This bad rep can be traced back to the late 18th century, when Franz Mesmer, the guy who introduced hypnotism into medicine, got himself kicked out of France for his fraudulent healing practices. Hypnosis was soon discovered to have genuine healing potential, but it was exploited by enough crackpots and vaudeville magicians to stay associated with superstition and evil for a long time. It has been recognized as a valid medical therapy since 1955 in Great Britain and since 1958 in the United States. Partly because it doesn't work for everyone. But largely because no one really can explain how it works.
Experts even debate whether hypnosis produces an altered state of consciousness at all.
Right now, investigators are scrambling to get some of these answers, and already a few theories are floating around. But for now the whole business is still pretty much a mystery. If you're trying to lose weight, stop smoking, control substance abuse, or overcome a phobia, hypnosis may be worth a try. And if you're unhappy with your current treatment for warts or other skin conditions, asthma, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, or other forms of pain, discuss the possibility of hypnotherapy with your M.D. Hypnosis can work for almost anyone, though some people have an easier time than others. Children and young adults are often good candidates for hypnosis, perhaps because they're so open to suggestion and have active imaginations.