LESSON 43.

Mesmerism.—The term Mesmerism was given to the practice of Animal Magnetism by the followers of Mesmer—and is now used to denote ordinary Somnambulism induced by artificial means. It is for all practical purposes a perfect form of Hypnotism.

And Hypnotism is a modern term suggested by Dr. Braid, and is synonymous to the former.

People generally confound mesmeric with hypnotic states, but each is distinct in itself, though apparently akin.

A little comment is necessary here to draw a clear outline between the two.

Hypnosis is produced by the combination of bright object and suggestion and passes, whereas Mesmeric sleep is induced only by passes. In hypnosis the mind of the subject slumbers. This dream life appears to him to be real waking normal activity. The life creations thus dreamed of are acted upon, with all earnestness. Here physical rather than mental phenomena are evolved; the states of Anaesthesia and Catalepsy are more or less present. The senses of smell and hearing are partially exalted and the subject is apt to be partially or fully unconscious. The respiration is frequently irregular, accompanied by slight convulsive movements.

Whereas in Mesmeric state the sleep is calm, refreshing, soothing and curative, the pulse is slow and rhythmic. The senses slumber and the mind awakens to a fuller independence and to the exhibition of several mental and spiritual powers not dreamt of hitherto. Here again the mind is exalted to such a degree as to attach a clearly defined hyper-sensuous condition paving a way for the seership, clairvoyance, clair-audience, thought-reading, etc.

As we go deeper into this state and investigate and research we are led to a clear understanding of the Soul apart from the phenomena induced by several pathological conditions of brain and body. The deeper the mesmeric sleep, the greater is the wakefulness and lucidity of the inner or soul life. And from practical research in this science we are of opinion that the nature and characteristics of the phenomena manifested are always consistent with the physical, mental, moral and spiritual nature of the operator in addition to those of the operated.

Our investigations along these lines lend us a high degree of seriousness and earnestness and we are literally thrusted into the spiritual realm. Further, the phenomena evolved during the development of this mighty and wonderful state are as the physical, mental and spiritual characteristics of the operator and the operated and more or less the same. Hence you should pay a careful attention to your life and restrict your habits to such a state as the strictest principles of moral code could not find the least fault.

With the above remarks duly presented we go direct into Mesmerism proper.

LESSON 44.

Passes, and What They Mean.—Mesmeric influence is generally carried out by the "gaze" and by "passes." You know how to gaze at anyone. Now you have to be initiated in the methods of giving passes. Passes are made "in contact" and "at distance."

How to Make Passes.—When you wish to make passes, raise your hands and move them downward with palms towards the subject from the top of the head down to the shoulders and leave them there about a minute, and then draw them along the arm to the extremities of the fingers, touching the subject lightly— "Passes at contact."

Place your hands upon the subject's head; hold them there a moment and bring them down before the face, at the distance of one or two inches, as far as the pit of the stomach; there let them remain about 2 minutes, passing the thumb along the pit of the stomach and the other fingers down the sides. Then descend slowly along the body as far as the knees, or farther; and, if you can conveniently, as far as the ends of the feet.— "Passes at distance."

In making passes you should always use the thumb and three fingers of each hand; also that part of the palm which would remain if the little finger and part of the hand were cut off from between the little and and third finger to the wrist. The ends of the fingers should be a little curved. In "Passes at contact" the pressure should be light. Different kinds of passes will be treated under "Magnetic Healing."

These can be easily cultivated. You should bear in mind that they are not only the pantomime language of the will but they are the vehicle to convey some magnetic fluid from you to the subject. The passes you give should be performed in calm, easy, graceful and natural way. No physical strain or exertion is necessary, but a mental activity. This art can be easily cultivated. At times you should be prepared to make passes even for a period of one full hour without the least semblance of physical weakness on your part.

LESSON 45.

How To Produce Mesmeric Sleep.—Ask your subject to lie down upon a sofa or on an easy chair. Stand by his side, with a determined will that he will go asleep, make passes "at distance," commencing from the crown of the subject's head down over the face, the body and thence to the knee. Then slightly press his knees with the middle fingers of your hands for a few seconds—say 5. Then repeat the same until you perceive the dropping of the subject's eyelids and the resultant sleep state. Let each pass occupy 3 minutes. Generally it takes about 20 or 30 minutes to bring one to the mesmeric trance.

