Why was Ecstasy originally used?

Ecstasy, or MDMA, was originally synthesized in 1912 by the German pharmaceutical company Merck. Its psychoactive properties were later recognized in the 1970s, when it was used in psychotherapy to enhance communication and emotional connection between therapists and patients. The drug was believed to help patients explore their feelings and emotions more freely, making it a popular tool in therapeutic settings before its recreational use and subsequent legal restrictions.