Posted on 03/28/2010 6:29:53 AM PDT by bert
Instead of ignoring the placebo effect, doctors should try to enhance it, says a Harvard Medical School professor.
Though recurring tummy aches from irritable bowel syndrome are among patients' most common complaints, drugmakers have had trouble coming up with a safe and effective treatment. But in 2008 Harvard's Ted J. Kaptchuk devised a safe remedy that helps far more people than any designer drug ever did.
His magic cure: fake acupuncture delivered with lots of warm talk from a sympathetic acupuncturist--but no needles. In a trial of 262 patients with severe IBS, 62% of those who received the fake treatment got better, according to results published in the British Medical Journal. By comparison, only 28% of a control group of patients put on a waiting list saw their symptoms improve markedly. A third group who got the fake acupuncture, but without any warm talk, showed in-between results: 44% improved.
The result, says Kaptchuk, shows just how much the expectation of a cure--and the rituals associated with medical treatment--can improve real-world symptoms. "Our own will, imagination and belief can modulate the course of illness," says Kaptchuk.
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
This one that might interest you
These findings dovetail with the work of Dr. John Sarno of NYU.
Does Obamacare bring back witch doctors?
They should try it on Fibromyalgia.
Under 0bamacare, all Americans (except the political ruling class) will soon find themselves on a waiting list.
Hey, I’m addicted to placebos!
I’d quit, but it wouldn’t make a difference.
thanks bert
Try the Extra Strength placebos, I think they are available in 1000mg, but not OTC.
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