By: Leslie Phillips, Alternative Medicine Practitioner, Founder of Lifey.Me

Recent research has shown that the Placebo Effect is a complex phenomenon, that has real measurable effects, though it is initiated in the mind as a response, activating the healing centers in our body (Michael Murray, N.D, 2018).

According to research there is two internal mechanisms in the body that maintains health; 1- the vital force, or chi which is active even in sleep, comatose, and in the unconscious. 2- the power of the mind and emotions in its ability to intervene.

Scientists have found that the placebo seems to activate a higher control center, Dr. Fabrizio Benedetti has conducted studies that have shown the body’s capabilities to release endorphins that act as the body’s version of morphine- in fact, the placebo has created more profound changes than medicine given, Campbell, G., & MD. (2011, September 19).

Even a brain scan can detect the activity of neurons in the patient’s brain as they experience the placebo effect- in fact, the medical research is centered around the placebo effect, (Michael Murray, N.D, 2018).

In order for a drug to be approved for public use, it has to show a greater effect than the placebo in placebo-controlled trials, where doctors and patients both are unaware of which is the placebo.

What does the placebo effect involve?

Herbert Benson, M.D. explains three basic components of the placebo effect; the belief and expectations of the patient, of the doctor, and of how the two relate to one another through interaction https://www.webmd.com/bio/herbert-benson.

Placebo Responses involves an activation which is very connected to FAITH- showcasing how supernatural the placebo response is and it should not be ridiculed, as it is not just a spiritual phenomena, but it’s science.

The body has shown us the power of prayer; through its power to physically alter organisms. Prayer has been proven to alter enzyme activity, white blood cells, bacteria mutation rates, hemoglobin levels, healing rates of wounds, size of tumors and it has altered:

Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Behavioral Problems, Common Cold, Cough, Depression, Diabetes Type 2, Drug Dependence, Gastric Ulcers, Hay Fever, Headaches, Hypertension, Insomnia, Postpartum and Labor, Menstrual Cramps, Pain, Nausea, and Tremors, (2018).

The word ‘Placebo’ is a Latin term and means, ‘I shall please’, An Effective History of “Placebo.” (n.d.)

Studies have shown that prayer has been effective in protecting against heart disease, amazing considering that when we pray, we are asked to pray from our hearts.

It may be fair to say, one cannot afford to NOT pray.

Research

Joseph E. Pizzorno & Michael T. Murray (2018). The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.

Campbell, G., & MD. (2011, September 19). Neurobiology of Placebos with Fabrizio Benedetti (BSP 77). Brain Science. https://brainsciencepodcast.com/bsp/neurobiology-of-placebos-with-fabrizio-benedetti-bsp-77.html

Herbert Benson, MD. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/bio/herbert-benson.

An Effective History of “Placebo.” (n.d.). Www.merriam-Webster.com. https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/placebo-word-origin.

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