THE NOTHING CURE

I recently read an article in the March issue of Forbes Magazine entitled "The Nothing Cure." The author outlines a study undertaken by Harvard Doctor Ted J. Kaptchuk in which he established three different groups a patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In his experiment, one group received fake acupuncture with encouraging talk, one group was placed on a wait-list for acupuncture, and the third group received the fake acupuncture without the warm encouraging talk. The results were remarkable. Of those who received fake acupuncture and encouraging talk, more than 62% reported vastly improved conditions.

The message: don't ignore the placebo effect. As Dr. Kaptchuk states "expectation of a cure- and the rituals associated with medical treatment- can improve real-world symptoms. Our own will, imagination and belief can modulate the course of illness." Humans have an incredible ability to will themselves to overcome any obstacle. In many cases they only need a motivator. Something they can believe in.

I found the results of this experiment fascinating. The only thing that limits us is the confines of our own mind. If we strip that away, we have the ability to do anything we desire. It requires work, focus, determination, and perseverance. That is where, I think, nearly everyone gets tripped up. People find excuses to not put in the work. They look for reasons to slack, to limit themselves. They take the easy road. And, in the case of this experiment, the easy road means suffering until someone else offers hope.

Wouldn't it be easier if you just decided for yourself?