Hypnotherapy

Abstract

Hypnosis as a medically useful technique seems to be, in comparison to some of the other therapies discussed in this book, a relatively modern one, dating back only to the late 18th century. However, there is evidence that rhythmic dancing and drumming, which can induce states indistinguishable from those now associated with hypnosis, have a long history in Africa and North America, while several authors mention the use of hypnotic techniques in ancient Egypt, in ancient Greece, and, in Britain, by the Druids, although they do not give specific references for these assertions (Lesser 1989).