Beliefs Can Change Perception — The Power of the Placebo Effect

The placebo effect shows that belief alone can cause real, physiological changes. In clinical trials, people given sugar pills (believing they’re medicine) often experience genuine improvements in symptoms — from pain relief to better sleep — simply due to expectations.

Brain imaging studies confirm that the brain releases endogenous opioids (natural painkillers) when people believe they’re receiving real treatment.

What’s more, open-label placebos — where people are told it’s a placebo — can still work, as long as they believe in the possibility of healing.

Implication: Our expectations and beliefs have deep influence over our biology. This underscores the power of mindset, trust in care, and even rituals around healing.