Ask the subject to lie on a couch. Tell him to inhale and exhale as slowly as possible. When he is so doing make a few passes over the face and breast. Almost all the subjects will fall into deep hypnosis within 15 minutes at the most.

We can explain a dozen other methods for producing mesmeric trance, but the two given here are pre-eminently the best. We do not know of any other that compares with these in any way. To say the least, these are the methods adopted by all leading Mesmerists of the day.

The way to get your subject out of trance is the same as was referred to under hypnosis, and as such it requires no repetition here.

But some use passes what are called "Demesmerising passes." The way of administering these passes is to commence from the toes and go backwards to the crown of the head and throw off the hands. This method is also very effective.

LESSON 46.

Suggestive and Psycho-Therapeutics.—Our instructions in Suggestive Therapeutics cover also all the phases of Psycho-Therapeutics; and it is needless on our part to treat them separately. You will clearly understand Psycho-Therapeutics as you handle Suggestive Therapeutics.

Before you proceed any further in these branches of science, it is absolutely necessary for you to know something about mind and its power over the body, as Psycho-Therapeutics is no other than Mind or Mental Healing.

All Mental Scientists agree that the mind is twofold in its nature. Mind is made up of several faculties, of which some are called the "Objective" and some "Subjective." Let us now enquire what the "Objective" and "Subjective" minds are.

The Objective Mind.—The Objective Mind is the ordinary, normal, wideawake mind, which you are using now as you read these words. It is the mind which makes you conscious of all that is going on around you, and with which you work every day. This is your tool or weapon for making your way in the world; rather it is your "Outer Shell."

The Subjective Mind.—And the Subjective Mind or Sub-Conscious Mind, as it is otherwise called, is the store-house for the experiences and impressions of the Objective Mind. It is the most active when you sleep. Dreams come from the Subjective Mind. It never forgets anything. It records each and every trifling experience of your lifetime. It is absolutely receptive to impressions from the Objective Mind. Whatever you believe with your Objective or Reasoning Mind will be recorded as a fact by your Subjective Mind. The Subjective Mind is "You" or your "Self." It is your character. It can be moulded ignorantly and thoughtlessly, or with wisdom and forethought. You can make your Character what you will; therefore you can make your life what you will.

Apart from the nature of this faculty of mind, already described, there is one more important aspect of the mind which deserves special attention on the part of the student of Suggestive and Psycho-Therapeutics; i. e., the Subjective Mind absolutely controls the involuntary bodily actions, such as the heart's action, the digestive process, the automatic or involuntary movements of the eyelids, lungs and limbs. Remember then that control of the Subjective Mind means control of the health of the body.

LESSON 47.

Suggestive (Therapeutics.—Suggestive Therapeutics is specially adapted to diseases of a functional and nervous character, but it may be used in the treatment of all human ailments. It can never, in any case, produce the slightest harm if properly administered. Some are of opinion that it is necessary to get the patient into a deep sleep, before treating him by the Suggestive Therapeutics; but on the contrary, we have found from actual experience that it is not entirely so. A patient might also be cured in his waking state by employing suggestions. It does not matter in any way whether your patient goes to sleep or not, but give your suggestions just the same as if he were in deep hypnosis. Suggestion will take effect in the waking state in due time. This is a very important point to which you should pay particular attention. It should be remembered that suggestion oversteps the bounds of medical treatment and trenches on the field of Psychology. If suggestion is to succeed, the patient must firmly believe he will be cured. This belief must be impressed upon him, as an idea implanted in hypnosis takes a deep root. We think that hardly any of the newest discoveries are so important to the art of healing, apart from surgery, as the study of suggestion. Suggestion sets the conscious will in the right direction as the education does. As suggestion is the basis of the above two sciences, your suggestions must be specific in their character, and as you give your suggestions, put your hands on that portion of the patient's body in which the disease is located. Gently massage the affected parts, whenever you give a patient suggestions to counteract the nature of his disease, always be positive in giving utterance to such suggestions. You know already that one of the secrets of success in life consists in being able to give strong, well formed suggestions. Remember, that positive suggestions carry much weight; produce astounding results; influence people; effect astonishing cures, and they are a power in every walk of life. Therefore, to be an expert in giving positive suggestions with force, practice until you are able to attain that stage. In making verbal suggestions it would be very useful for you to note the following hints:

