World Hypnotism Day Date in the current year: January 4, 2024

The term “hypnosis” refers to a human condition characterized by heightened focus and concentration, reduced peripheral awareness, and increased susceptibility to suggestion. It has been known to humanity for thousands of years; hypnotic-type trances were regarded as a form of meditation in many religious practices.

German physician Franz Mesmer is widely regarded as the father of modern-day hypnosis. He originally named the phenomenon animal magnetism; it was also occasionally referred to as mesmerism. The term “hypnosis” was coined by another pioneer of hypnotism and hypnotherapy, Scottish doctor James Braid, in 1843.

In the modern world, hypnosis is used for therapeutic purposes and as a form of entertainment. The former use of hypnosis is called hypnotherapy, and the latter is called stage hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is used in the treatment of various psychological and physical disorders with varying degrees of success.

Hypnotherapy has proven to be effective in treating the symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes) and irritable bowel syndrome. Other uses of hypnotherapy include childbirth, recovery after injuries and surgeries, and the treatment of bulimia nervosa, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, depression, insomnia, addiction, and some other conditions.

Unfortunately, a lot of people are skeptical towards the effectiveness and benefits of hypnotherapy, as well as have a lot of misconceptions about hypnosis. They believe that hypnosis can be used to brainwash you or control your mind, make you do something you wouldn’t normally do or turn you into a hypnotist’s puppet. World Hypnotism Day was created to dispel these and other myths about hypnosis.

The celebration of World Hypnotism Day was launched in 2004 by Tom Nicoli, an American speaker, author, certified hypnotist and hypnosis instructor, and the World Hypnotism Day Committee consisting of professional hypnotists from the United States and beyond. Nicoli wanted to promote the truths and health benefits of hypnotism and encourage people to get rid of skepticism around it.

World Hypnotism Day is supported and promoted by various national and international hypnotherapy organizations and groups; in addition, January 4 has been declared World Hypnotism Day by over 50 governors, lieutenant governors, and mayors in the United States and Canada. Every year, participating organizations host events that aim to educate the general audience about hypnotism and its benefits. These events include demonstrations, open lectures, seminars and webinars, free hypnosis sessions, and more.

How can you celebrate World Hypnotism Day? In addition to attending an official event near you, you can learn more about hypnosis and hypnotherapy by reading scientific articles or books on hypnotism, watch a documentary, talk to someone who’s benefited from hypnotherapy, book a trial session with a licensed hypnotherapist, and spread awareness about the holiday on social media using the hashtag #WorldHypnotismDay.