With celebrity hypnotists taking their shows to Las Vegas, it puts the practice on a par with sawing ladies in half and other magician's tricks. But as far back as 1955, the British Medical Association recognised hypnotism as being of value, or even 'the treatment of choice', for 'so-called psychosomatic disorders and psychoneurosis'. It could be used, the association claimed, for pain relief in surgical and even dental operations.
Scepticism has perhaps fuelled much research on the matter and, in 2001, the British Psychological Society commissioned a panel to do a research review. In their report, The Nature of Hypnosis, the panel concluded that enough studies had shown that the inclusion of hypnotic procedures may be beneficial in the management and treatment of a wide range of conditions and problems encountered in the practice of medicine, psychiatry and psychotherapy. It also warned that in forensic investigation, hypnosis may result in false memories and misplaced confidence in recall, indicating that indeed the hypnotised mind is open to suggestion.
In Hong Kong, Dr Lien Zun Rene Pius, president of Hong Kong Guild of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists, says hypnotherapy is more widely accepted than it was five or six years ago. 'People are more positive and open to the idea of hypnosis as there is more information in the media, and the internet helps a lot as well,' Lien says. 'In the past, people saw hypnosis as the last resort, but now they make it their first or second choice when seeking a solution to these problems.'
In 2005, there were about 30 hypnotherapists practising full time in Hong Kong. Today there are just over 100 practitioners registered with the guild. Hypnotherapist Fiona McKeand believes the increased competition is good as it makes hypnotherapy more mainstream.
'You treat someone once or twice and they are cured,' says hypnotherapist Julien Willm, who practises at Dr Susan Jamieson & Holistic Central Medical Practice. 'But quite often, the problem is a little embarrassing so people won't broadcast their cure.'
One of the less 'personal' problems frequently treated is smoking. One of Willm's patients, a banker who has been smoke-free for nine months, says: 'I had tried to stop smoking on numerous occasions and it took two recommendations by friends for me to try hypnotherapy. I was very cynical and expected a swinging watch and that kind of hocus pocus. But it was quite a sensible session and my opinion changed straight away. It's not a miracle cure but it greatly increased my willpower, and the results speak for themselves. I certainly have an increased respect for the power of the subconscious.'
This patient, whose name has been withheld for patient confidentiality reasons, was so impressed with the results that he also sought Willm's help for public speaking anxiety. Again, it was a success.