Past life regression

Past Life Regression

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A person undergoing past life regression therapy.

Past life regression is a technique that uses hypnosis to recover what practitioners believe are memories of past lives or incarnation. The practice is widely considered by the scientific community to be pseudoscientific.

History

The concept of past life regression dates back to ancient India, where it was a common belief in religious and philosophical traditions. The practice was further popularized in the 20th century by figures such as Edgar Cayce and Bridey Murphy.

Techniques

Past life regression practitioners use hypnosis and suggestion to promote recall in their patients, using a series of questions designed to elicit statements and memories about the past life's history and identity. Some practitioners also use techniques such as guided imagery or the use of trance.

Criticism and Controversy

Past life regression is not considered a valid therapeutic practice by the mainstream psychological and psychiatric communities. Critics argue that there is no scientific evidence for the existence of past lives, and that the memories are either the result of cryptomnesia or simply the result of fantasy, imagination, or suggestion from the hypnotist.

See Also

• Reincarnation
• Hypnosis
• Edgar Cayce
• Bridey Murphy