Our Mind's Power to Heal: Can We Believe Ourselves Back to Good Health?

Our thoughts and emotions may have an impact on our ability to cope with illness. This understanding of the interconnectedness of mind and body challenges orthodox medical belief that consciousness is separate from the physical body. But, emerging research suggests that the mind and body are closely intertwined and each has a powerful influence over the other. Knowledge of the mind-body connection can be an important tool in healing. 

The power of positive thinking and emotions to improve health outcomes has been explored in various studies.

• One study, published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, found that individuals with a positive outlook had a stronger immune response to the flu vaccine compared to those with a negative outlook.
• Another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that individuals who reported higher levels of positive emotions had a lower risk of developing hypertension.
• John's Hopkins University concluded that people with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook.

Is a "Placebo" Actually the Highest Form of Medicine? 

The term "placebo effect" can be confusing because it can refer to different phenomena. It is often used to describe the improvement in symptoms that a patient experiences after receiving a fake treatment, which can include those who would have improved without treatment.

But, according to Professor Ted Kaptchuk of Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, who specializes in the study of the placebo effect, it involves more than just a positive attitude or belief in the effectiveness of a treatment. The placebo effect is also about strengthening the connection between the brain and body and how they work together.

The ritual of treatment is an important part of the placebo effect. In studies that compare the effectiveness of drugs to placebos, the entire environment and ritual of treatment can impact the patient's perception and recovery. The act of visiting a clinic, receiving examination and care from medical professionals, and undergoing treatments can all contribute to the patient's belief, which can in turn affect their physical symptoms.

This highlights the importance of the patient-doctor relationship and the role that belief and expectation can play in the healing process. While the relationship between thoughts and physical health is complex and not fully understood, it is clear that the mind can have a powerful influence on the body. Promoting positive mental and emotional well-being may have beneficial effects on physical health, and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this connection.