Fascinating article in New Scientist about how people's beliefs can make them ill or even die in a kind of reverse placebo effect:

The Science of Voodoo: When mind attacks body

Thanks for the link, Andy. This was a very thought provoking article . . . really enjoyed it.

And it would stand to reason then, that we have the power within our minds to go in the opposite direction, don't we?

peace,

Phil

Thanks, Andy - fantastic article that might interest everyone here.

As always, adjust for sensationalism

Nocebos have some effect. If you want to kill someone with one then injecting them with saline solution and saying its poison may well not work very well. It helps if there is a real effect. But then you may aswel get some real poison.

And the same with placebo. A real effect makes you feel better, and confidence in the treatment makes it better.

Influence does not necessarily mean amazing power unless you are on the threshold of real decisions and actions. Just because you hear more positive stories about placebo it doesn't mean that placebo will become stronger for you.

It exists. It can be predicted within a certain broad range. Expecting it to be a magical pill will not make it so at all. Using it in combination with good timing and other treatments will generally be the way to go.

Andy,
Voodoo has its roots in "SHAMANISM" and all its--sham or shameful practices. Its akin, to the Indian ancient practices of "KALI-TANTRIC" rites. Where mind hits the body, a barrier into thought gets broken. BLACK-MAGIC or evil arises from all of these aspects. The Hindu pantheon god ---"SHANI DEVA", is a deity for all this happenings. He is supposed to be the son of the SUN GOD, and his mere apect in your natal astrologic chart spells doom in all your working. Comment Nocebo revisited,spiritually speaking.