[Filmania]

As far as I'm aware, the placebo effect is documented and is genuine - albeit not fully understood or repeatable under controlled conditions.

And, by their very nature, placebos will not work if the patient is aware that they're taking a placebo. The work needs to be done by the mind in the belief that they are receiving help.

This might account for the reported 'success' of homeopathic medicines, which contain no active ingredients.

Something similar might be at work through meditation. Even if it's as simple as the removal of mental dams, allowing the body to get on with its own maintenance rather than wasting precious energy and resources on the self-defeating practices of axiety, stress and worry.

or I could be talking out of my hat.

Pete