orgone

The concept of "orgone" is a pseudoscientific theory developed by Austrian psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich. Reich proposed that orgone is a vital energy pervading nature, which he believed was a factor in health. He theorized that the ability to achieve orgasm, termed "orgastic potency," was essential for a healthy individual, and that failure to release pent-up sexual energy could lead to neurosis.12

Reich believed that mental illness was a result of orgone deficiency and attempted to treat it by harnessing this energy using a device called the Orgone Energy Accumulator, or orgone box. His work and commercialization of the orgone box led to conflict with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), resulting in legal action and the destruction of his publications and equipment.1