Mind and Body

Here's a few true stories to challenge any fixed beliefs and also demonstrate the power of our expectations...

A 2002 article in The Washington Post titled "Against Depression, a Sugar Pill Is Hard to Beat" summarized research as follows, "in the majority of trials conducted by drug companies in recent decades, sugar pills have done as well as -- or better than -- antidepressants.

Let me share with you an incredible true story of Mr. Wright who suffered from advanced cancer. His  cancer no longer responded to any known treatments. He had huge tumor masses the size of oranges in the neck, groin and abdomen and was in the terminal stage, and relying on oxygen to breathe. Despite this, Mr. Wright had not given up hope although all his doctors had. The reason for his optimism was a new drug that he had heard of was finally ready for trial use. The drug was called Krebozian.

Initially, Mr. Wright was not able to qualify for the drug trails as patients were required to have a life expectancy of at least 3-6 months. His was less than 2 weeks. However, Mr. Wright begged for the opportunity. Finally, the doctor decided to go against the rules and include him in the trial.

Injections were to be given 3 times weekly and Mr. Wright received his 1st dose on a Friday. When the doctor returned on Monday, he expected to see the patient lying in his bed, but instead found him walking around and chatting to everyone!

The  doctor found that his tumors had melted to half their original size within a few days. The consultant continued the medication and within 10 days, Mr. Wright was discharged from hospital, breathing normally and fully active.

After 2 months of practically perfect health, reports emerged stating that Krebozian was ineffective as a drug for cancer. When Mr. Wright heard these reports, he relapsed into his original condition, his cancer returned and he was readmitted into the hospital.

His doctor wanted to investigate if his initial cure was the result of the ‘placebo effect’. So, he lied to him and said that a super refined, double strength formula was about to arrive the next day. Immediately, Mr. Wright regained his optimism and belief in a cure.

The next day, the doctor injected him with the new ‘double strength formula’ which was nothing more than fresh water. This time, the cure was even more dramatic! The tumor masses melted, he recovered fully and was discharged again. He remained symptom free for another 2 months.

Then the American Medical Association (AMA) announced in the press that  testing proved Krebozian was worthless as a treatment for cancer. Within a few days of hearing this report, Mr. Wright was readmitted into the hospital and in less than 2 days he died.

Though not everyone responds to a placebo, neither does everyone respond to an active drug. Henry K. Beecher, in a research paper from 1955 found that the percentage of patients who reported relief following the administration of 4mg of morphine was 36%.  Those who reported relief from pain with a dose of 6mg of morphine was 50%.  The result from the administration of a placebo was an amazing 39%..in other words, better than the result from 4mg of the real thing!

There is a strong and growing body of reserch that demonstrates that our ability to heal ourselves is directly effected by our expectations, mental state and emotional state. When we feel helpless, our immune function suffers significantly and taking responsibility for our wellbeing has been demonstrated to have a big impact on our health.