Is Hypnosis Real?

The term hypnosis grew out of the work of Franz Mesmer in the 18th century. He promoted the theory of animal magnetism and would cure illness with magnetic fluids. His successes were later attributed to the power of suggestion, which gave us both the placebo effect and hypnosis. Hypnosis is based on the power of suggestion in humans, but was depicted in movies as a "power" to force people to do things they normally wouldn't. As such, it was relegated to the realm of bunk. The truth is that hypnosis is a technique that works (on some people), but is not that dramatic. It's more a matter of opening one's mind to new ways of thinking. (via Damn Interesting)