::Placebo & Nocebo::

The human brain is a powerful beast (with a mind of its own, if you will), that can unconsciously trick our bodies into experiencing side-effects.  I 100% believe that our brains have the power to create both positive and negative side-effects.

In the article "Can placebo pills help cancer survivors manage fatigue," it mentions multiple hypotheses for why the placebo effects occur within human beings.  My favorite we discussed was the feeling of being take care of when seeking medical attention and the effect that that has on the chemicals of the brain.  We discussed this chemical and neurotransmitter reaction perhaps being ingrained in our brains since childhood.  Perhaps the same brain reaction from when our caregivers took care of us as babies and young children, are the same reactions taking place when we receive care from a doctor or given a sugar pill.  The article mentioned the release of endorphins when feeling taken care of, and furthermore how endorphins lessen pain or rid of it altogether.  Maybe all we need is a little extra Tender Loving Care in this world.  Let the endorphins run wild.

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