I heard an interesting segment on NPR the other day entitled “The Mysterious Healing Power of Placebos.” (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126802142). Jennifer Ludden interviews two guests: the first a neurosurgeon from Washington D.C. and the second, a doctor and the Director of Psychiatric Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, who both note the power of the placebo effect.

Placebos, inert substances given to unsuspecting patients, can be effective in reducing or removing symptoms in a surprisingly high percentage of cases. While the mechanism is not fully understood, this phenomenon points to the not-to-be-underestimated brain’s role in physical health.

A friend of mine worked in a psychiatric ward in Atlanta a number of years ago and he once told me a story that blew my mind. He and the other orderlies on the floor were restraining a 28 year old woman with multiple personality disorder after giving her a large dose of thorazine, an antipsychotic drug. He said a dose like the one they gave the woman would typically knock out a patient for two days, but after administering the dose she said that “he’s coming,” meaning one of her other personalities was coming.

Restrained flat on her stomach, with my friend and another large fellow holding down her arms, she passed out and then began to breathe heavily. The heavy breathing lasted for several minutes and then she woke back up and lifted my friend’s associate up in the air – remember that she was face down with two men holding her arms down – and set him back down several inches away from where he started.

Here was a young woman, who had just been given a therapeutic dose of thorazine, and who woke up in another personality…unaffected by the drug. Wow. The brain must be remarkably powerful!

His story made me think of the many tales you hear about mothers who lift up a car to free a child or similar feats that defy explanation while in “normal” function. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could tap into those powers when required?

At any rate, back to placebos. While I am not arguing for or against the use of placebos in the medical system, I do find it interesting that placebos can play a significant role in the healing process given the right mix of perception and expectation.

Speaking of perception and expectation? Do you leave room for the unexpected in your life? Have you experienced the powerful effects of something imperceptible before? Someone once told me that just because you don’t see it or can’t measure it given today’s technology doesn’t mean it isn’t there. A reasonable suggestion.

The truly magnificent horse rider’s aids are imperceptible to most. A well trained military unit’s communication signals are likewise imperceptible to most, yet they are real. To my mind, subtlety is a worthy goal. Any new activity you undertake will likely take you through phases. At first you might feel awkward, then gradually as you build experience you gain confidence and the awkwardness recedes. In its place comes grace, poise and subtlety. A wonderful mix, don’t you think?

Your mind is a powerful thing, and as they say, a terrible thing to waste. In the study of the placebo effect we catch a glimpse of the vast potential of the mind. How much of your potential have you realized? My guess is that your capabilities extend far beyond your present use.

Enjoy your weekend and look for opportunities to nourish, open and challenge your mind.