The Orgone Accumulator: A Glimpse Into The 1950s And The Search For Vital Energy
The concept of orgone energy was first introduced by Austrian psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich in the late 1930s. Reich, a former student of Sigmund Freud, believed that orgone was a primordial, cosmic energy responsible for life, emotions, and even weather patterns. He claimed that orgone energy was omnipresent, and that its concentration could be manipulated to improve human health and well-being.
To test his theories, Reich invented the orgone accumulator, a box-like device designed to collect and concentrate orgone energy. The accumulator was made of alternating layers of organic and inorganic materials, such as wood, metal, and glass. Reich believed that the organic layers would attract and store orgone energy, while the inorganic layers would repel and redirect it back into the device, thus creating a higher concentration of energy inside the accumulator.
How the Orgone Accumulator Was Thought to Work
Reich and his followers believed that sitting inside an orgone accumulator for a certain period would expose the body to concentrated orgone energy, resulting in various physical and psychological benefits. Some of the purported benefits included increased energy levels, improved mood, enhanced immune function, and even the treatment of various ailments, such as cancer.
At the height of its popularity, many people built their own orgone accumulators or purchased them from manufacturers. Users would typically sit inside the accumulator for 20 to 30 minutes per day, hoping to harness the healing powers of orgone energy.
Reactions and Controversy
The orgone accumulator quickly gained both supporters and detractors. Some individuals, including notable figures like authors William S. Burroughs and J.D. Salinger, were enthusiastic about the device and claimed to experience positive effects. However, the scientific community was largely skeptical of Reich’s theories and the efficacy of the orgone accumulator.
In the early 1950s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating Reich’s claims and eventually filed an injunction against the interstate shipment and sale of orgone accumulators. The FDA deemed the device to be a fraudulent medical instrument, and in 1956, Reich was arrested for violating the injunction. He ultimately died in prison in 1957.