Understanding the placebo effect in complementary medicine theory practice and research peters d 2001 understanding the placebo effect in complementary medicine theory practice and research. Written in an accessible and engaging style with contributions from leading figures in healthcare it tackles issues of the placebo effect in complementary medicine show less the placebo elicits more passionate debate scepticism and personal belief than almost any other aspect of medicine. The placebo effect is a physiological and or psychological reaction to an inactive substance or procedure 1541 this phenomenon represents a key interface between physiology psychology and . Complementary practitioners promote the idea that their methods somehow switch on self organising processes one of complementary and alternative medicines most intriguing implications for mainstream health care is that doctors should re integrate this aspect of the healing task that we must not only confront established pathology but also learn how better to catalyse the process of healing. Understanding the placebo effect in complementary medicine theory practice and research david peters mbchb drcog mfhom mlcom the placebo elicits more passionate debate scepticism and personal belief than almost any other aspect of medicine