From the Skeptic's Dictionary -- note the closing remarks, the "see also 'list of 'related articles' (?!?)   

Placebo Effect /

"... In other words, the placebo can be an open door to quackery.

See also confirmation bias, control study, communal reinforcement, magical thinking, nocebo, Occam's razor, post hoc fallacy, regressive fallacy, selective thinking, self-deception, subjective validation, testimonials, and wishful thinking.

For examples of beliefs deeply affected by the placebo effect see the following:

    acupuncture
    "alternative" health practices
    aromatherapy
    bioharmonics
    crystal power
    homeopathy and
    reflexology"