Sophrology is a method
Sophrology uses a number of techniques to help subjects attain a state of deep relaxation. In this state the mind is able to control and alter physical processes, with verbal expression - also called terpnos logos - acting as the intermediary between the two. .jj.'.-.fiiiv flJ C-iJrl1 it Jrffl r'Lj .jj.'.-.fiiiv flJ C-iJrl1 it Jrffl r'Lj We'll be taking a close look at one of the techniques used to induce this special state a little further on. The main difference between sophrology and...
Sophrology and parapsychology
Sophrology, then, incorporates the positive aspects of hypnosis, but develops its application to a much higher degree. Officially, Doctor Caycedo rejects any connection between sophrology and parapsychology. It is his view that since paranormal phenomena are not commonly observed in all individuals, they are beyond the scope of sophrological study. Although this explanation, offered at the First International Congress on Sophrology in Barcelona, may have satisfied most of those present, we feel...
How are such suggestions transformed into acts
Suggestion is a form of cerebral conditioning, but between the suggestion and the act it implies lie a whole series of complex processes. A researcher named Bernheim was the first to discover what he called 'ideo-dynamics' -the theory that all suggestions tend to result in actions, as the subconscious automatically attempts to induce us to act on what it perceives. Driving a car along the highway, lost in thought, you may suddenly realize you're approaching your exit. It's as if you were...
Franz Anton Mesmer
Born in 1734 in Weiler Germany, Mesmer wrote a doctoral thesis on the 'influence of the planets on the human body.' He tried to demonstrate that a kind of energy, which he called animal magnetism, originating in space, penetrates the body and has an impact on our health. The theory resembles that of the oriental concept of vital energy, called Qi by the Chinese and prana by the Hindus. Soviet and Czech researchers studying the phenomenon use the terms bioplasmic and psychotonic energy...
Spirit healers
This type of healer enters a trance state during which he or she is 'possessed' by the spirit of another, usually a deceased doctor. The healer then operates on the patient's 'subtle body,' a kind of energy body that mirrors the physical body. Once the operation is complete, beneficial effects are supposed to be transferred to the patient's physical body. One of this century's most renowned healers from the 'world beyond,' Doctor Lang, could be summoned by a certain George Chapman, a fireman by...
Caslants method
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Eugene Caslant published a small book Caslant's talent lay in being able extract a clear, effective and simple method from the huge body of literature on occult sciences which existed at the time, a method that is being rediscovered by modern researchers. The accuracy of his remarks, combined with his vast personal experience, has made the book a classic of its genre, which is why it is still being used as a guide today. A former science student,...
Here are a few examples
By developing his faculties of relaxation and concentration, a Russian researcher, Karl Nikolaiev, was able to demonstrate amazing powers of telepathy. Before receiving a telepathic message, Nikolaiev would usually require about half an hour to achieve a state of total relaxation. Mylan Ryzl, a biochemist who became interested in parapsychology, and more specifically in the development of paranormal faculties, used hypnosis and suggestion to help a colleague, Pavel Stepanek, become one of the...