What Most People Don’t Know About the History of Hypnosis (And Why It Matters)

Opening the Door: An Astonishing Fact from the History of Hypnosis

“More than 60% of Americans have tried or considered hypnosis, yet few know its fascinating origins.”

The history of hypnosis is much deeper and more complex than most people realize. While contemporary hypnosis is often associated with therapy or stage performances, its roots stretch back thousands of years, weaving through the worlds of ancient spiritual practice, Enlightenment-era science, and modern medicine. Unlocking the story of hypnosis reveals not only how our understanding of the mind has changed, but also why these shifts matter today. Whether you’re a curious skeptic or someone interested in mental health, the hidden history of hypnosis holds surprising insights that continue to shape psychology, science, and culture.

What You'll Learn About the History of Hypnosis

• The untold story of hypnosis through history

• The truth about famous figures like Franz Anton Mesmer and James Braid

• How hypnosis influenced science, therapy, and popular culture

• Why the history of hypnosis shapes current practice and perception

The Ancient Roots: Early Concepts and Practices in the History of Hypnosis

Trance and Ritual: Hypnotic States in Ancient Civilizations

The story of hypnosis begins long before science gave it a name. In ancient times, humans sought altered states of consciousness to heal, connect with the divine, or unlock hidden aspects of the mind. Shamans and priests performed rituals that leveraged rhythm, suggestion, chanting, and focused attention—techniques that induced trance states not unlike what we might recognize as a hypnotic state today. Across Egypt, Greece, India, and Indigenous cultures, these mystical experiences laid the foundations for what would later become clinical hypnosis. Recent research into ancient practices confirms that trance states were central for healing, spiritual guidance, and rites of passage, cementing their role in early mental health traditions and revealing the universality of the human drive to explore the conscious mind and its mysteries.

In these societies, hypnosis wasn’t framed as medicine but rather as a spiritual or communal activity, a tool for accessing the unconscious mind and effecting personal or communal transformation. From the sleep temples of Egypt—where supplicants would enter dream-like trances for healing—to Greek oracles channeling prophecies, hypnotic techniques provided early blueprints for later therapeutic hypnosis. The ways ancient civilizations induced these states—via rhythm, dance, suggestion, and symbolism—anchor much of what came next. Understanding the ancient roots of hypnosis helps us appreciate how deep and diverse the concept of the trance state really is in human history.

The Story of Hypnosis Before Enlightenment

• Shamanic practices

• Temple sleep and Egyptian rituals

• Indigenous healing traditions featuring trance states

Shamanic traditions across Asia, Africa, and the Americas introduced the first documented uses of focused attention and trance induction—essentially the psychological seeds of hypnosis. Egyptian temple sleep, practiced by priests in sacred spaces, encouraged subjects to enter deep states of consciousness where healing suggestions could be whispered. These were not isolated phenomena; every early civilization had unique rituals using trance for transformation. Indigenous societies viewed the trance state as a bridge between worlds, allowing guides and healers to access wisdom beyond normal perception. Each tradition contributed vital pieces to the evolving puzzle: how suggestion, relaxed focus, and symbolic language could reshape human experience, even before the scientific era gave us terms like "animal magnetism" or "hypnotic state."

For readers interested in a more detailed timeline and analysis of hypnosis’s evolution, a comprehensive historical review can provide additional context and depth to the milestones and figures discussed here. Explore a thorough perspective on the history of hypnosis in this in-depth historical review.

Anton Mesmer and the Birth of Animal Magnetism in the History of Hypnosis

Who Was Franz Anton Mesmer?

• Background and education

• Early theories and the development of animal magnetism

Franz Anton Mesmer stands as a pivotal figure in the history of hypnosis. A well-educated Austrian physician, Mesmer trained in Vienna during the late 18th century and became fascinated by the mysterious connections between the mind and body. Early in his career, Mesmer began theorizing about an "invisible natural force" he termed animal magnetism—a vital fluid he believed coursed through all living things. By manipulating this elusive force with magnets or gestures, Mesmer claimed he could trigger spectacular healing and induce altered, often trance-like states in his patients. His ideas and dramatic treatments quickly spread across Europe, drawing eager crowds and fierce critics alike—as much an insight into medical showmanship as science.

Mesmer’s background and interest in astrology and music shaped his unique approach; he combined ritualistic gestures with focused attention, often eliciting remarkable responses from patients prone to suggestion. Although many of his underlying beliefs have been disproven, Mesmer’s legacy is undeniable—he introduced core concepts like the power of suggestion, group rituals, and altered states into the medical mainstream. By doing so, he planted the seeds for future research into hypnotic states and ways of harnessing the unconscious mind for healing, shaping the story of hypnosis for centuries to come.

