06/10/2026
🧲 Where Did the Term “Animal Magnetism” Come From?
Today, “animal magnetism” usually refers to someone’s charisma or ability to attract others. But the phrase actually has roots in an 18th-century healing theory.
German physician Franz Mesmer believed that all living beings possessed a natural force he called animal magnetism. He thought this force could influence health and healing. His theories eventually led to the practice of mesmerism, a form of hypnosis. While his ideas were later discredited, they sparked curiosity about the unseen forces within the human body.
Modern science has since confirmed that our bodies do generate measurable magnetic fields. This field of study is known as biomagnetism: the study of magnetic fields produced by living organisms.
Because the heart and brain create electrical activity, they also produce tiny magnetic fields. In 1963, researchers successfully recorded the magnetic field of the human heart. More recently, advances in technology have allowed scientists to detect these signals with greater sensitivity, opening new possibilities for understanding heart health and disease.
While Mesmer’s version of animal magnetism wasn’t scientifically accurate, biomagnetism is very real. The magnetic fields produced by the body may not explain charisma, but they continue to provide fascinating insights into human health.
đź“… Curious about biomagnetism and how it may support your wellness journey? Contact us online or call today to learn more.