Mesmerism is a practice developed by Franz Anton Mesmer in the 18th century, based on the belief that an invisible fluid flows within the body and can be influenced to bring about healing. This concept laid the groundwork for modern hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis, as it involved inducing a trance-like state to access this fluid and promote physical and psychological well-being. The techniques of mesmerism highlight the connection between the mind and body, emphasizing how mental states can impact physical health.
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