CSflim

Just wondering, do you mean "mind over matter" as its original literal form, or with relation to your person?

I think its important to realise that there are two ways of "knowing" something.
I find this hard to put into words, I guess the best I can do is to give you an example.
Have you ever heard some very bad news, and find yourself completely unfazed by it? Only later, does it "sink in" and you get hit by the gravity of it.
I think that this is the difference between superficially knowing something, and fully "appreciating" it.
Although the patients, consciously know that they are receiving a placebo, subconsciously they do not fully "appreciate" it. As it is through the subconscious that the placebo works, I think it is acceptable to believe that the mere acting-out of going through the motions of receiving a pill is enough for the placebo effect to work.

I accept this, there are well known links between a person's psychological state, and their physical health.

Take for instance depression, caused by chemical imbalances.
This causes effects in your brain, and effects you psychologically, despite the fact that the causes are purely physical.
Take stress, this causes physical problems, despite the fact that the causes are purely psychological.

(These examples are only used to illustrate a point, and are obviously over-simplified)

To state that nobody catches on to this, is a bit misguided on your part. Psychosomatic effects are well studied. The problem is that it is not seen in the same light as the pharmaceutical industry is. A doctor can not administer "think happy thoughts" as a treatment.

I really don't accept that. Not until I see some hard scientific proof. And Uri Geller doesn't count! Why is it, that "mystics" are never able to ply their trade in a controlled and monitored environment?

-May The Force Be With You!
(Sarcastic Bastard! )

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