The Power of Mind over Body

What is the placebo effect? How does it work physiologically? Why do so many medical professionals dismiss its importance and impact? What can we learn from scientists like Jon Levine and Fabrizio Benedetti who work in placebo research? And why are some people more receptive to placebos than others? Explore these questions and more as you begin your exploration of the mind-body connection.

Continue your study of placebos by exploring the mechanics of pain. See how our brains contend with the prospect of harm. Determine if so-called "predictive coding" might explain why the placebo effect varies across populations. Unpack the efficacy and appeal of alternative medicine. And determine whether doctors can use placebos honestly and ethically.

Most people know about conditioned responses thanks to Ivan Pavlov's famous dog training experiments. But here, go even deeper. Determine how learned responses impact our immune systems and work out how we can train our bodies to more effectively respond to and even slow disease progression.

What is the evolutionary and biological function of fatigue? When does the brain decide to call it quits on exercise, and why? How might expectations, memories, sensory experiences, and social circumstances affect athletic performance? And is it possible to break the cycle of chronic fatigue with therapy that targets the mind?

Delve into the connection between your mind and gut by zeroing in on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a relatively common disorder that affects roughly 15% of the population. Then, turn your attention to the emergent field of psychogastroenterology, spotlighting innovative therapies-particularly hypnosis-that treat digestive problems by targeting the brain.

Explore the pain management potential of virtual reality (VR). See what VR can do for long-lasting, chronic health problems. Walk through current research on the technology. And investigate how VR mimics the embodiment effect to treat body image disorders, phantom limb pain, and chronic regional pain syndrome.