Placebo effects are notable demonstrations of mind-body interactions. During pain perception, in the absence of any treatment, an expectation of pain relief can reduce the experience of pain-a phenomenon known as placebo analgesia.

The Effects of Nature Images on Pain in a Simulated Hospital Patient Room, HERD 2010 Spring;3(3):42-55

•Background: Views of nature have been reported to relieve stress and pain, making nature an ideal medium for use in healthcare settings. In hospitals whose design does not allow for a view of nature, virtual and surrogate views of nature may be viable therapeutic options.

•Objective: This study tests the effects of specific nature images, as defined by Appleton's prospect refuge theory of landscape preference, on participants experiencing pain.

 •Conclusions: Although there was no clear "most" therapeutic image, the mixed prospect and refuge image showed significant potential to reduce sensory pain.