A Brief History of Hypnosis — Beyond the Myths
When people hear the word hypnosis, they often imagine swinging pocket watches or stage performers making people cluck like chickens. But the real story of hypnosis is much deeper, more fascinating, and firmly rooted in both history and science.
Ancient roots
Trance-like healing states can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt and Greece. In these cultures, people would enter “temple sleep” or use rituals designed to help them access a deeper state of consciousness for healing and insight. These practices were early ways of working with the subconscious mind — even if they didn’t call it that yet.
The Mesmer moment
Fast forward to the 18th century, and we meet Franz Mesmer. He believed in a force called "animal magnetism," which he thought could influence people's health. While his theories weren’t scientifically sound, Mesmer’s work popularised the idea of inducing trance states, and it’s from his name that we get the word “mesmerise.”
From magnetism to modern hypnosis
In the 1800s, Scottish surgeon James Braid took a more scientific approach. He coined the term “hypnosis,” inspired by the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos. Braid discovered that focused attention and suggestion — rather than mysterious magnetic forces — could lead to powerful changes in perception and experience. His work shifted hypnosis away from spectacle and closer to a clinical tool.
Medical uses emerge
In the 19th century, before chemical anaesthesia was widely used, some surgeons performed operations using only hypnosis as pain control. This showed just how profound the mind-body connection could be. Even Sigmund Freud explored hypnosis before moving on to develop psychoanalysis.
Modern science steps in
Today, we have brain imaging studies showing real, measurable changes in the brain during hypnosis. Research supports its effectiveness for pain management, anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, and more. It’s no longer seen as a fringe practice but as a respected complementary therapy that helps people make meaningful, lasting change.
Where does this leave us today?
At Deep Roots Therapy, I see hypnosis as a bridge — connecting the conscious and subconscious, the body and mind. It allows us to get to the root of old patterns and create space for growth and healing.
Whether you come to hypnosis from a place of curiosity, spirituality, or pure science, there’s room for you here.
✨ Ready to explore how hypnosis could support your journey? Book a session or reach out for a chat — your subconscious might just surprise you.
