When we think about it; and how powerful the mind is and the words we speak: words and the intentions behind them are very powerful. The intention behind words and the direction they are spoken in, has been something that the ancient healing masters knew of very well, and even taught their ill patients how to self-illicit a placebo effect to deal with many ailments that would come up on a regular basis. Intentional manifestation through words and interior core belief. The placebo effect is how patients and the infirm perceive their own health condition. This conversation is very deserving to be spoken of in the world of Naturopathic Medicine. While there is definitely a fine line between a doctor giving words of false hope and giving words of encouragement: the belief that healing is possible, for free and without limitation can be a great contributor to spontaneous remission and whether or not a person succumbs fully to a diagnosis and passes away from that disease.
When we think of the placebo effect, we are often reminded of sugar pills given in place of an actual drug in clinical trials of some type. And while it is certainly that; it can also be the words that the healer gives to the ill under their care, and what the ill and sick feel about their own health outcomes.
Word manifestation, conscious visual repetition and intention all seem to play a role when it comes to healing. Is it the belief in the healing process? Or What we’ve been told? Or maybe it is a combination of both? Wherever it comes from, this link between mind and body is undeniable. The intentional words we say can either uplift or tear down. Words of grief, shame, embarrassment, all seem to bring on the nocebo effect- that is the opposite of promoting healing effect. In addition to this, they actually bring on an acidic state in the body, linking themselves to gut imbalance and poor pH. From here, the sympathetic nervous system is activated and the person can feel like they are always on edge and the fight-or-flight response is turned on- draining us of moments of peace and spontaneous regressive, healing.
So what are the ways we can counter the nocebo effect, and promote more of the placebo effect? In addition to intentions, there are some core ways to bring about a positive, healing change. Starting with a cold splash of water to the face early in the morning, actually changes the autonomic nervous system balance to be ready for action. Taking time to meditate and place visuals on the colors of reds, pinks and dark purples has been shown to promote a drop in blood pressure. And whenever possible, fasting reduces and conserves bio-energy consumption and improves metabolism. These actions, repeated, over and over again, over the course of a lifetime seem to serve as a backdrop to the placebo effect. Keeping up with levels of turmeric, high dose Vitamin C, ginseng, kava also play a role in reducing pain and stress when the focused intention is there.
We know that stable health depends on the power of nutrition over toxicity and then the regulation of all emotions in between. The overall point that we are striving for is to keep the body flooded with positive phrases, emotions and states of being where the body self-induces towards the placebo effect as a constant. If we are wondering if Placebos only have to deal with states of peace and avoiding stress; and have really nothing to do with playing a role in dealing with major diseases; we should give pause and think twice before coming to this conclusion.
A 2016 study found that patients dealing with cancerous tumors, who were given placebos in place of other anticancer drugs. These patients were told to have strong faith in the stated placebo, and that the tumors would decrease. Indeed, these patients showed spontaneous regressions in solid advanced tumors, while at the same time showing a boost in immunity which also may be related to strong increase in belief. So, our words are powerful, our intentions are powerful and the directions we take towards healing can make a very big impact when it matters most. To further the effects of the placebo effect, if we can surround ourselves with positive, supportive and uplifting people who make you feel good when you see them is an added benefit to helping support the parasympathetic nervous system sustaining you in a place of light and hope.
-Dr. David K. Scott N.D.; CHNP.
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