The history of hypnosis, part 1
Although hypnosis as a discipline arose in relatively recent history, we can find many connections with various ancient civilizations in which they explored specific states of consciousness through various rituals. Many ancient cultures, including the shamanic traditions of Siberia, Africa, and Native American communities, used specific techniques involving music, dance, and suggestion to achieve states of consciousness that resembled hypnotic states.
Hypnosis is a human phenomenon and is as old as man himself. There are even opinions that once upon a time in prehistoric times, the first psychotherapeutic action actually began as hypnotherapy, or the hypnotic action of witch doctors and shamans on other members of the community.
On the basis of the shamanistic activities of the still living Siberian and South American shamans, we can conclude that in prehistoric times hypnosis was used primarily for anesthetic purposes and for the relief or elimination of pain.
Some examples of the use of hypnosis in ancient civilizations:
SUMERCI, 4000 years BC. n. no.
In the famous priestly school in Ereh, they still keep an ancient manuscript that contains irrefutable evidence that the priest-doctors of those times treated patients in their sleep.
EGYPT, 4000 – 1550 years BC. n. no.
In a thousands-year-old document in Egypt, the Ebers Papyrus, they are described methods for hypnosis, which are no different from today's. In one note we can read: "...place your hands on his to silence the pain and tell him that the pain will go away..."
CHINA, 2500 BC n. no.
Wong Tai, the father of Chinese medicine, wrote about hypnotic procedures in his medical texts.
INDIA, 1500 – 500 BC n. no.
In the Code of Manu, the oldest work written in Sanskrit in India, it is described waking dream. The Hindu Vedas, written around 1500 BC. right this is how they describe trance and the use of hypnosis.
GREECE, 350 BC n. no.
The ancient Greeks had their temples, where there were priests treated people with the help of hypnosis. The custom in these temples was that before entering the temple, people fasted and tried to purify themselves as much as possible, thereby preparing themselves as much as possible for the suggestions given to them by the priests. Priests are in temples with the help of suggestions activate one's inner powers, which led to healing.
The use of similar techniques tells us that already in the past people were interested in exploring their own mind and consciousness, that certain states of consciousness are universal and humanity has been trying to achieve them for thousands of years. Different cultures have found similar ways to achieve states of altered consciousness. Ancient practices often involved the power of words and suggestions. Religious leaders, doctors, healers and shamans practiced techniques in which we recognize the basic elements of modern hypnosis - suggestion, concentration of the mind and physical relaxation. Hypnotic techniques were most often used in the context of treatment. They believed in the connection of mind, body and spirit and sought to achieve a balance for overall well-being. In doing so, they expressed their deep understanding of the mind-body connection. Hypnosis was used not only as a tool for treatment, but also for a better understanding of oneself and one's inner potential.
So hypnosis is a part of the human experience as far back as we can look in history. With all this, it seems at least strange that, despite continuous research and numerous evidence of its effectiveness, it is still classified as an alternative treatment method in many places (including in our country).
Wouldn't it make more sense if, with all modern knowledge and approaches, we could understand and use it as a primary method for appropriate situations?
And as a thought and topic for one of the next blogs: How useful would it be if the principles of exploiting one's own hypnotic trance were taught from a young age, in schools?