Who is the physician known for healing the sick by inducing a trance-like state?

Franz Anton Mesmer is recognized for his pioneering work in the concept of "animal magnetism," which he believed could be used to heal individuals by inducing a trance-like state. Mesmer’s practices involved guiding patients into such states to facilitate healing, which he claimed was the result of balancing the body's natural energies. His approach laid the groundwork for modern hypnosis and contributed to the development of psychotherapy. Mesmer’s techniques specifically focused on the idea that the human body contains magnetic forces, which he could manipulate to improve health.

It is important to note that while figures such as Hippocrates are significant in the history of medicine and Sigmund Freud contributed to psychotherapy through a different framework, they did not specifically use trance-like states in their healing practices as Mesmer did. Edward Bach, known for the Bach flower remedies, also did not focus on inducing trance states for healing but rather on the use of natural remedies to address emotional wellbeing.