The Power of Placebo
The placebo effect is a relatively well-known phenomenon, yet it's possible we have only scratched the surface of the power of suggestion. We examine pioneering experiments in three fascinating contexts.
"The placebo effect shows us that the body can do things that normally depend on a pill", says Dr. Evers, professor of health psychology at Leiden University. She has just helped a team of cyclists ride faster and beat personal bests, using only a fake stimulant nicknamed "the Rio pill". But placebos aren't just for athletes. "Eventually you will need less medicine. You can save more on health care." she says. Through elaborate fake surgery fixing spinal fractures, to fake medicine helping a man live with Parkinson's, the power of expectation is being harnessed for health. "What is better, cheaper and more beautiful than a placebo?" exclaims Dr. Evers.
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