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Magnetic Theory Using magnets to treat disease is an ancient art. In the 18th century Mesmer's salon followed Dr. Paracelsus's 16th century ideas about the magnetic properties of the body. Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer believed sickness was caused by a stoppage to the vital yet undefined fluid that he believed to be constantly flowing through the body. He thought that individuals could control the fluid's action by massaging the body's magnetic poles. This releasing blockage and improving flow. The massage induced convulsions and a crisis that restored health. Dr. Mesermer's technique was generally to have a patient sit with their knees between his. He would run his fingers over the patient's body, seeking the poles of the small magnets that made up the great magnet of the body as a whole. Mesmer's patients held him in awe. He believed that disease and healing were part of a natural cosmic law. That space was filled with "animal magnetism" though which "the magnetic influence of the heavens affects all parts of the body." It was believed that an interruption of this ebb and flow of energy had a direct effect on the nerves, either causing or healing disease. The healer's function was to restore balance by acting as a human magnet and channeling the vital forces to the affected area. Mesmer's healing salon had a tub. Patients would come to touch the iron rods extending form the tub. Dr. Mesmer had a very lucrative practice. Appointments were scheduled months in advance. As a physician Dr. Mesmer did attend to the needy by establishing a small room that accommodated the poor. Dr. Mesmer conduct magnetic therapy in group style. The therapy combined magnetic theory and atmospheric suggestion. Background music played as patients sat around large oak tubs filled with water, stones and iron filings Metal robs protruded from holes in the top of the tubs, and suffers held these rods against ailing parts of their bodies. This approach was used to treat a variety of problems. At this time this is not medically sanctioned and not recommend for personal or group use. Mesmer liked entering the room grandly, wearing a silk lilac robe and touching patients with a long, iron wand. He passed his hands over clients and fixed his eyes upon them. He encouraged the group to talk about their feelings and actively encouraged highly emotional responses that often led to hysteria and unconsciousness. King Louis XVI of France decided to investigate Messer's methodology. It was concluded that imagination rather than magnetism that was affecting any cures. The commission concluded that it was Mesmer's verbal suggestions that induced healing and change. Mesmer is most noted for his command of hypnosis. Mesmer's response was, "I am accused of being a common cheat, and those who believe in me are taunted as being fools. Such is apt to the fate of new truths". One of Mesmer's patients replied, "If I owe the health I enjoy to an illusion, permit me to make use of an agent that does not exist and yet heals me". Considering the sexual political atmosphere of the time, Mesmer's techniques were dubious. It was concluded that the technique was erotic and that women cried out ecstatically during the "magnetic sessions". Mesmer died in obscurity. "Mesmerism" the therapy, continued to develop and change. Today it is recognized that he did employ certain recognizable techniques. He made good use of what psychiatrists call "abreaction" or release of tension by the reliving of a traumatic experience.
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