Reichenbach phenomenon

an energy field allegedly emanating from crystals, magnets, and living things (both plants and animals). Adherents claim that it can be made visible by Kirlian photography but is otherwise discernible only by certain “sensitive” individuals. The phenomenon was first described by the Austrian chemist and metallurgist Baron Karl von Reichenbach (1788–1869), who held it to be a manifestation of an all-pervading physical force that he named Od or Odyle after the Norse god Odin. Reichenbach considered this force to be distinct from electricity and magnetism but similar to the animal magnetism of Franz Anton Mesmer. These ideas later influenced the Austrian psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957) and his theory of orgone energy. The Reichenbach phenomenon is now mainly cited by advocates of crystal healing. See also aura; effluvium.

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Psychology term of the day

February 28th 2025

hypnotic regression

a therapeutic technique in which an individual under hypnosis is induced to relive a previous experience that may be contributing to current emotional difficulties. There are two types of hypnotic regression: age regression and past-life regression.