o late 19th century several physicians, including Jean- Martin Charcot and Sigmund Freud, became interested in the use of hypnosis in the practice of medicine. Today hypnosis is widely and successfully used by medical occupations such as surgeons, dentists, and psychotherapists. Physicians may use it to remove anxiety or as an anesthetic. Psychotherapists use it to relax the patient, to reduce resistance to therapy, to help their memory, and even to treat some conditions. Hypnosis is also used in specialized therapies such as those that help a person to stop smoking, eat less, or fight specific fears, such as fear of heights. It is unclear, however, if such procedures have any positive long-term effects. Hypnosis has also been used during police interviews to help the witnesses with their memory. Regardless of the application, hypnosis should be left to those who are properly trained. When used by untrained persons it may have undesirable and even dangerous effects. ...
