The power of the placebo
Numerous studies show that in mild to moderate depression, placebos have the same effect as antidepressants. Taking placebos results in increased natural resistance and improved disease management in depression. Taking the tablets led to the activation of the body’s own opioid system, which is considered a natural painkiller. Regions in which the placebo-induced release of opioids could be detected included the medial thalamus, the nucleus accumbens, the amygdala, and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex. These areas form a neural network that influences the emotions, stress management and pathophysiology of major depression.
For further information please read here: http://www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/antidepressiva-aehnlich-wirksam-wie-placebos.976.de.html?dram:article_id=377937
The rhythm of the heart
The measurement of heart rate variability has become firmly established as a reliable diagnostic method in recent years. A change in heart rate variability is associated with various diseases. These include, for example, high blood pressure, heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, diabetes mellitus and kidney disease. But also in the field of mental illness changes of the HRV are visible, as for example with depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety disturbances and much more. The targeted and individual training of the HRV supports the stress reactivity, adaptability and resilience (ability to deal successfully with stress, despite sensation of the same). Thus, the HRV training is an important part in the treatment of various diseases in order to positively influence and support the course of treatment. However, HRV training can also be used specifically in the area of prevention and health promotion.
For more information on studies, please read here:
http://www.heartrates.at/hrv-messung/studien/
http://www.hrv24.de/HRV-Aktuelle_Forschung.htm
