What do you think about unconventional healers and/or the placebo effect?

Take this for instance- Someone suffering from chronic pain has tried therapy, drugs and lots of stuff, and nothing seems to work. Then this person goes to a faith healer or Reiki practitioner (or insert your own non-conventional practitioner) and is suddenly getting better by the session.

~In your opinion, is it just a placebo effect, or is energy really at work?
~Should people who practice this type of healing be allowed to continue?
~Does it not matter if it’s physically evident or a placebo, as long as the person finds relief?
~Have you had personal experiences with this?
~Are there certain practices that you consider legitimate and others quackery? (ex: Neurologist is legit, while a massage therapist is a flake).