The Fascinating History and Evolution of Hypnosis

From Ancient Rituals to Modern Therapy: The Fascinating History and Evolution of Hypnosis

Hypnosis. The word alone can stir up a mix of curiosity, scepticism, and intrigue. Some picture stage performers swinging pocket watches, while others think of quiet rooms and calm voices guiding deep relaxation. But what’s the truth behind hypnosis — and how has it evolved into the respected therapeutic practice we know today?

Let’s take a journey through time to explore the rich history of hypnosis, and understand its modern definition and use in hypnotherapy.

The Roots: Ancient Origins of Hypnotic States

The practice of entering altered states of consciousness has existed for thousands of years. Long before the word “hypnosis” was ever coined, ancient cultures were using trance-like states for healing, spiritual connection, and transformation.

• In Ancient Egypt, sleep temples were used to induce dream-like states for healing the body and mind.

• In Ancient Greece, similar practices were employed at temples dedicated to the god Asclepius, the deity of healing.

• Indigenous cultures across the world have long used chanting, drumming, and rhythm to guide individuals into trance states for spiritual insight or emotional release.

These early practices were often viewed as sacred — a means to access deeper wisdom or connection with the divine.

The Enlightenment Era: Mesmer and the Magnetic Theory

In the 18th century, Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer brought hypnosis into the scientific spotlight. He believed in a mysterious force called “animal magnetism” and claimed to channel it to heal physical ailments. Though Mesmer's theories were eventually discredited, his work laid the foundation for what we now understand as hypnotic suggestion.

In fact, the word “mesmerised” originates from his name — a legacy that endures to this day.

The Birth of Hypnosis: 19th Century Breakthroughs

It was Scottish surgeon James Braid who first coined the term “hypnosis” in the 1840s, believing it to be a form of nervous sleep (from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep). Ironically, he later realised hypnosis wasn’t sleep at all — but by then, the term had stuck.

During this time, hypnosis was being used by doctors and surgeons as a form of pain management, even before the discovery of chemical anaesthesia. Braid, along with others like Dr. John Elliotson and Dr. James Esdaile, demonstrated that patients could undergo surgery with little to no pain under hypnotic trance.

20th Century: Hypnosis Gains Therapeutic Respect

In the 20th century, hypnosis became more structured and therapeutic. One of its most influential figures was Milton H. Erickson, an American psychiatrist who developed a highly individualised and conversational form of hypnosis. His approach moved away from rigid scripts and towards tailored, permissive language, deeply influencing modern hypnotherapy.

Around this time, hypnosis began to be recognised as a legitimate psychological tool, and was incorporated into clinical practice for:

• Managing chronic pain

• Treating trauma and PTSD

• Supporting anxiety and phobias

• Enhancing performance and confidence

• Supporting behavioural change (e.g., smoking cessation, weight loss)

Modern-Day Hypnotherapy: Science Meets Soul

Today, hypnotherapy is a professionally recognised and evidence-based approach used by trained therapists to support people in making meaningful changes in their lives.

Contrary to popular myths, hypnosis is not mind control. It’s a natural, focused state of awareness,  similar to daydreaming or deep meditation — where the mind becomes more open to suggestion and inner exploration.

Modern hypnotherapy is used to help with a wide range of issues, including:

• Anxiety, stress, and overwhelm

• Insomnia and sleep issues

• Confidence and self-esteem

• Phobias and fears

• Habits like smoking or nail-biting

• Pain management

• Menopause symptoms and emotional regulation

• Personal growth and self-understanding

It’s increasingly being integrated alongside counselling, coaching, and holistic therapies  and clients often report feeling deeply relaxed, empowered, and uplifted after a session.

The Power Within

At its core, hypnotherapy is not about someone else “doing” something to you. It’s about you connecting with your own subconscious mind, discovering the beliefs and patterns that are shaping your behaviour, and gently shifting them toward what truly serves you.

It’s a practice that honours your autonomy, your resilience, and your ability to heal and grow from the inside out.

From ancient rituals to modern clinics, hypnosis has always been about transformation. And today, hypnotherapy continues that tradition — helping people step into the next chapter of their lives with clarity, calm, and confidence.

If you’ve ever been curious about hypnotherapy as a client or as a future therapist, there’s never been a better time to explore this powerful, life-affirming practice.