In Other Words

Accepting Eastern Mumbo Jumbo

So now even major online publications are talking about Self-healing through mental stimulation. Something that was rubbished less then two decades ago as ‘mysticism’ and ‘eastern mumbo jumbo’ is finally being accepted as a pretty neat idea.

The Placebo effect, it turns out, has an actual physical influence on our bodies, releasing natural chemicals into our bloodstream that can mimic the effects of a full on operation, especially if done well.

I’ve always wondered how western doctors of the 80s explained how Eastern people often managed to live to such a ripe old age. Luck? Chance? Statistics? I can imagine some western doctor going ‘of course somebody is going to reach the age of 120 over there! There is so many of them that statistically that is bound to happen’.

Relaxation seems to be a very useful tactic to help the body along. They suggest meditation, counting and yoga. I think I’ll just stick with one or two beers, some good friends, pool and a lot of laughter (which, they say, is one of the best medicines). If that can’t relax me then I don’t really know what will.

posted by Symbol @ 22.9.04