I was arguing more in the sense that sometimes the placebo effect is all you need. Especially if there is no underlying physical condition but a case of psychol

I was arguing more in the sense that sometimes the placebo effect is all you need. Especially if there is no underlying physical condition but a case of psychological stress. If it's alleviated well by a placebo (or meditation, or other technique), then using something that has a biologically active ingredient might be counterproductive, because of the possibility of adverse side effects. As the side effects are then again medicated, the person is caught in a medication loop. I'm all for studies and finding the right active molecule for treating the illnesses. But from my anecdotal experience, many cases of the common ailments like back pain[1], stomach problems, blood pressure are either psychogenic or stem from conditions of one's life. If a placebo brings enough amelioration, it should not be considered 'quackery'. [1] see Dr. Sarno's 'Healing back pain': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTXjsexiDKE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTXjsexiDKE