(Foreword: This is our continuation to our reply to Greta, the Great’s query on crystals and other alternative healing methods today.)
DEAR Greta, the Great,
Alright, the last time, I told you that according to neuroscientists and psychologists, they do work. But, the thing is not necessarily for the reasons people are told they do because there is the possibility that they might have an indirect psychological benefit, what we refer to as the placebo effect which is certainly at play here.
Just try to imagine yourself when you are being told that you can have control of your destiny, just imagine the power that will be unleashed from you – which of course, can boost your hope, brighten your mood, and improve your ability to cope up with some lingering condition that you might be living in pain for some time right now.
The sad truth is, there is really no scientific evidence to support the medical effectiveness of any of these remedies. But the good thing is, there is the possibility that they might have an indirect psychological benefit. Well, the good thing is, at least there is something good in here.
If there are scientific evidence to back some alternative medicine, lime meditation and yoga, they have only supporting research that is quite modest. Obviously, the pharmaceutical industry is not interested in them.
There was one of the only studies that explored crystal healing. This was done in 2001 by University of London psychologist Christopher French. He gave 80 volunteers booklets and explained to them the sensations they might have while holding these crystals, including tingling limbs, increased concentration, and heightened energy.
After that, he gave half of the participants genuine gemstones and the other half of them, fakes made of cheap plastic. Then, he found out that those holding the fake ones were just as likely to respond physically as those holding the real thing. So, there you have, the conclusion is, it is the power of suggestion – and not the flowing energy, which they are touting – which was to be credited for this remarkable effect.
But, oh, here we go again, we are out of space again, so, let me then again, continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o SunStar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)