A Transformative Look into Using Psychedelics for Healing
Psychedelics have been used in spiritual practice for thousands of years and also by many religions and cultures. This form of healing has been used by trained and trusted healers and spirit guides ceremonially and as a medicinal source. The experience gives people the opportunity to free their minds and bodies in an open and safe environment.
During a recent trip to Costa Rica, I had the opportunity to use a wonderful plant based medicine called wachuma. Wachuma or San Pedro is a cactus grown in the Andean Mountains of South America and is traditionally used to heal and can be used topically, ingested or smoked. It is experienced ceremonially with music and prayer according to an article in Cuzco Eats. My experience was profoundly spiritual and I could feel the energy of the universe surrounding me. It was absolute ecstasy and I saw the beauty of nature in a way I have never experienced. It opened my mind and my senses to an enlightened state and taught me to fear my death less as we are returning to the energy of nature from which we were created.
Healers have been using it to help people free themselves from limiting thoughts and open themselves up to new ideas and ways of thinking. According to an article published in the Pharmacological Review, “Psychedelics may be the oldest class of psychopharmacological agents known to man.” A psychedelic experience connects us to something greater, helps us fear our own death less, connects to our ancestors and makes us realize we are worthy at all times. It gives a greater sense of purpose and transcends the often distorted narrative we have created for ourselves. When experienced in a group or ceremonial setting, it brings a sense of connection to one another.
The Dalai Lama spoke to an audience in Tokyo, Japan and shared that, “Human beings are social animals. What brings us together is love and affection—anger drives us apart. Just as we employ physical hygiene to protect our health, we need emotional hygiene, the means to tackle our destructive emotions, if we are to achieve peace of mind.” Working with psychedelics, we see how patients are able to detach from negative thoughts and be able to lead a more peaceful life. This form of growth is beneficial for the individual and allows for a deeper understanding in their relationships.
In an article published in Time Magazine about couples using MDMA to strengthen their connection and communication, a California psychotherapist named Catherine Auman said, “MDMA can build trust, release tension and fear, and erode inhibitions, allowing partners to have hard conversations with compassion and without judgment.” This situation puts couples on an equal playing field where they can talk openly about their feelings and be able to listen with a more present mindset. Finding a way to have healthy communication is extremely important for relationships. In order for this to work, both people would need to be accepting of the experience and receptive to their partner.
In a TEDMED 2020 Talk, Psychedelic Neuroscientist and Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Frederick Streeter Barrett talked about "The neuroscience of psychedelic drugs, music and nostalgia," and described about how the use of music and psychedelics administered under a practitioner’s care can help “heal our hearts and our minds to grow” and to “reconnect us with our most authentic selves.” It is through reconnecting with ourselves that people are more receptive to living a life filled with gratitude and can live in alignment with their values. An article shared by the Harvard Medical School, said that having gratitude “helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.” Our work with psychotherapy gives patients the opportunity to examine their lives to live more mindfully.
At Hampton Insight, we provide ketamine assisted psychotherapy to patients who are looking for a change and are tired of feeling stuck. We offer a personalized approach that is designed to help our patients heal and grow. It is fascinating to observe synaptogenesis, the connections between the neurons and our brains which causes it to grow. “Psychedelics promote spinogenesis—the development of new dendrites in neurons—allowing them to connect with other cells and thus promoting neuroplasticity,” according to an article shared in TheScientist. Neuroplasticity allows our brains to learn and transform our thinking. Administering ketamine provides an opportunity to rewrite the narrative that has previously been told.
The narratives or stories of our lives are being told from our ego. Deepak Chopra, MD writes about the ego and says, “ Everyone must have an ego, an individual “I” that gives you a point of view all your own. “I” develops in childhood and gathers around itself all kinds of personal likes and dislikes, good and bad memories, and ever-expanding desires. This collection isn’t just the baggage you carry through life. It turns into a story.” When we operate from our ego and cannot view life outside of it, that becomes limiting and creates distortions. Many people go through life and believe the narratives we have created and do not question if these are true. It holds us back by thinking about our limitations and shortcomings such as “I am not good at things, I should be doing more, I can't do this, what's the point?, the world can be dangerous etc.” With psychedelics we can learn to leave our ego and realize we are part of a higher power, or the energy of the universe, and that energy we only get to borrow in this form for a short period of time before we die. This is the conflict which drives our ego and our need for petty affirmations, and the attachment to unfairness.
Ketamine assisted psychotherapy is an opportunity to use the elements found in nature to help patients heal and connect with themselves. We use these tools to provide a space for transformation and enlightenment. Patients are able to find a deeper sense of purpose and live a more mindful life.