Harnessing the power of placebo | Brandy Gillmore

Brandy Gillmore went from being wheelchair-bound, on morphine, and given no hope by doctors, to a full recovery and an active life. It is a remarkable turnaround in fortunes - following two serious accidents and years of searching for a solution.  Now, the former network engineer is telling her story in a new book, Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body.  Gillmore offers compelling evidence on the impact of an optimistic mindset and demonstrates the potential of the mind to overcome physical limitations and chronic pain. In this interview we dissect the placebo, a sham medical treatment that sometimes results in patients feeling better, even though they have not received a drug or form of treatment that is known to induce healing. It was a deep dive into the placebo effect that launched Gillmore's journey to recovery and led her to challenge the boundaries of traditional medicine.  She now helps others facing similar health struggles.Photos: Courtesy, Brandy GillmoreTopics include: Searching for Solutions: Despite her prognosis, Gillmore continued to explore alternative methods, seeking further opinions and alternative treatments, including a clinical trial which ultimately fell through. Placebo Effect: The placebo effect intrigued Gillmore because it highlighted the potential of fake treatments to induce real healing responses. Mind-Body Connection: How stress can manifest as physical ailments. Healing Journey: How the feeling of optimism can speed up healing.  Addressing Skepticism: Doubts about mind-body healing. Current Work: Helping others to leverage their mind to promote healing.Sleep and Mindset: The correlation between mindset and sleep quality — an important factor in overall longevity health. Affiliation disclosure: This podcast receives a small commission when you use the code LLAMA for purchases from companies below which support our mission.   It helps to cover production costs and ensures that our interviews, sharing information about human longevity, remain free for all to listen. -Support the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice.  If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.