Weltmer Institute of Suggestive Therapeutics
Weltmer Institute of Suggestive Therapeutics was an early 20th-century institution focused on the practice and teaching of suggestive therapeutics, a form of mental healing based on the power of suggestion. Founded by Sidney A. Weltmer in the late 19th century, the institute was located in Nevada, Missouri, and played a significant role in the popularization of alternative medicine practices in the United States during that time.
History[edit | edit source]
The Weltmer Institute of Suggestive Therapeutics was established at a time when interest in mind-body medicine and the potential of the human mind to affect physical health was growing. Sidney A. Weltmer, the founder, was a prominent figure in the field of suggestive therapeutics, which he believed could cure a wide range of ailments through the use of positive suggestions made to the subconscious mind.
The institute offered courses and treatment sessions, attracting students and patients from across the country. It became well-known for its success stories, which were often published in promotional materials and newspapers of the time. Despite its popularity, the Weltmer Institute and its practices were also the subject of skepticism and criticism from the mainstream medical community, which questioned the efficacy and scientific basis of suggestive therapeutics.
Practices and Beliefs[edit | edit source]
The Weltmer Institute of Suggestive Therapeutics operated on the principle that the mind has the power to influence the body's health. This belief is rooted in the broader concept of mental healing, which encompasses various practices aimed at using the mind to bring about physical healing. The institute's approach involved the use of verbal suggestions to positively influence the patient's subconscious mind, a method that Weltmer and his practitioners believed could lead to real and lasting health improvements.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Although the Weltmer Institute of Suggestive Therapeutics eventually closed, its existence marked an important chapter in the history of alternative medicine in the United States. The institute's practices contributed to the broader movement of exploring the mind's role in health and healing, a concept that continues to influence various forms of alternative and complementary medicine today.
The story of the Weltmer Institute also reflects the tensions between mainstream medicine and alternative healing practices, a dynamic that persists in various forms. The institute's focus on the power of suggestion and the mind-body connection predates many contemporary practices and theories in psychology and holistic medicine, highlighting the ongoing interest in understanding and harnessing the mind's potential to affect physical health.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit source]
Latest articles - Weltmer Institute of Suggestive Therapeutics
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Weltmer Institute of Suggestive Therapeutics for any updates.
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
