For centuries, many cultures have used natural and psychedelic herbs and compounds to induce a healing experience that goes beyond topical medications. During the last decade, there has been a renewed interest in the healing powers of psychedelics and their role in Western medicine.
As human beings, we are formed by our shared and individual experiences and trauma. When we carry these negative feelings throughout our lives, the stress on our mind and body can manifest in physical symptoms. More dealers than ever before are investigating how to get a cultivation license in California and across the country. This license will give them permission to grow psychedelics that could potentially help people transform their lives. Let’s take a closer look at a few ways that psychedelics are helping people heal.
How Do Psychedelics Work?
Trying to explain what it is like to trip on psychedelics is challenging, as each patient can have a vastly different experience. What is understood is that psychedelics have a significant impact on the neural activity in the brain.
Many studies have been done about the specific effect of psychedelics in the brain. When patients that have taken psychedelics undergo a brain imaging scan, activity can be seen in parts of the brain that are normally not connected to each other. The suggestion is that these substances may encourage a different neural connection than is normal.
Psychedelics also work by activating serotonin receptors known as 5-HT2A. This is a subtype of serotonin that is believed to allow for the alteration of certain realistic perceptions. In plain language, this receptor can allow the brain to experience hallucinations.
Over half a century ago, author and philosopher Aldus Huxley suggested that the brain works by acting as a restrictive valve, cutting us off from conscious awareness. He concluded that psychedelics act to relax this constriction filter on the neural experience. In essence, these hallucinogens may actually be opening up the unused parts of our brain to connect to another level of consciousness.
It has been assumed by scientists for decades that humans only have access to a small portion of the power of our brains. This may be due to the lack of discipline and training that we need to hone the power of our consciousness, or it could be that we become closed off due to the excess of external stimuli in our outside world. Either way, we are now discovering more about the possible brain expansions that are experienced through the use of psychedelics.
When patients are struggling with mental illness like PTSD or addiction, being able to connect to the innermost parts of their psyche can allow for deeper healing. Some patients are able to separate their trauma from themselves and reflect on their experiences from a different perspective where it feels safe.
While many people use psychedelics for recreational enjoyment, more medical professionals are seeing the benefits that a deeper conscious experience can provide to those that need healing.
MDMA for PTSD
MDMA is commonly referred to as Ecstacy. This chemical compound can produce a change in mood by altering the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It can produce hallucinations and heightened awareness and enjoyment of the sensory experience. When used in conjunction with psychotherapy, it has been proven to be an effective treatment for those that are suffering from PTSD. The heightened experience achieved with MDMA can help people to revisit their trauma without feeling the fear and learn how to cope with their experiences.
LSD for Alcoholism
LSD has been used recreationally for decades to induce a higher spiritual connection to the mind and body. Many alcohol abuse patients are able to experience a better understanding of the reasons that they have become dependent and work towards changing their behaviors. LSD encourages introspection without judgment, which is an important part of healing.
Psilocybin for Mind and Body
Psilocybin is a natural compound found in many mushrooms and fungi. This psychoactive substance has been used for many years to help treat people with addiction and depression issues. Patients claim that psilocybin helps to increase their feelings of wellbeing and initiates a healing psychedelic experience. Psilocybin can help to slow the areas of the brain that are overactive, producing a depressed state.
Ayahuasca and Healing
Ayahuasca is a drinkable natural compound originating in South America that can provide a mystical and engrossing experience for users. Many users claim that the intense spiritual experience has connected them closer to nature and their true life purpose. Ayahuasca is used with patients that have suffered trauma to help them unlock their fears and get peace. Many people claim to have hallucinations that allow them to unlock the mysteries of the universe, find their connection to the natural world, and work through their fears to become the best version of themselves.
There are many current studies about the benefits of therapeutic psychedelics. As research continues, thousands of patients can take advantage of the spiritual experiences that can help them heal their mind and body.
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