Los Banos Rotary Club History
Gustine Doctor Cites Hypnosis As Medical Aid

Dr. Ben Leonard, of Gustine, unfolded a new and medically important usage for hypnosis to members of the Rotary Club here Tuesday noon, as he cited, and demonstrated, the power of mind over body as a mild anesthesia to relive pain and discomfort from the patient's mind.

Sharply drawing a line between the bugaboo and fake of the well known carnival "hypnotist" and the scientific application of hypnotism as developed and used by professionally skilled men in the field of medicine, Dr. Leonard explained that skilled use of hypnotism in the field of medicine is a comparatively new but very rapidly developing science. It is now being used with success in childbirth, as a mild anesthetic in minor surgery, in dermatology and allergies, pediatrics, dentistry; to curb and cure the cigarette and alcohol habit, and as a mental suggestive in weight reduction.

Dr. Leonard said that even among medical men there is no completely definite description of hypnotism, and that there are many theories, accepted and otherwise, of just what it is. Most certainly, he emphasized, it is not a cure for any disease, as in cancer, where hypnotism is sometimes successfully used to ease pain, but certainly not as a cure for cancer or any other disease.
The successful application of hypnotism, the doctor said, varies considerably with the patient. First, a patient must be willing to accept hypnotism and to accept suggestive thinking. Under the guidance of professionally skilled hypnotists, the doctor said, about 95 percent of the patients are able to become hypnotized to some extent – 25 percent lightly, 35 percent medium and 25 per cent can be induced into a very deep trance.

Dr. Leonard also stressed that even with a patient in a deep trance, the hypnotist can not successfully suggest or force a patient to do other than that within the bounds of the patient's own moral or ethical standards.
The doctor demonstrated with convincing results, the use of hypnotism by using his office secretary as a patient, and later by working with one of the Rotary group.

The doctor was introduced to the club by local Rotarian Charles Alden, as program chairman for the day.

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