The power of our mind to directly impact our physiology has long been debated. It’s (obviously) a tough area to do real objective research on vs the cosmic crap that gets passed around. The study of the brains ability to directly impact our physiology is growing by leaps as both technology and techniques have improved greatly.
I think one of the most obvious places to look in terms of showing just how powerful the mind is, is when looking at the placebo effect.
Most non scientists* think of the placebo effect as generally meaning a non effect. That is, nothing happened.
That’s not true at all. The placebo effect is a real effect, and measurable. It’s only recently getting the attention is deserves as a legit effect showing just how powerful the mind is and it’s direct impact on us.
Researchers involved in clinical studies have known about it forever, and it’s taught in every classroom as science 101, yet, only recently getting some real focus.
Here’s a vid that does an excellent, and entertaining, job of summarizing just how amazing and powerful the placebo effect is, which is a direct measurement of the brains ability to alter all manner of our physiology.
I think the mental disconnect for most people is realizing it’s generated by the mind, but don’t realize it’s a real effect, that is, has direct and “real” physiological changes take place.
Some times, at just as high a % as the active compound it’s being compared to, or to a lesser degree (which may or may not statistical significance but I’ll leave it there as to not make eyes gloss over…) then the compound being tested.
Not a dry boring vid, but really interesting and entertaining:
* = and some scientists/medical types who should know better….
Will Brink is the owner of the Brinkzone Blog. Will has over 30 years experience as a respected author, columnist and consultant, to the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published. Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences, and is a consultant to major supplement, dairy, and pharmaceutical companies.
His often ground breaking articles can be found in publications such as Lets Live, Muscle Media 2000, MuscleMag International, The Life Extension Magazine, Muscle n Fitness, Inside Karate, Exercise For Men Only, Body International, Power, Oxygen, Penthouse, Women’s World and The Townsend Letter For Doctors.
He’s also been published in peer reviewed journals.
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Awesome! Believe it and it will happen…your mind is the center of your power…well at least 50% according to Placebo effect!
Belief X Action = 100% Result??
hmmm….
That is very interesting, and very true. The mind can control a lot of things in the body. I have seen the placebo effect with my wife and son both.
I credit all my gains as a teenager to the placebo effect– all of those worthless supplements (boron, vanadyl sulfate etc.)……..
Watching a video on placebos can increase the power placebos have on you!
I love it!
Do you think that may be some of the reason that supplement companies seem to use a higher capsule dose?
I doubt the supplement companies are actively trying to stimulate the placebo effect per se, but much of what they do in their marketing, etc very much reinforces the placebo effect of the product. Fancy names, bright colors, silly over hyped lingo, etc, all enhance the expectation bias.