The Power of a Placebo

Researchers at the University of Michigan have shown that the placebo effect is not "just in our heads," but has a real physiological basis. In a study where scientists gave placebos masking as pain-killers to people suffering from jaw discomfort, the subjects showed an increase in endorphins, which in turn helped to alleviate their pain. This research offers new hope for the development of pain treatments that are similar to the cognitive techniques that are frequently used to help people overcome anxiety and depression.