Introduction

There are numerous stories about cancer and other diseases unexplainably going into spontaneous remission.  People who are religious attribute it to god’s healing grace.  Non religious people often use the term “miracle” for that which they have no medical  explanation.  

Medical science for a long time has grappled to explain these “miracles” – and has chosen to explain them in terms of the so-called “placebo effect” – the power of belief to change and heal the body.  The placebo effect has been studied scientifically – and it is real.

What is the “placebo effect”?

The San Francisco Chronicle article entitled  “Experts: Placebo power behind many natural cures” (by Marilynn Marchione, AP) explains the placebo effect – the power of belief to heal.  Highlights from the article are below, followed by discussion questions. ….. Read more about the placebo effect by clicking on the above article title.

“I Believe” Can Heal

“People looking for natural cures will be happy to know there is one. Two words explain how it works: ‘I believe.’”

Mind’s Ability To Alter The Physical

“It's the placebo effect—the ability of a dummy pill or a faked treatment to make people feel better, just because they expect that it will. It's the mind's ability to alter physical symptoms, such as pain, anxiety and fatigue.”

Belief’s Can Cause Biological Changes

“How does it work? Scientists do not always know, but there are many possible ways. Brain imaging shows that beliefs ("I know these pills will help") can cause biological changes and affect levels of chemical messengers and stress hormones that signal pain or pleasure.”

Doctors Exploit Belief

“Doctors sometimes exploit the placebo effect to help patients. One survey found that many doctors admitted sometimes giving patients sugar pills or drugs or vitamins that would not really help their condition, in an effort to trigger a placebo effect.”

 

**** Questions For Thought, Comment, And Small Group Discussion *****

(1) Share a story about a healing event that surprised the doctors.

(2) How did the doctors explain this healing event?  How did the patient explain this healing event?  How do you explain this healing event?

(3) In explaining this healing event did you use scientific-rational terms or religious-spiritual terms?  Does it make a difference how you explain it – why or why not?

(4) Do you believe in the “power of belief” or the “power of faith” to heal – why or why not? 

(5) What ways do you tap into the “power of belief” or the “power of faith” to heal? Share your experience how this works for you?

 

       ****** Relevant Articles Previously Posted On MicahsCall *****

(a) “Indomitable Spirits: 3 Stanford Students With Cancer” is a synopsis of –  and a link to – The Stanford Daily article entitled “Confronting Cancer” (by Ryan Mac) telling the courageous stories of three Stanford undergrads, who despite having cancer before getting admitted to Stanford, decided to enroll in Stanford anyway – making cancer part of their undergrad experience.  Their stories are a beacon of light for all who have cancer.

(b) “I Love Your Bernie Siegel” is a review of the best seller “Love, Medicine & Miracles”  written by Bernie Siegel, who is an M.D. and a cancer surgeon.  The book’s subtitle is: “Lessons Learned About Self-Healing From A Surgeon’s Experience With Exceptional Patients.” To many with cancer, Bernie’s book has literally been a lifesaver! Those with cancer are encouraged to make Bernie’s book a must read.

 

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