Do not speak loudly or drawl your words. Give the suggestions in a low voice positively and with the force of character. You may think that to speak positively means you must speak loudly; but we tell you that you may speak positively even in whisper. Do not, however, whisper in giving suggestions to the patients, but give them in a milder voice. Try various tones upon a friend, and ack him which tone seems to affect him most. By this method you can very successfully get the proper knack in giving suggestions. In treating patients the following rules should specially be followed:

1. Avoid continuous stimulation of the senses as much as possible.

2. Avoid all mentally exciting suggestions.

3. Do away with the suggestions carefully before awakening.

LESSON 48.

We now give you a method to treat a person without putting him to sleep.

How to Treat a Patient Without Putting Him to Sleep.—Ask the patient to lie down on a sofa; tell him to close his eyes, and request him to attend carefully to what you say and think upon it. In treating a patient for any form of disease, make it a point always to have him close his eyes and request him to implicitly obey your instructions. For it has been found by long experience that it is very easy to cure one with his eyes closed, as his mind is in a better receptive condition to accept the statements. Then tell him to try to go to sleep and it is better for you to suggest him then these words: "Sleep—sleepy—sleepy— fast asleep—sound asleep," etc. After some time make a series of long passes over him and then suggest him in a low but positive tone, taking care in employing suggestions to counteract the symptoms of the disease. Repeat the suggestions several times. This treatment should be given once or twice a day, until you completely eradicate the disease of the patient. In giving suggestions, be sure to use such language as would be intelligible to the patient and make your suggestions specific in character, so as to suit each patient whom you may have to treat.

Converse freely with the patient, and get all possible details of his ailment from him. Examine his tongue carefully and see whether it is free from all kinds of precipitates, etc., what the disease is, and treat as per instructions.

All kinds of bad and evil habits, such as liquor habit, tobacco, smoking, snuff, chewing, morphine habit, opium, biting the finger nails, etc., can be cured in one or two treatments. There are a number of other habits which might be mentioned here, but we feel the above sufficient.

Perverted sexual desires, perverseness to study, etc., may be relieved in the same way. In fact, any habit— it makes no difference what it is—can be cured by suggesting to the patients that they will have no desire to do what they have been doing, etc., giving them suggestions for their particular habit. It is not necessary for you to follow the suggestions we give you. All that is necessary to say to the patient is what you wish to accomplish. Habits are purely mental diseases. There is no other more efficacious treatment for disease of this kind than suggestions. If you will study this lesson very carefully you will be able to cure the most obstinate habits in a very short time. Should you desire for more information in regard to any special habit, we will be pleased at any time to give you the specific way of treatment. You cannot conceive of the vast number of diseases you can immediately and effectively cure by the aid of hypnotism until you have had an actual experience in them.

As far as our experience permits we shall give you a few of the diseases that are curable by the aid of this branch of science.

Particularly suitable ones are all kinds of pain which have an anatomical cause (headaches, stomachaches, ovarian pains, neuralgic and rheumatic pains, even with effusion in joints, but we must not confuse with hysterical effusions); sleeplessness, hysterical disturbances ; particularly paralysis of the extremities and aphonia; hysterical vomiting, polyuria, disturbances of menstruation; spontaneous somnambulism; uneasy dreams; loss of appetite; vomiting pregnancy; alcoholism; morphanism; nicotinism; nervous asthma; stammering; chronic constipation; nervous ocular disturbances; nocturnal emissions; incontinence of urine; pruritus of the skin of nervous origin; sexual perversion, if not congenital; ringing in the ear; writer's cramp; vaginismus; chorea, especially if the cause is psychic; paramoclonous; the neuroses of traumatism and emotions; agraphobia and obsessions.

