Mesmerism, also called animal magnetism, is a historical healing system where the practitioner uses strong will force to influence the patient’s vital energy, often through touch or proximity. This method was developed by Franz Anton Mesmer in the late 18th century and is discussed in Hahnemann’s Organon of Medicine (§293 & 294 in the 5th edition, §288 & 289 in the 6th edition).
Who Was Franz Anton Mesmer?
Born in 1734, Mesmer was a charismatic Austrian physician who initially practiced conventional medicine. Over time, he developed the theory of animal magnetism, claiming that an invisible magnetic fluid flowed through all living beings. According to Mesmer, imbalances or blockages in this fluid caused disease, and manipulating it could restore health.
What is Animal Magnetism?
Mesmer proposed that all living beings possess a magnetic fluid, a subtle energy responsible for health. By influencing its flow, a practitioner could correct imbalances in the body, relieve illness, and promote well-being. Although modern science largely discredits mesmerism as a medical treatment, it was historically significant in the development of hypnosis and modern psychology.
Mesmeric Techniques
Mesmer developed specific methods to direct the flow of animal magnetism:
- Hand Passes – Sweeping gestures of the hands over the patient’s body to realign the magnetic fluid.
- Transference of Energy – The practitioner channels vitality into the patient to restore health and induce relaxation.
The techniques aim to influence the vital force, demonstrating early recognition of the dynamic energy concept later formalized in homeopathy.
Types of Mesmerism
Mesmerism can be divided into two types based on its action:
1. Positive Mesmerism
Positive mesmerism transmits vitality to the patient.
- Performed by a practitioner with strong will and good intentions.
- A gentle hand pass is made from the top of the head to the toes.
- Helps distribute vital energy harmoniously throughout the body.
- Induces relaxation or sleep in the patient and restores balance.
2. Negative Mesmerism
Negative mesmerism removes excess or stagnant vital energy from specific parts of the body.
- The practitioner makes rapid hand movements slightly above the patient’s body.
- Helps soothe, ventilate, and normalize the flow of energy.
- Acts as a balancing and restorative technique.
Mesmerism and Homeopathy
Hahnemann mentions mesmerism in the Organon to illustrate dynamic influences on the vital force. Like homeopathic remedies, mesmerism acts on the vital force, not the physical body. The distinction emphasizes the homeopathic principle that health and disease are governed by dynamic energies, and that correct observation and remedies are essential for true healing.