The Role of Animal Magnetism and Hypnotic State

“Mesmer believed in an invisible natural force—a precursor to our understanding of the hypnotic state.”

Animal magnetism was Mesmer’s signature concept—an unseen energy he claimed could be manipulated to heal disease and control the trance state. Mesmer’s dramatic sessions involved hand movements, iron rods, and mesmerizing gazes, often producing strong psychosomatic reactions. These sessions led many to believe they were witnessing magical or supernatural phenomena, yet Mesmer attributed the effects to scientific laws awaiting discovery. Critics eventually debunked the idea of a literal “magnetic fluid,” but the hypnotic results couldn’t be ignored. Mesmer’s contributions reframed the conversation about suggestion, focus, and the incredible power of the unconscious mind, and the term Mesmerism soon entered common usage as an early synonym for hypnosis.

Mesmer’s focus on suggestion and ritualized interaction provided the blueprint for the hypnotic state as we understand it today. Even long after the dismissal of his theories by Enlightenment scientists, the core practices Mesmer developed—structured attention, a calm setting, and heightened focus—remain central to contemporary hypnotherapy. By linking ritual, suggestion, and psychosomatic change, Mesmer ushered in a new era that shifted hypnosis from shamanic ritual to medical investigation.

The Public and Scientific Response to Mesmer’s Ideas

The rise of Mesmer’s animal magnetism provoked widespread fascination and deep suspicion. Enlightenment thinkers subjected Mesmer’s methods to skeptical inquiry, notably with King Louis XVI’s commission—including Benjamin Franklin—concluding that mesmerism’s effects were due to imagination and belief rather than magnetic forces. Yet despite official censure and his eventual expulsion from Paris, Mesmer’s spectacles ignited a firestorm of debate that would fuel further research. For the public, these captivating displays challenged prevailing notions of mind, healing, and bodily control; for emerging scientists, they posed enduring questions about placebos, suggestion, and the true nature of the human mind. Ultimately, Mesmer’s controversial career cemented his legacy as the starting point for the modern story of hypnosis, influencing not only the scientific community but also broader culture and popular perceptions of mental health methods for generations.

Scientific Revolution: From Franz Anton Mesmer to James Braid in the History of Hypnosis

James Braid: The Founder of Modern Hypnosis

• Braid’s introduction of ‘hypnosis’ as a term

• Distinguishing hypnosis from animal magnetism

A century after Mesmer’s rise, Scottish surgeon James Braid revolutionized the history of hypnosis with a scientific approach. Skeptical of mystical explanations, Braid observed Mesmeric demonstrations and concluded that the trance state was not caused by animal magnetism, but rather the result of focused attention and physiological processes. In 1842, Braid coined the term "hypnosis"—derived from the Greek "hypnos," meaning sleep. Yet, he later clarified that hypnosis was not actual sleep but a unique altered state of consciousness. This terminological clarity, alongside Braid’s rigorous clinical studies, distinguished hypnosis as a legitimate subject for medical research, breaking it away from its mystical origins and positioning it alongside neurology and psychology.

By aligning hypnosis with scientific method and neurology, Braid kicked off a new chapter. He experimented with both suggestion and concentration as means to induce trance, finding that patients could undergo surgery or overcome pain using hypnosis—a radical discovery in a pre-anesthetic era. Braid’s distinction between hypnosis and Mesmer’s animal magnetism revived credibility for the practice, marking a turning point that laid the groundwork for later acceptance by the British Medical Association and, eventually, the American Medical Association. His work also inspired future figures like Jean-Martin Charcot and Hippolyte Bernheim, solidifying his reputation as the father of modern hypnosis.

Case Studies: Hypnosis in Victorian Medicine

In Victorian medicine, the practical uses of hypnosis were groundbreaking. Surgeons performed operations using hypnotic anesthesia, with Braid and his contemporaries publishing case studies showing reduced pain, bleeding, and recovery times. These advances were especially important before the widespread use of chemical anesthetics. The success of hypnosis in clinical trials persuaded many in the British and French medical establishments to revisit its legitimacy. Crucially, these results also seeded the development of clinical hypnosis as a recognized practice—though widespread skepticism persisted, partly due to the shadow of animal magnetism and public misunderstanding.

