As in primitive, so in modern healing systems, the healer is the center of much of our psychological interest. One must attempt to realize in oneself the consciousness of both healer and patient as well as to retain at the same time the critical attitude of the observer, a task which it is needless to say is not easy.
The healer has always been necessary. Even the skilled physician hesitates to attempt to heal himself. His brother physician may use the same means, but they will be more effectual than if self-administered. In this appears the social nature of man and his dependence upon his fellows as well as upon higher powers. From our study of the medicine man it is evident that if he is not already to some degree pathological (which may in this case mean super-sensitive mentally) he makes use of various means which tend to bring about an approximation, at least, to a psychopathic condition in which, because of his training and belief, by hallucinations, dreams and the like he feels his miraculous endowment come upon him. In each case of treatment he undertakes, somewhat the same procedure must be gone through before he is ready to attempt the cure.
Two reasons for such procedure seem evident. The subjective one that thereby the confidence of the medicine man in his own abilities is increased, for in this semi-pathological condition there is an exhilarating mental activity accompanied by a lessened physical feeling of limitation which he interprets as the indwelling of divine prerogatives which he may use. In the second place his actions and appearance in the meantime become so changed that the patient believes him to be what he claims and gives his unbounded confidence -- the chief element of success. The fact that his assumptions may be unfounded in no way affects his success so long as he secures the confidence of his patient and can make his suggestions effectual.
Making due allowance for changes which science, civilization, and higher types of religious thought have made, the successful healer, be he scientific physician, Christian Scientist, mental healer or what not, makes use of the same principles. Many medical men have been too slow to recognize the fact that the helpful suggestions radiating from a strong, hopeful, stimulating personality are many times a more important factor in the treatment of disease than are any of the medicines science has devised for their use. Consciously or unconsciously the successful healer of whatever school is a practical psychologist.
A type of personality, with which by no means every one is endowed, is the prerequisite of success with functional nervous diseases especially.
Miracles of Healing
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By Charles W. Waddle (1909)
Primitive Christian Worship
Hereditary genius
