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Discussion » Questions » Education » If Shaman rituals were ultimately a highly ritualized manner of harnessing the power of what we now refer to as the placebo effect, do you believe there are means of enhancing our use of the placebo
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If Shaman rituals were ultimately a highly ritualized manner of harnessing the power of what we now refer to as the placebo effect, do you believe there are means of enhancing our use of the placebo

effect in modern medicine, so doctors have more to offer than just another pill? 

Posted - July 24, 2016
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Responses


  • 46117

    Shaman rituals have nothing at all to do with a placebo effect.  If pretending to get into something gets you off, fine.  That is far from their purpose and selling far short their ability to produce whatever change is expected.

    Shamanism is a practice that involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with a spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world.
    I don't know how you liken that to a fake asprin.     You cannot pretend to connect with the unseen.  You cannot pretend to connect with the unseen and get any effect.  You can pretend to connect with the unseen and be certifiable.  And, finally, be careful what you are messing with or the Unseen may unleash something that no placebo can quell.
      July 24, 2016 6:18 PM MDT
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  • 275

    I was thinking of Shamans in terms of "medicine men".  AKA "witch doctors".  

      July 24, 2016 6:23 PM MDT
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  • 3934

    Sure, it's been done....;-D...

    http://www.theonion.com/article/fda-approves-sale-of-prescription-placebo-1606

      July 24, 2016 6:29 PM MDT
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  • 676

    Common sense, research and an open mind.

      July 24, 2016 9:01 PM MDT
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