Case studies from Victorian hospitals documented hypnosis’s impact on surgery, chronic pain, and mental health conditions. This growing body of evidence convinced even scientific skeptics to acknowledge that altered and trance states achieved measurable results—both psychologically and physically—which remain highly relevant for modern hypnosis techniques and therapies today.

Further Development: Martin Charcot, Hippolyte Bernheim, and the Hypnotic State

Martin Charcot and Hypnosis in Neurology

In late 19th-century Paris, neurologist Martin Charcot elevated hypnosis from curiosity to an essential tool for exploring the nervous system. Charcot, director of the Salpêtrière Hospital, used hypnosis to investigate hysteria, epilepsy, and neuropsychiatric disorders, examining how trance states affected neurology and human behavior. For Charcot, hypnosis offered unparalleled access to the unconscious and provided a controlled environment to study abnormal psychological phenomena. His work helped codify the hypnotic state as a reproducible, observable, and clinically relevant tool, which profoundly influenced both medicine and psychology—and, indirectly, the future of psychoanalysis.

Charcot’s dramatic demonstrations drew eager audiences and disciples—including Freud himself—who observed patients manifesting physical symptoms and recoveries under hypnosis. While some critics accused Charcot of suggestion-based theatrics, his scientific rigor and public profile made hypnosis a legitimate subject for neurology and medical research. His legacy endures in the structure of modern psychological and neurological assessment, where controlled suggestion and behavioral observation remain critical.

Hippolyte Bernheim and the School of Nancy

• Critical experiments

• Influence on medical hypnosis and psychotherapy

While Charcot anchored hypnosis in neurology, Hippolyte Bernheim and the School of Nancy presented a gentler, suggestion-focused approach. Bernheim’s critical experiments demonstrated that the hypnotic state was not a symptom of illness, but a normal human response to suggestion and focused attention. His experiments with healthy subjects showed that anyone could respond to hypnosis, not just patients with neurological disorders. This democratization of hypnosis—backed by case studies and strict observation—helped persuade the medical community that hypnosis could aid therapeutic processes far beyond surgery, including the treatment of anxiety and phobic disorders, even in the lead-up to World War II.

Bernheim’s school influenced the evolution of modern psychotherapy, with pioneers like Freud and later Milton Erickson adapting suggestion-centric methods. His work encouraged the integration of hypnosis with emerging theories of the conscious and unconscious mind, laying the groundwork for today’s psychological association guidelines on clinical hypnosis in therapeutic and medical contexts.

The Psychoanalytic Era: Freud and the Divergence From Hypnosis

Sigmund Freud’s Encounter with Hypnosis

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, initially trained with both Charcot in Paris and Bernheim in Nancy, finding hypnosis a promising tool to uncover the unconscious mind. Early in his career, Freud used hypnosis to access suppressed memories in his patients, initiating cathartic releases that suggested therapeutic value. However, Freud’s Austrian context—where medical hypnosis was still controversial—and his own personal limitations in hypnotic induction led him to seek alternative methods. While hypnosis was crucial in forming Freud’s conceptions of suggestion and repression, it soon gave way to his pioneering discovery: free association as a safer, more accessible route to the unconscious.

Freud’s encounter with hypnosis played a key transitional role: it highlighted both the strength and the unpredictability of suggestion, and it inspired his lifelong exploration of psychodynamics, trauma, and repression. Yet, as Freud’s psychoanalytic method matured, he increasingly distanced himself from formal hypnosis, framing it as but a stepping stone to deeper understanding of the mind. Nonetheless, many foundational ideas in psychological association and mental health practice still trace their origins to hypnosis experiments in Freud’s early career.

Why Freud Moved Beyond the Hypnotic State

Freud’s eventual move away from formal hypnosis was rooted in several practical and theoretical reasons. He found that only some patients could be hypnotized, and that the memories revealed under hypnosis were not always accurate. More importantly, he felt that free association—having patients say whatever came to mind—offered a purer channel to the unconscious, without interference from hypnotic suggestion or the therapist’s expectations. In this sense, Freud viewed the hypnotic state as a limited tool, best used for specific cases or as a gateway to psychoanalytic exploration.

Despite moving past hypnosis, Freud acknowledged its vital formative influence on his theories of the conscious mind, repression, and unconscious motivation. Indeed, psychoanalysis and hypnosis share a deep lineage: both are rooted in the drive to understand mental phenomena beneath the surface, and both have shaped the future of clinical hypnosis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and modern mental health practices.

