03/01/2022
WORLD HYPNOTISM DAY
World Hypnotism Day on January 4th promotes the truth and benefits of hypnotism. The day also aims to remove myths and misconceptions about hypnotism.
Hypnosis is defined as a state of highly focused attention. It’s usually associated with relaxation and heightened suggestibility, while some describe hypnotism as being in a trance. The person credited with developing a method for hypnosis is Franz Mesmer. He was a German doctor who specialized in astronomy. Born in 1734, his development of hypnotism coincided with the Enlightenment and the Age of Reason in the 18th century.
Many religious people believed hypnotism was steeped in the occult. However, these beliefs didn’t deter Mesmer from using hypnosis both as a form of healing and entertainment. Through the years, many others dabbled with hypnotism and created their own methods. Eventually, hypnotism became regarded as a useful tool for reducing stress.
Today, professionals use hypnosis in psychotherapy. Some of the treatments used include:
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reducing anxiety
treating phobias
an approach to weight loss
quitting bad habits (such as smoking)
improving sleep
hot flashes
Despite the fact hypnotism is embraced by the scientific and psychological fields, there are many misconceptions about it. Some of these misconceptions include:
Hypnosis is a state of unconsciousness or sleep
Hypnosis is a form of mind control or brainwashing
It’s possible not to wake up from a hypnotic trance
Hypnosis weakens the mind
Only a hypnotist can induce hypnosis
HOW TO OBSERVE
On this day, many hypnotherapists offer free semi-private hypnosis sessions. They also host webinars and educational presentations about the benefits of hypnotism. Many organizations, including the National Guild of Hypnotists, the Academy of Professional Hypnosis, and National Council for Hypnotherapy, organize special events. To participate in this day:
Learn more about hypnosis and the benefits of hypnotherapy.
Watch the BBC documentary, Science of Hypnosis, and the docu-reality series HYPNOTIZED.
Discover more about hypnotism. How much about what you know falls under misconceptions? Learn how to dispel them.
Talk to someone who received hypnotherapy and discuss how it helped them.
Spread awareness for this day by sharing on social media.
WORLD HYPNOTISM DAY HISTORY
In 2004, Board Certified Hypnotist Tom Nicoi and the World Hypnotism Day Committee launched the observance to encourage hypnotism professionals to promote the benefits and truth of hypnosis. The first celebration kicked off myth-busting events full of information, free consultations and a new awareness of the role hypnosis can play in our health.
