Overcoming phobias - using the power of the “placebo effect”
Sometimes phobias, irrational or not, have to be faced up to. Doing so can be a mountain slope too steep to climb for some of us. Recognised self help treatments for overcoming phobias include: Lifestyle changes - regular exercise, regular meals, getting enough sleep and reducing / avoiding stimulants like coffee. In addition self exposure therapy - (de-sensitisation) gradually increasing exposure to a phobia along with relaxation, routine and visualisation techniques. When exposed to a phobia try taking a placebo and reinforce your positive energies using some of the above techniques.
It's not uncommon for people with a phobia to suffer from panic attacks - these too can be helped by harnessing the power of the 'placebo effect'.
Placebo treatments taken knowingly—could be a simple and ethical way to improve quality of life in older adults.
Open water swimming is all about swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea, rather than at a swimming pool. It can be an invigorating and exhilarating experience, but it also has many health benefits that are unique to this type of activity. We explore here some of the reasons why open water swimming is good for your health and how the placebo effect may play a role in enhancing its positive effects.
