The placebo effect is defined as a measurable, observable, or felt improvement in health or behaviour that arises from the patient's expectations concerning an inactive substance—like a sugar pill, distilled water, or saline solution—or a “fake” treatment rather than from the substance or treatment itself. The nocebo effect is the opposite of the placebo effect. The nocebo effect occurs when the mind is engaged in negative beliefs and self-suggestions that damage the health of the person.

Both, the placebo as well as the nocebo effect illustrate how powerful our mind is and that YOU are the healer. Your body has innate healing abilities. Your healing depends to a great extend on whether you have supportive beliefs in place for your own recovery.