Healing and Hypnotherapy Volume 1 Issue 6, (I December2016) | Page 6

Faria on the Induction of Trance : Since Faria denied the idea of animal magnetism or magnetic fluids this had implications for the induction of hypnotic trance. Firstly, Faria would ask the client to close their eyes and concentrate and give repeated suggestions of sleep to induce trance. It is clear here how Faria advances the induction of trance by means of direct suggestion which is of itself of historical import in the subsequent history of hypnosis. Moreover Faria describes another method of induction, whereby the hand of the hypnotist is brought slowly toward the face of the subject and thus inducing trance. Sharma thinks that this induction method may derive from certain religious practices which Faria would have been familiar with in India. "Alternatively, Faria would apply pressure to the forehead, nose, chest and knees of the subject to induce trance which as a technique was later to appear in the pressure technique of Sigmund Freud". Often in the practice of hypnotherapy we neglect the study of the historical development of hypnosis, in favour of the pragmatic and therapeutic use of hypnosis. However for those with an interest in history we can often find ideas of antiquity which are still current in our present time. The work of Faria demonstrates the scientific advances which Faria made regarding the nature of hypnotic suggestion and the variations of trance induction. Further Resources: Carrer. L. (2006) Jose Custodio de Faria: Hypnotist, Priest, Revolutionary. Trafford Publishing. S. Sharma (1979) ‘L’Abbe de Faria: His Life and Contribution.’ In Burrows et al. Hypnosis 1979: Proceedings of the 8th International Congress of Hypnosis. Holland: Elsevier. Vas. L. S. R. (2007) Abbe Faria: The Life of a Pioneer Indian Hypnotist and His Impact on Hypnosis. Broadway Book Centre. Documentary: In Search of Abbe Faria YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mdL24UOXVs Abbe Faria Website by Dom Martin www.abbefaria.com Edward S Gardner Hypnotherapist Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom E mail:[email protected]