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Hypnosis in Spain (1888–1905): From spectacle to medical treatment of mediumship.

Authors :
Graus, Andrea
Source :
Studies in History & Philosophy of Biological & Biomedical Sciences. Dec2014 Part A, Vol. 48, p85-93. 9p.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, some Spanish physicians sought to legitimize hypnotherapy within medicine. At the same time, hypnotism was being popularized among the Spanish population through stage hypnosis shows. In order to extend the use of medical hypnotherapy, some physicians made efforts to demarcate the therapeutic use of hypnotic suggestion from its application for recreational purposes, as performed by stage hypnotists. However, in the eyes of some physicians, the first public session to legitimize hypnotherapy turned out to be a complete failure due to its similarities with a stage hypnosis performance. Apart from exploring this kind of hitherto little-known historical cases, we explore the role of spiritists in legitimizing medical hypnosis. At a time when Spanish citizens were still reluctant to accept hypnotherapy, the spiritists sponsored a charitable clinic where treatment using hypnosis was offered. We conclude that the clinic was effective in promoting the use of hypnotherapy, both among physicians as clinical practice, and as a medical treatment for patients from the less privileged classes of Spanish society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13698486
Volume :
48
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Studies in History & Philosophy of Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
99250461
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shpsc.2014.07.002