The casual words we use every day can have a profound impact on our mind and body — for better or for worse.
Recently, a patient told me that their regular doctor had said something like: “That pain will never go away. You’ll just have to live with it.”
They were devastated.
I told them, “That’s not true — you’re going to be okay.” But I can’t help wishing that people in positions of authority would choose their words more carefully, understanding the weight those words carry.
Another phrase I hear constantly: “Well, it’s just my age.”
Sometimes doctors say it. Sometimes patients say it themselves — half resigned, half self-deprecating.
As I wrote in a previous post, age alone doesn’t determine whether you’re in pain. If it did, everyone the same age would have the same problems — and they clearly don’t.
Kotodama: The Spirit of Words
In Japan, there’s an ancient concept called “kotodama” — the belief that words carry spiritual power.
“Speak good words, and good things will happen.”
“Speak bad words, and bad things will happen.”
The words you speak become an invisible force that shapes reality.
This isn’t mystical thinking — it’s backed by modern science.
In medicine, when you give someone flour and tell them “this is a powerful painkiller,” their pain actually improves. That’s the placebo effect.
Conversely, telling a patient “your pain will never get better because of your age” has been shown to worsen symptoms and deepen their condition. This phenomenon is well-documented in research.
Words change how people think and act — both others and yourself.
Who Hears Your Words the Most?
You do. Always.
I want to be more mindful of my words — when speaking to patients, and in everyday life. I want to choose beautiful words.
Of course, when things get hectic or frustrating, it’s not always easy… I still have a long way to go!
And if you’ve been told “it’s your age,” “it’s your disease,” “your bones are deformed,” “you’ve had this too long,” or “nothing has worked” — and you’ve given up because of those words — please know this:
There is almost always something that can be done. A strategy, a method, an approach worth trying.
We’re happy to start with just a conversation. If something’s troubling you, reach out anytime.
Before You Visit…
Fair warning: our English is a work in progress! (Ha!)
But thanks to the magic of translation apps, we communicate just fine with patients from around the world.
Your body speaks a universal language — and that’s the one we’re fluent in.
