hypnotism, Hysteria, and Epilepsy: An Historical Synthesis" was written by Thornton, E.M. in 1976 and published in London by Heinemann.

Van der Walde, P.H. 1965. “Interpretation of hypnosis in terms of ego psychology.” Arch.Gen.Psychiatr. Vol. (12), 438-447.

The mentioned book, titled "Hypnosis, Compliance, and Belief" authored by Graham R. Wagstaff in 1981, was published by St.

Martin's Press in New York.The book "Hypnotism" was written by A. M. Weizenhoffer in 1953 and published by John Wiley & Sons in New York.

-----------.1985. "In search of hypnosis" in Modern Trends in Hypnosis. New York: Plenum Press.

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