In the August 2011 of Journal of Psychosomatic Research Easter and Watt report their findings from an elegant, albeit small study of paranormal healing on pain of arthritis patients . Such studies may be relevant, not least because this population uses alternative treatments for symptom control more frequently than any other patient group . Easter and Watt show that healing is ineffective, i.e., it is no better than no intervention in terms of improving general health or reducing pain. Belief in healing also did not affect the outcome. Yet a medium to large effect was noted for participants who were aware of receiving the verum treatment. This suggests that patients’ awareness of being treated maximises the placebo effect.