The Power of Placebos: Healing Through Belief

 Overview





Throughout history mankind has been trying to figure out a treatment for numerous diseases.Techniques often vary from civilization to another depending on their own beliefs and traditions.Ancient healing techniques most of the time relied on symbolic ritualistic remedies.



Ancient healing techniques carried out by early civilizations played a major role in the development of physical and psychological treatments.This development in medicine was characterized by a deep, intertwined connection between body and mind.



One of the most prominent concepts that sheds light on the importance of the body-mind connection is the placebo effect. This concept takes place when a patient develops a solid belief that a medicine without pharmaceutical effects is capable of treating him.






Placebo effect : A key component in Healing Journey


The term placebo is not a modern concept in medicine, as it dates back to the 18th century. This term was first introduced to medicine by English physician Robert William. The term placebo means “I shall please” in Latin.


The placebo effect showcases the profound connection between the brain and the body. This technique induces real responses in the patient’s brain, believing that treatment will be successful. This psychological effect reduces activities in the brain responsible for negative emotions, thus releasing feeling good hormones, which in turn improves the symptoms.


The positive effects of placebo treatment stem from the idea that the mind is a strong healing tool capable of manipulating the body into thinking fake treatment has a genuine positive impact. 


According to Dr. John Haygarth, a British scientist, the patient’s solid inner belief in the physician and treatment plays a major role in the healing process, more than the actual pharmaceutical drug.


Nowadays, placebo plays a crucial role in the development of clinical trials. For instance, healthcare professionals provide one group of participants with an active ingredient of medicine and another placebo. This trial aims to figure out the efficiency of pharmaceutical products.


Recently discovered research techniques managed to alter the image of placebo treatment. It is no longer considered as an ineffective healing tool compared to pharmaceutical drugs. Techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and advanced electroencephalogram (recording of electrical activity in the brain). These methods have led to the conclusion that the power of self-healing is feasible. 


The placebo effect mechanism revolves around creating positive expectations and conditioned responses. Furthermore, various brain images showcase many changes in the brain involved in response to successful placebo treatment for pain. The placebo effect experienced by patients manages to trick the body into feeling better, thus improving or getting rid of them altogether. 




Bottomline




Placebo is indeed a fascinating self-healing concept as it is based on a ground-breaking neurological reaction highlighting the power of the mind in influencing the body.


The placebo effect challenges the traditional concept of treatments that emphasize the use of external pharmaceutical drugs for healing. 

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