HYPNOTISM IN MEDICINE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 276, 21 November 1932, Page 6

HYPNOTISM IN MEDICINE.

Eecent correspondence in the Press shows most convincingly that there is much misunderstanding in regard to hypnotism. In the first place, it should be known that nobody can be hypnotised against their will, unless tlicy have already surrendered to hypnotic suggestion many times pre~ viously, and the first step in inducing hypnosis is to obtain the patient's agreement to voluntary surrender. Public exhibitions supported by pretence and fraud have done much to mislead the public, and the semi-theatrical display of physical means of fixing the attention of patients adopted by the French school have misled and antagonised many professional men. Hysterical, unbalanced and mentally afflicted persons are usually beyond the control of the hypnotist, and the best subjects are those of strong will or those long accustomed to obey orders unquestioningly. The most quickly influenced are those who come to the operator prepared to accept his suggestions or who have the idea that he has special or occult powers and have already put their minds in a receptive condition. Hypnotism can undoubtedly cure diseases which baffle hospital doctors and faith healers and often renders subjects insensitive to pain. Even self-suggestion will do the latter in instructed persons. The first step is to let the patient know what to expect anil what result is anticipated, and it is. quite essential that the patient's confidence has been "iven, consciously or otherwise. The results obtained by hypnotism arc due to the action of the patient's own mind on the patient's own body and are free from the disadvantages sometimes associated with the use of drugs. In insomnia, for instance, hypnotic method.s are usually successful and harmless, whilst the use of a drug may cause the acquirement of a drug habit. The more impressive the equipment the greater the belief of the uninitiated. The silent room, blue light, revolving mirror, and air of mystery all assist the practitioner, but the plain professional man who uses hypnotism as one of his normal methods depends entirely upon his personal appearance and character and skill in promoting the necessary confidence. Patients who have been repeatedly influenced and those of abnormal meutality have provided many sensational stories which have rather discredited the process, but in good hands it is an invaluable aid in general practice. Hypnotism as professionally used by trained and qualified medical men is quite simple and effective, its only mystery being the everlasting mystery of the intimate i union of mind and body. —H.A.Y.