Psychedelic Medicine
Psychedelic medicine refers to the use of substances that have psychoactive effects, such as ibogaine, psilocybin, and DMT, to treat a variety of mental, physical and spiritual health conditions. These substances have a long history of use in traditional medicine and spiritual practices, and have more recently been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction.
The use of psychedelic substances for medicinal purposes can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where they were used in spiritual rituals and for the treatment of various ailments. In the mid-20th century, these substances were extensively studied for their potential therapeutic effects in psychiatric treatment. In the 1950s and 1960s, psychedelics were used in a number of clinical studies and showed promise in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including alcoholism, depression, and end-of-life anxiety.
However, the use of psychedelic substances became highly controversial in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and they were eventually banned in many countries. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the potential medicinal use of psychedelics, and a number of clinical studies have been conducted to examine their safety and effectiveness in the treatment of various mental health conditions.
There is still much research that needs to be done to fully understand the mechanisms of action of these substances. However, the results of early studies are promising and suggest that psychedelic substances may have the potential to be used as an effective treatment for a variety of health conditions.
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For centuries, native cultures of Mexico and Central America have relied on the psychoactive compounds present in hallucinogenic mushrooms to help heal a variety of diseases. Recently, the FDA has identified psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy” in its ability to treat major depressive disorder; and increasingly more evidence is becoming available that supports the claim that these mushrooms are beneficial medicinals.
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Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that is used across the United States for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Ketamine, combined with professional psychotherapy, has been demonstrated as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression and substance use disorders. KAP provides an opportunity to restructure and rewire the brain in order to form new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
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In 2017, the FDA identified MDMA as a 'breakthrough therapy' in the treatment of PTSD. As Phase III trials continue to be conducted, it is projected that this form of psychotherapy, which allows individuals to effectively come to terms with their trauma, will become legalized by 2023. Such a breakthrough has immense potential to revolutionize mental healthcare and offer new hope for those affected by PTSD.
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As an esteemed alkaloid sourced from the West African shrub iboga, ibogaine is renowned for its powerful capabilities to halt opioid addiction. It has more recently been incorporated into Western practices as a potential aid in treating severe cases of PTSD, depression and anxiety. Given its position as one of the most potent psychedelic medicines, this medicinal substance should be held in the highest esteem and respect.
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An entheogenic elixir originating in the spiritual traditions of several South American nations, Ayahuasca is a psychoactive decoction comprised of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). This sacrament produces a period of deep introspection and expansion of consciousness, often when partaken in ceremonial settings with others. Possessing tremendous restorative potency, Ayahuasca ceremonies have been utilized for generations to heal mind, body and spirit.
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Derived organically from the venom of the Sonoran Desert Toad (Bufo Alvarius), 5-MeO-DMT is a fast acting, powerful psychedelic medicine that has the ability to induce ego-dissolving, transformational healing experiences. Along with the spiritual expansion Toad can offer, the compound is highly anti-inflammatory, providing a neurological reset that opens the door for neuroplasticity and rapid healing.
Spotlight Partner: Urku Chaqui
Urku Chaqui Medicine Center
Located in the depths of the Peruvian Jungle, Urku Chaqui (which literally means to walk up the mountain barefoot) is a healing retreat center that specializes in working with Ayahuasca and a multitude of other master plants. Urku Chaqui is unique in that it only offers Ayahuasca ceremonies as a part of a dieta, a traditional healing diet. The dieta involves eating a special diet of no salt, sugar or stimulants of any kind, staying in the peaceful and beautiful surroundings of the majestic Peruvian jungle and getting in touch with the silence inside while being serenaded by the animals, birds and insects of the jungle. The full experience lasts a minimum of 10 days and has the ability to be incredibly healing and transformative.
