2. The Mind Changes Matter : The Placebo Effect

Thoughts become things? The placebo effect

The placebo effect refers to a healing response that occurs when a person takes a substance with no medical efficacy, believing it to be a real medication. Countless studies have verified this phenomenon, and the medical community now recognizes it as a real effect that can be utilized therapeutically.

When the patient trusts the doctor or the group administering the placebo, the effectiveness increases. Remarkably, even when patients are aware the treatment is a placebo, if they believe it might still help, their symptoms often improve. The healing rate can be as high as 70%.

This is a powerful demonstration that our mind directly affects our body—that is, matter.

In fact, even without taking any placebo, some people feel better just by thinking positively or placing a hand over a painful area and silently affirming healing. I remember when I was a child and had a stomachache—my grandmother would gently rub my belly and say, “My hands are healing hands,” and the pain would subside. Some may explain this as stimulating meridian points and promoting Qi flow, but to me, it was my grandmother’s warm love, her caring hands, and my trust in her that truly made me well.

Then why isn’t this phenomenon more widely used in the medical industry?

Or, knowing this, why do we still rely so heavily on pharmaceutical drugs, even when they come with serious side effects?

To be clear, medications do have verified mechanisms of action and can be essential, especially in emergency situations. However, most drugs address symptoms rather than root causes. They suppress pain, reduce fever, or alter hormone levels artificially—without solving the underlying issue. This can result in long-term side effects or disruption of natural body functions.

Despite advances in diagnostic tools and new medications each year, chronic diseases are increasing and drug consumption continues to rise. People naturally come to depend on the immediate relief provided by drugs, forgetting that true healing power resides within themselves.

This dependency is further driven by the structures of capitalism, which promote pharmaceutical consumption. So I offer this proposal: unless it is absolutely necessary, try limiting medication use. Explore dietary therapy, natural remedies, and exercise. Let us remind ourselves of this truth again and again:

“My mind can heal my body.”

— Jinman Kim, Director, Peace Oriental Clinic