Modern Hypnosis: Milton Erickson, New Applications, and the Continued Story of Hypnosis

Milton Erickson: The Architect of Contemporary Hypnotherapy

The story of hypnosis entered a new era in the 20th century, thanks largely to Milton Erickson, the American psychiatrist who transformed how hypnosis was understood and practiced. Erickson rejected rigid induction techniques, focusing instead on conversational hypnosis, patient-driven imagery, and therapeutic storytelling. His approach emphasized collaboration, drawing out each patient’s unique capacity for trance and change. Through his innovative work—including treating pain, trauma, and phobias—Erickson elevated modern hypnosis to a respected branch of psychotherapy, ushering in fresh scientific and clinical interest after its decline in early psychoanalytic circles.

Erickson’s emphasis on the individualized, flexible use of language and suggestion revolutionized therapeutic techniques still widely applied today. His work directly influenced positive psychology, short-term therapy, and even coaching. Erickson’s legacy lives on not only through the many professionals he trained, but also through the ongoing integration of hypnotherapy in medical and psychological association settings, showcased in everything from surgical preparation to trauma recovery after World War II.

Modern Hypnosis in Medicine and Psychology

“Hypnotic techniques are more prevalent in therapy today than at any other time in history.”

Today, hypnosis is a validated tool in fields ranging from dentistry and surgery to sports performance and trauma treatment. The American Medical Association and British Medical Association now recognize clinical hypnosis as a legitimate adjunct to conventional medicine. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen an explosion of research—especially after World War II, when hypnosis was used extensively for treating PTSD and combat trauma. Contemporary hypnotherapists, following Erickson’s example, use highly individualized methods to address chronic pain, anxiety, phobias, and even irritable bowel syndrome, all through the power of focused attention and suggestion.

Modern hypnosis is supported by impressive clinical outcomes and ongoing research into neurobiology. Techniques are used in hospitals and clinics worldwide, and many mental health practitioners incorporate hypnotherapy to complement standard psychological and pharmacological approaches. By building on the lessons of Mesmer, Braid, Charcot, and Erickson, the history of hypnosis continues to shape science and healing—linking ancient insight with cutting-edge medical innovation.

The Science Behind Hypnosis: Understanding the Hypnotic State

• What happens in the brain during hypnosis?

• Latest research in neurobiology and psychology

With the advent of advanced brain imaging, modern science has confirmed that the hypnotic state is truly distinct from both wakefulness and sleep—characterized by altered patterns of brain activity, heightened focus, and increased responsiveness to suggestion. Neurobiological studies have shown shifts in areas involved with attention, perception, and the regulation of conscious and unconscious processes. Functional MRI and EEG findings demonstrate that hypnosis can reduce activity in regions responsible for pain processing while enhancing brain connectivity linked to imagination and self-control. This research validates the centuries-old intuition that trance states represent unique modes of awareness—justifying the continued use of hypnosis in the treatment of pain, anxiety, and many other medical and psychological conditions.

Recent advances in psychology also emphasize that the therapeutic benefits of hypnosis come from its power to bypass habitual filters, enabling focused attention and facilitating meaningful behavioral change. The story of hypnosis—once the domain of ritual and speculation—now benefits from rigorous analysis, with major medical, dental, and psychological associations recommending hypnosis for a range of evidence-based applications. The scientific acceptance of hypnosis as a legitimate clinical tool is perhaps the greatest testament to its enduring impact and relevance.

Controversies and Misconceptions in the History of Hypnosis

• Debunking myths: Is hypnosis mind control?

• Cultural and legal controversies

• Differences between clinical hypnosis and stage hypnosis

Despite scientific advances, the history of hypnosis is rife with controversy. Popular culture often confuses clinical hypnosis with mind control or entertainment—fueling myths that a hypnotist can override the conscious mind without consent. In reality, all credible research shows that hypnosis is a collaborative process, never functioning as involuntary control. Clinical hypnosis, recognized by leading medical associations, is worlds apart from the sensationalized versions seen in movies and on stage. Debunking these myths is crucial to fostering wider public acceptance and ethical use of hypnosis within modern medicine.

Cultural misunderstandings and legal debates have often shadowed hypnosis—especially in criminal trials or controversial therapies. However, medical and psychological associations have developed strict guidelines for ethical practice, informed by a nuanced history stretching from ancient ceremonies to contemporary clinics. Differentiating between clinical hypnosis and entertainment helps clarify its true potential in healing and research, reducing risk and ensuring responsible application.

