1) Discuss and explain in detail the relationship between hypnosis and pain that has been reported from the dawn of history. Cite historical dates and major contributors to our understanding of hypnosis and pain relief.
Many cultures have used hypnosis for pain control. While most of this information is shrouded in magic and mysticism, one country that provides many examples of this use of hypnosis is India where yogis have traditionally placed themselves into hypnotic states as preparatory to such painful events as walking over hot coals, and sticking needles through body parts.
In Europe, the use of hypnosis for pain was due to people such as Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) who used it in a flamboyant manner and claimed it as a cure for various illnesses, and Johann Joseph Gassner (1717-1799) who used it as a method of exorcism. While the work of both of these men was less than scientific, their efforts succeeded in generating interest in hypnosis throughout the world.
In America Phineas Parkhurst Quimby (1802-1866) used hypnosis to cure Mary Baker Eddy who, at that time, was a bedridden invalid; possibly this "miraculous" cure might have in part inspired her to found the religion of Christian Science.
During these early years, the primary use of hypnosis in relation to pain was in the area of surgery. As early as 1846, English surgeon, John Elliotson, reported using hypnosis for purposes of surgical anesthesia on many patients. After the discovery of chemical anesthetics, the use of hypnosis for surgical anesthesia rapidly dropped away. However, English physician, James Braid continued to use it for other forms of pain control; indeed, it was Braid who in the late 1800s gave it the name "hypnosis."
Other important people in the field at this time were Jean-Martin Charcot (1935-1893) and Auguste Ambrose Liebeault (1823-1904). Whereas Charcot stated that hypnosis was a hysterical state whose pain relieving pro...