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From Convulsions, to "Zombification," to Mystical Trance

Most of us are aware of the phenomena of Mesmerism, in which the patients would go into convulsions, followed by a swoon. But the exact circumstances which gave birth to what we refer to today as “hypnosis” are not as well known. The “sleeping” form of the hypnotic trance was a historical accident, which was first manifested by people who were imitating the behavior of a retardate who had been brought to experience a Mesmeric treatment. He was apparently too stupid to realize that he was “supposed” to go into convulsions, and went to sleep instead! Other people standing nearby promptly did the same, and it was soon discovered that these changes could be brought about merely by describing what was going to take place, which came to be referred to as an “induction procedure.” James Braid coined the term “hypnosis” from the Greek word, hypnos, and hypnosis in its modern form was upon us.

The question then arises, why should we continue to rely upon the example provided to us by a sleeping retardate over two hundred years ago, when much better models are available? The saints and mystics of all ages have demonstrated the life-changing potential of mystical trance, and the life-changing potential of such experience has long served as a source of inspiration for all humankind. Now, with the advent of modern techniques, we no longer have to wait for years in order to have such experiences ourselves, and we are much more free to determine their dimensions.

Two examples of mystical trance, hyperempiria and the induction of the void, are provided in the thread entitled, "Are Hypnosis and Mystical Experience Related?" which was posted July 24. I would like to invite all who are interested to experiment with these models and see what you can come up with. Perhaps those of us who enjoy a good mystery may be inclined to share the words of Sherlock Holmes, "By Jove, Watson! The game's afoot!"

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Permalink Reply by Don Gibbons, Ph.D. on August 4, 2008 at 2:29am: Katt,

According to Lynn & Kirsch (2006), "Putting aside his wand, Mesmer frequently magnetized young women with his hands. As described by his contemporaries, the woman sat with her knees pressed firmly between the thighs of the mesmerist, who applied pressure to her 'ovarium,' while stroking her body until she began to convulse. This was referred to as 'making passes.' According to Binet and Fere (1888, p. 11), 'young women were so much gratified by the crisis, that they begged to be thrown into it anew" (p. 11).

While this does indeed sound like an "energy field," IMHO it is more likely to have been emanating from their lower self than from their higher one. Obviously, considerable progress has been made since then, and it sounds like you're the one who is on to so much more than has ever been written. Perhaps like it's time for another book. Have you ever thought of writing one?

Don

References

Binet, A., & Fere, C. (1888). Animal Magnetism. New York: Appleton.

Lynn, S. J., & Kirsch, I. Essentials of Clinical Hypnosis: An Evidence-Based Aproach: Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Lynn, S. J., & Kirsch, I. . Essentials of Clinical Hypnosis: An Evidence-Based Approach.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brian David Phillips on August 4, 2008 at 5:17am: Don, thank you! The references are WONDERFUL. Hmmm, the last time I sat with a willing young woman and rubbed her "ovarium" the same sort of convulsions resulted. Gee, I wonder whatever in the world that could have been related to? Of course, as modern hypnotists, we know you don't actually have to touch a woman's private parts to get that sort of a response via energy, qi, hypnosis, or whatever model one is working with . . . http://briandavidphillips.typepad.com/brian/2008/04/frenzy-hypnosis...

All the best,
Brian
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Permalink Reply by Don Gibbons, Ph.D. on August 4, 2008 at 7:02am: Maybe this is one of the things that Lynn and Ruch had in mind when they began their book with the statement that many people are surprised to learn that anything that can be experienced within hypnosis can be experienced outside of it. . . .

I was even more surprised, however, when I casually used the word "trance" in conversation with Lynn just before I presented my last paper at SCEH, and he corrected me by saying, "Oh, we don't use the word 'trance' any more." By convincing low-responders that they are indeed hypnotized, regardless of whether or not they happen to feel any different, hypnosis can be used as a "non-deceptive placebo" which works because people believe in it, and are more disposed to any treatment you happen to give them -- suggestion, cognitive restructuring, you name it. This has the effect of enabling us to use hypnosis with literally everyone.

I personally believe that hypnosis is like a dog with two tails, each one of which alternates in trying to wag the entire dog. One tail is made up of the low responders on the normal probability curve of suggestibility, whom we attempt to include by doing away with references to trance and convincing everybody that they are hypnotized. The other tail is made up of the high responders on the curve, whom we attempt to get everyone to emulate, regardless of how well they respond to suggestion. This is the tail that has historically wagged the dog of hypnosis and Mesmerism before it, and this is the tail that wags the dog of mystical trance.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Katt Lowe on August 4, 2008 at 8:45am: Thanx Don & Brian!

Good info. It does sound like Mesmer was up to a little more.

Brian good to hear you use energy...may it be presented in the perfect light.

Qigong has been around for over 5,000 years (so they say) and the U.S. is just starting to get a taste of it. I feel everyone should know about. It is so powerful.

Am I writing a book? Let's just I am pondering the idea as I document my days ;-)

Enjoy the day,

Katt Lowe
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Permalink Reply by Don Gibbons, Ph.D. on August 5, 2008 at 2:28am: Katt,

That's how it starts. I'll be looking forward to seeing it in print!!

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