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Placebo and Nocebo Effects Explained
- The placebo effect is powerful and real, rooted in the brain's responses to expectation and belief.
- The nocebo effect works conversely by worsening conditions when negative signals are received by the brain.
Placebo Matches Real Treatment Outcomes
- Sham knee surgery works as well as real surgery in some cases, based on studies.
- Fake acupuncture also proved nearly as effective as real acupuncture for back pain.
Placebo Beyond Medicine
- Placebo effects extend beyond medicine to enhance experiences and performance, like improving wine taste or athletic ability.
- Belief and expectation can physically enhance an athlete's performance even when given a harmless substance.