Magnetic treatment

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The magnetic cure ( magnetization ) was a healing method devised by Franz Anton Mesmer (1734–1815) to dissolve blockages in the energy ( fluid ) that he accepted in the body . Mesmer himself and his successors reported therapeutic successes in what is now understood to be psychosomatic and psychiatric illnesses.

Concept and methodology

Mesmer attributed all of the complaints to a disruption of the energy circulation and a consequent disharmony between liquid and solid particles. The disorder should be caused by muscle spasms or paralysis , which should lead to a blockage of the blood vessels . This resistance should build up the juices and produce symptoms. In order to solve this blockage, according to Mesmer's understanding, a crisis was necessary, which could be triggered and intensified by magnetic healing methods. This crisis was probably some kind of trance . According to the holistic disease model of mesmerism, there was no assignment of individual procedures to specific syndromes . The magnetic healing techniques were universal. In addition to the scandalous sessions at the health tub, they included the laying on of hands , the so-called passes (stroking hand movements along the body just above the skin) and the transfer of energy by means of looks, mirrors and pipes, both in close contact and over long distances (similar to those usual in Reiki Practices).

Self-image and reception

Mesmer's magnetic cures were very popular among the population of all classes and especially en vogue among the financially strong upper class. Because of its theoretical justification, which made an untenable scientific claim, the approach was rejected as charlatanry by scientific medicine of the 18th century . Since the effectiveness of his procedures (also recognized by opponents but attributed to other reasons) can be scientifically explained by modern psychological knowledge, magnetization is now seen as a forerunner of hypnotherapy . It should be noted here, however, that Mesmer himself did not accept either “supernatural” spiritual healing or psychological processes (e.g. suggestion ) as an explanation. According to his theory, his successes were based entirely on physical principles.

For current possible applications and views on magnetic field therapy, see magnetic field therapy .

literature

  • Tilman Hannemann: The Bremen magnetizers. A dream of enlightenment. Kleio Humanities, Bremen 2007, ISBN 978-3-9811211-2-4 .
  • Heinz Schott: Franz Anton Mesmer and the history of mesmerism. Stuttgart 1985.