As the suggestions only vary as to the nature of diseases we have refrained from giving the suggestions also, lest the course would become a ponderous one. In methodical suggestion lies the key to Suggestive Therapeutics. Just as suggestion can take away pain, it can create and strengthen it. When the hypnotised subject refuses the suggestion, which sometimes happens, no therapeutic result will be obtained. Hypnotism does not necessarily succeed at once. If the hypnosis is deep, a result may be very quickly obtained. Sometimes the object of treatment can best be obtained by pursuing a slightly round-about way. Persons have been weaned from bad habits like tobacco, etc., not by direct command, but by suggesting that the smell of the tobacco is unpleasant. In other cases we have found it an excellent plan to place the hypnotic subject back into earlier periods of life.

We have sometimes been unable to remove acute pain even during deep hypnosis. But if we placed the patient back in a period when he suffered no pain, it has been possible in many cases not only to remove the pain during hypnosis, but to find that it does not return on awakening.

Great care should be taken in frequent repetition of the suggestion during hypnosis, and its communication in a present, not a future, form.

In some cases patience and method are wanted, and the time the illness has lasted must be taken into consideration. The more the idea of pain has taken root, the more difficult it is to overcome. Patience on the side of both Doctor and Patient is often required.

Self-Cure by Auto-Hypnosis, or, Every Man His Own Header.—All diseases can be cured by what is known as auto-suggestion given by your active to passive mind. The very habit of making the passive mind amendable to the commands of the active function might have been acquired by you. The curing by autosuggestion is good, as you simply keep on repeating to the passive mind the statement that the new habit exists (ignoring the old one), and the passive mind, although inclined to be a little rebellious at first, will eventually accept what you say as truth. Auto-suggestion is practically self-hypnosis of the passive mind by the active mind. For example, if you have a pain in any part of your body—say your leg—the safe way to cure it by mental healing is by writing on a slip of paper some similar suggestion: "I have no pain; my leg does not hurt me; I am quite well; there is nothing the matter with me; I will be quite well." These suggestions can be made in the waking state just as well as in the sleeping stage. The best time to take auto-treatment is at night after you retire to bed. When you begin to feel drowsy, concentrate your mind upon the suggestions: "Tomorrow when I awaken, I will feel better; the pain in my leg will completely leave me; I will be quite well." Make up your mind, without allowing other thoughts to enter, that the results will be satisfactory, that each day you will improve; that you will feel better in every way. It is also a good plan to lie down once or twice during daytime, too, and repeat such suggestions as you wish.

Auto-Hypnosis.—Retire into a quiet room; lie or sit in a convenient position. Relax all your muscles perfectly. Look intently at the tip of your nose. In a short time you will fall into a deep hypnosis.

Another Method.—Take an easy position in a chair or a lounge, or better still, on a couch. Then roll the tongue towards the uvula and partially close the eyes. And within an incredibly short time you will go into a deep sleep. This is one of the best methods that was in vogue among the practitioners of Hatha Yoga in India.

As an aid to improve your health and vigour, we give you here certain well formed suggestions, and if you will repeat them as in the above process you will certainly be endowed with perfect state of health and vigour. Repeat mentally: "I am feeling better; I will soon be well; I will not allow any disease to exist in my body; I will be perfectly cheerful and healthy." If you do this, you will be surprised at the result obtained. This same rule applies to strengthening the memory, increasing the power of concentration, developing Personal Magnetism, or avoiding any bad habit which you wish to get rid of. Write to us if you require our assistance in acquiring any of the above said things; we will surely help you with detailed instructions to achieve your end. It is not necessary for you to undergo any of the so-called memory training systems. You may easily cultivate a good memory in you as well as in others by simple auto and common suggestions.

Bear in mind, by repeating mental exercises you can develop any faculty you desire, and if you will experiment with this you will soon be able to cure yourself of any disease. Consider you cannot cure yourself of a deep rooted habit or a chronic disease in a day. It usually requires some weeks—two or three. It depends mainly upon your power of concentration and force of will.

People who are the happy possessors of the power of going to sleep at their will, need never suffer from insomnia, besides being able to alleviate many pains to which the flesh is heir.

Those who follow the above instructions in all candour enthusiastically and determinedly will reap a abundant reward for their labour.