Herbert Spiegel, Doctor Who Popularized Hypnosis, Dies at 95
Dr. Herbert Spiegel was a New york Psychiatrist who was America’s advocate for therapeutic hypnosis, having established it as a mainstream medical technique.
Not only did he treat pain, anxiety and addictions by putting people into a trance, but he also helped Broadway actors to help overcome stage fright, singers to quit smoking and politicians to overcome fear of flying.
During his very famous course at Columbia University Dr Spiegel taught generations of doctors the art and science of hypnosis resulting in many therapists now using hypnosis to aid treatment , and the National Institutes of Health have financed dozens of studies of the technique to reduce pain and accelerate healing.
It was during World War II that Dr. Spiegel first witnesses the power of hypnosis when he was serving as a battalion surgeon in North Africa from 1942 to 1946. He discovered that it was possible to use persuasion and suggestion to help men return to previous levels of function after sever combat stress.
