"Putting the placebo effect to work"

"Rather than dismiss it, we should try to understand the placebo effect and harness it when we can.

For a long time, the placebo effect was held in low regard. If people responded to a suspect treatment, we said it was "just the placebo effect." The suggestion was that they had been fooled in some way, and their response was inauthentic.

But attitudes are shifting, even in conventional medical circles. Randomized trials, some of them led by researchers at the Harvard-wide Program in Placebo Studies and the Therapeutic Encounter, have deepened the understanding of the placebo effect and its various components. Researchers have also used brain scans and other technologies to show that there may be a physiological explanation for the placebo effect in many cases. There is some danger that uncritical acceptance of the placebo effect could be used to justify useless treatments. But more important is the growing recognition that what we call the placebo effect may involve changes in brain chemistry — and that the placebo effect may be an integral part of good medical care and an ally that should be embraced by doctors and patients alike......" - http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Health_Letter/2012/April/putting-the-placebo-effect-to-work (full article here)

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Tom sez - I think the placebo effect is an untapped resource, much like hypnosis.  That's why I spend so much time writing and inventing around these phenomena.  


For the medical practitioner, healer, biomedical engineer who is concerned about "making it work", do not be afraid.  That's the beauty of the placebo effect, it doesn't have to work according to science and medicine.  The "working" part is that the patient thinks it works.


So make your doctor's coats into long flowing robes to increase your effect on the patient, but use your placebo powers wisely.  Please avoid the nocebo effect.  Your doctor's coat and nurse's uniform has great power.  Example - white coat syndrome.  If interested in engaging mind-body healing, study the old time medicine shows and pick up some tips.


Biomedical engineers - please consider embellishing medical devices with spooky powers, magical effects, etc.  They don't have to work but it will increase the placebo effect of the device.  If you're dry for ideas go to the Museum of Quackery - http://www.museumofquackery.com/ 


I predict there will be an upsurge of Mind-Body Healing Machines for the public to use.  I foresee caring doctors using such devices.

Stay tuned to my progress, if interested.  Comment, if you want.