The science of hypnosis: from stage tricks to clinical applications
By
BY George Musser, Jr.
Summary
The article explores the history, science, and modern applications of hypnosis, moving beyond stage-show stereotypes. It covers how hypnosis works in the brain, its clinical uses for pain management, anxiety, and habit change, and the growing body of research validating its effectiveness. The author also shares a personal anecdote about trying self-hypnosis as a student to improve memory for biology class, which ultimately didn't work for them.
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Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe voice was supposed to put me into a trance and prime my memory to retain long lists of terms—making me like The Manchurian Candidate, except that I would kill not a politician but a test.
After a few sessions without noticeable improvement, I gave up on biology and decided to study physics instead.
Long thereafter, I re
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