Why the History of Hypnosis Still Matters Today

• Impact on medical and therapeutic practices

• Influence on ethical guidelines and public perception

Understanding the history of hypnosis is more than an academic exercise. Its journey from ancient ritual to scientific method informs how we treat mental health, pain, and trauma. By learning from both successes and mistakes, today’s clinicians apply hypnosis with clear guidelines and ethical standards, ensuring safety and efficacy for patients worldwide.

Just as importantly, the public’s evolving perception of hypnosis—shaped by everything from Mesmer’s dramatic shows to rigorous modern research—affects how the therapy is integrated into mainstream medicine. Embracing the full story fosters trust and maximizes the potential benefits of this powerful, time-tested practice.

People Also Ask: Essential Questions About the History of Hypnosis

Who first discovered hypnosis?

While many ancient cultures practiced trance and suggestion rituals, the first person widely credited with discovering the foundations of hypnosis is Franz Anton Mesmer. His theory of animal magnetism in the late 18th century laid the groundwork for the discipline. However, it was James Braid, the Scottish surgeon, who clarified, named, and scientifically distinguished hypnosis from earlier mystical ideas.

What does God say about hypnosis?

There is no direct mention of hypnosis in major religious texts, and views about hypnosis often depend on cultural and denominational interpretation. Some faith traditions have viewed mind-altering practices with caution, while others have embraced prayer, meditation, and trance as legitimate spiritual tools. Today, many religious leaders recognize that clinical hypnosis, when used ethically, is distinct from deceptive or theatrical practices and can align with beliefs centered on healing and self-improvement.

How was hypnotherapy used historically?

Historically, hypnotherapy emerged from shamanic ritual and evolved into a clinical technique for pain relief, mental health, and behavior change. In the 19th century, it was used to facilitate surgery before anesthetics, treat psychosomatic disorders, and address phobias and trauma. Over time, world events—such as World War II—stimulated new therapeutic techniques for managing post-traumatic stress, integrating hypnosis into mainstream health care around the globe.

Who is the father of hypnosis?

James Braid is widely recognized as the "father of modern hypnosis." While Mesmer originated the concept with animal magnetism, Braid’s scientific rigor, the introduction of the term “hypnosis,” and his separation of trance states from mystical explanations secured his foundational role in the field.

Key Takeaways from the History of Hypnosis

• The history of hypnosis reflects evolving understanding of the mind-body connection

• Key figures like Mesmer, Braid, Charcot, and Erickson shifted its meaning and application

• Its ongoing story offers lessons about science, skepticism, and human potential

FAQ: Common Questions About the History of Hypnosis

• Is hypnosis safe today?
  When practiced by trained professionals, clinical hypnosis is safe and widely accepted by leading medical and psychological associations as a valid therapeutic tool for mental health and pain management.

• What are the main therapeutic uses?
  Hypnosis is used for pain control, anxiety, stress reduction, phobias, habit change (like smoking cessation), and certain medical procedures. Its uses continue to expand with ongoing research.

• Are there risks of hypnosis?
  The risks are low when administered by a qualified clinician. Rare side effects might include headache, drowsiness, or the surfacing of traumatic memories. Ethical guidelines and screening help minimize these issues.

• Can everyone be hypnotized?
  Most people can experience some level of hypnosis, though the depth and effectiveness vary based on individual suggestibility, comfort, and willingness.

Conclusion: Why Understanding the History of Hypnosis Empowers Us

Exploring the history of hypnosis helps us understand our past, inform ethical practice today, and unlock the healing and transformative power of the human mind for the future.

If this journey through the history of hypnosis has sparked your curiosity, you may find it valuable to step back and consider the broader question: what is hypnosis, really, in today’s world? Understanding its definition, mechanisms, and modern applications can deepen your appreciation for how ancient wisdom and scientific discovery converge in contemporary practice. For a more expansive look at the nature and uses of hypnosis, explore the comprehensive guide to what hypnosis is and how it works. This next step can help you connect the historical roots with practical insights for personal growth, therapy, or professional development.

To deepen your understanding of the history of hypnosis, consider exploring the following authoritative resources:

• “History of hypnosis”: This comprehensive article traces the evolution of hypnosis from ancient practices to modern applications, highlighting key figures and developments that have shaped the field. (en.wikipedia.org)

• “Hypnosis | Definition, History, Techniques, & Facts | Britannica”: This entry provides a detailed overview of hypnosis, including its historical context, methodologies, and the scientific principles underlying its practice. (britannica.com)

These resources offer valuable insights into the progression of hypnosis and its significance in contemporary psychology and medicine.