Recently I had the opportunity to present to one of my networking groups -- thanks to ABA-NY and Ellen Volpe for providing me the forum. I've attached a 4 minute video addressing some of the challenges of the Holiday Season and some things to pay attention to.
Happy Holidays!
More Details about PLACEBO - does it matter what it's called?
The previous post from Dr Chopra referenced a terrific article from the NY Times magazine. It speaks about the science of Placebo.
I'm struck by the fact that we once again need to name something (like all of Western Medicine, not necessarily aiding in its resolution), and by so doing, creating connotations that might not be appropriate. Why is the PLACEBO concept automatically a negative association? The evidence of it's power is largely unrefuted. Where I think the problem comes lies in its association with deception.
But the cool thing about PLACEBO is that deception IS NOT PART OF ITS POWER! Many studies have shown that even when you inform patients that what you're giving them has no intrinsic health value -- it still works (a percentage of the time)!
Why do we continue to dismiss the power of the therapeutic relationship?!? As someone who takes great care in working with and working for the health of my patients, it seems to me that this is probably THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF WHAT I DO! Medication, supplements, etc. certainly have real value when properly employed. But the negative side effects of an thoughtfully placed hand on an arm are hard to discern, and their positive effects are frequently beyond what one might reasonably expect.
I am a big believer in the PLACEBO concept -- no, I don't give out sugar pills (not without prior notice!!), but I do try to engage the patient's spirit in the effort of wellness. Reorient your psyche, and your physical being will follow. As Henry Ford said "whether you think you can, or you think you can't -- you're right.” Why not be right - and better!?
Love to hear your thoughts.
Placebo is from the Latin for "I will please"
The Placebo Effect has been a "bad word" in medicine.
Why?
To my mind it means that the individual can control more of their own experience.
Why don't we learn to LEVERAGE that, instead of negating it?
Research suggests genetic links to the strength of this experience. But as Dr Chopra states, when it's all fully evaluated, the genes will likely only be part of the story. It's well known that epigenetic expression shifts in the face of all kinds of environmental influences, including hanging around negative people - so why wouldn't a significant positive interaction lead to a similar, albeit opposite, outcome?! Happy Thanksgiving and NEVER short change the power of your own mind to both influence and shift your own life experience. It is, in fact, the only thing that every really does!