Weltmerism, a term coined by American hypnotist and healer J. L. Weltmer in the late 19th century, refers to his system of healing through suggestion and the power of the mind. The word is pronounced /welt-muh-riz-uhm/, consisting of four syllables with the stress on the second syllable. The "w" is pronounced as a voiced labio-velar approximant followed by "e" pronounced as /ɛ/. The "t" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar stop followed by "m" pronounced as a bilabial nasal. Finally, the suffix "-ism" is pronounced as /-ɪzəm/.
Weltmerism refers to a 19th-century healing modality and system of therapy that is based on the principle of utilizing the power of suggestion to promote health and well-being. Coined after the American physician and healer Sidney Weltmer, it involves the use of mental suggestions and the belief that the mind has the ability to influence the body's physical and mental conditions.
In Weltmerism, the practitioner aims to induce a state of deep relaxation in the patient, which is known as a trance state, allowing for heightened suggestibility. Through verbal suggestions and mental imagery, the practitioner seeks to reprogram the patient's subconscious mind to alleviate ailments, relieve pain, and restore balance to the body.
This therapeutic approach encompasses various techniques, including guided imagery, positive affirmations, and relaxation exercises. The fundamental idea behind Weltmerism is that by positively influencing the subconscious mind, one can trigger the body's natural healing abilities and facilitate the recovery process.
Weltmerism is often associated with alternative and complementary medicine, as it focuses on a holistic approach to healing that takes into account the intricate connections between the mind, body, and spirit. It is important to note that Weltmerism should not substitute professional medical care and is most effective when used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments.
Despite its historical significance, Weltmerism is not widely recognized in contemporary medical practice, and various skeptics dismiss it as pseudoscience. However, it remains an interesting aspect of the history of alternative healing methods and continues to be studied and practiced by a small number of individuals interested in holistic approaches to well-being.
A system of therapeutics based on suggestion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Weltmerism" was coined by the German physician Franz Anton Mesmer in the late 18th century. It is derived from his surname "Mesmer" and the German word "Welt" which means "world". Mesmer's theories and practices involved the idea of a universal force or energy (similar to what he called "animal magnetism") that could be manipulated to induce healing and various other effects. This term, "Weltmerism", was used to describe his unique approach to healing and the belief in the influence of this universal force or energy on individuals.