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Harvard University

Beyond Belief - Exploring the Connection Between Personal Beliefs and Physical Health

Harvard University via YouTube

Overview

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Delve into the fascinating relationship between personal beliefs and physical well-being in this Harvard University Longwood Seminar. Explore the placebo effect, its mechanisms, and how it's controlled in clinical trials. Examine the concept of honest placebos and their potential impact on health outcomes. Investigate the role of experiential knowledge, spirituality, and stress in overall wellness. Learn about Dr. Benson's research on mind-body connections and the effects of meditation on genetics. Discover how phenomena like White Coat Hypertension illustrate the power of belief in medical settings. Gain insights into the management of pain and trauma through mindfulness techniques.

Syllabus

Introduction
How do you know whether placebo works
What is a placebo effect
Controlling for the placebo effect
The trial
Outcomes
Results
Belief
honest placebo
Experiential knowledge
Spirituality and health
Dr Benson
Stress
Pain
Trauma
Mindbody Stress
White Coat Hypertension
Meditation
Genetics

Taught by

Harvard University

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