11 comments on “Placebo effect – the mind as healer”
A reassuring doctor, who gives time and listens to the patient provides 70% cure.
was not aware of ” Nocebo” yes all of us have seen subjective clinical improvement which cannot be explained anatomivcally, physiologically or pharmacologically!!
Fascinating. So, nothing is something indeed.
When a person suffers the pain of a ‘ phantom limb’ (which is a painful syndrome felt by an amputee or anyone who has lost a body part)who feels the body part is still with the person the management is similar to giving a placebo.( the pathway of pain is beyond describing here).The management
is a combined Psychological approach akin to giving a placebo. It all depends on the mind of the patient who feels ‘cured ‘ of the pain./ Illness.
Good bedside manners does have a placebo effect
Time and again we have seen the nocebo effectvwhen Patient’s google our prescriptions
Thank you for the insights into the placebo effects!
Color , liquids , inhalations and injections as placebo s
Injections work better is the perception in TN villages.
When we were posted as CRRIs for rural postings in a PHC in Alamadi , a place near Redhills
People used to come from nearby villages and specifically asking for injections for various illnesses
When they were given medication plus injections
They will take injections happily , most of the time it is vitamin based injections ( B12 – attractive red color).
And while returning to the villages back , throw all the medicines in the paddy fields ( villagers used to make sarcastic comments-
“ the yields are better with white colour tablets “
That’s a really amusing story, Swami. Thanks.
I have read that the subconscious mind definitely has some miraculous healing powers (Ref Dr Joseph Murphy) but to what extent I am not sure. Besides the person receiving the treatment has to believe the process, surrender to the treating physician or healer, and, so the role of the healer, the way he/she convinces the patient is paramount. What i can’t digest is that will it work if the patient knows it’s a placebo?
Apparently, yes, Shiva. One study, much reported, in patients with IBS showed precisely that: there was a therapeutic response even when patients knew they were getting placebos!
Power of the Mind 💪 Helps🪖
The story of a fulfilled life revolves around how to keep the body & the mind fit, healthy & ticking.
There are enough tips & tricks available to achieve this balance.
Select what suits you best & remember to eat an apple a day –
And all should be well.
A reassuring doctor, who gives time and listens to the patient provides 70% cure.
was not aware of ” Nocebo” yes all of us have seen subjective clinical improvement which cannot be explained anatomivcally, physiologically or pharmacologically!!
Fascinating. So, nothing is something indeed.
When a person suffers the pain of a ‘ phantom limb’ (which is a painful syndrome felt by an amputee or anyone who has lost a body part)who feels the body part is still with the person the management is similar to giving a placebo.( the pathway of pain is beyond describing here).The management
is a combined Psychological approach akin to giving a placebo. It all depends on the mind of the patient who feels ‘cured ‘ of the pain./ Illness.
Good bedside manners does have a placebo effect
Time and again we have seen the nocebo effectvwhen Patient’s google our prescriptions
Thank you for the insights into the placebo effects!
Color , liquids , inhalations and injections as placebo s
Injections work better is the perception in TN villages.
When we were posted as CRRIs for rural postings in a PHC in Alamadi , a place near Redhills
People used to come from nearby villages and specifically asking for injections for various illnesses
When they were given medication plus injections
They will take injections happily , most of the time it is vitamin based injections ( B12 – attractive red color).
And while returning to the villages back , throw all the medicines in the paddy fields ( villagers used to make sarcastic comments-
“ the yields are better with white colour tablets “
That’s a really amusing story, Swami. Thanks.
I have read that the subconscious mind definitely has some miraculous healing powers (Ref Dr Joseph Murphy) but to what extent I am not sure. Besides the person receiving the treatment has to believe the process, surrender to the treating physician or healer, and, so the role of the healer, the way he/she convinces the patient is paramount. What i can’t digest is that will it work if the patient knows it’s a placebo?
Apparently, yes, Shiva. One study, much reported, in patients with IBS showed precisely that: there was a therapeutic response even when patients knew they were getting placebos!
Power of the Mind 💪 Helps🪖
The story of a fulfilled life revolves around how to keep the body & the mind fit, healthy & ticking.
There are enough tips & tricks available to achieve this balance.
Select what suits you best & remember to eat an apple a day –
And all should be well.