psychedelics Archives | Numinous Ways

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Understanding the Come-Up and Come-Down of Psychedelic Journeys

28 February 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores the sometimes overlooked phases of the psychedelic mushroom experience: the come-up (often stressful and uncomfortable) and the come-down (calm and reflective). Analysing 2343 reports, researchers found that early distress often transitions into relief, providing key insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin. These findings can help improve psychedelic-assisted therapy and retreat experiences,…

Exploring Shame and Guilt in Psilocybin Experiences

21 February 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Psilocybin use is often associated with mystical and transformative experiences, but what about the challenging emotions that arise? This study reveals that feelings of shame and guilt are common during psilocybin experiences, affecting nearly 70% of users. While some experience long-term reductions in shame, others may struggle with increased feelings. The key to positive outcomes…

How Psychedelics Reshape Self-Beliefs

7 February 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

How do psychedelics reshape our beliefs? A new study explores the REBUS and REBAS models, showing that psilocybin relaxes and revises rigid negative self-beliefs, leading to long-term improvements in well-being. Researchers found that stronger unitive experiences and increased neural entropy correlated with these lasting changes. These insights could revolutionise psychedelic therapy, making it a powerful…

Exploring the Safety of Psychedelics: What to Know

3 February 2025 posted by Simon

Many people are curious about psychedelics but have concerns about their safety. While substances like psilocybin and LSD have shown promising therapeutic potential, responsible use is crucial. This article explores the safety of psychedelics, including their low toxicity, non-addictive nature, and psychological risks. It also highlights the importance of mindset, environment, and professional guidance. Whether…

The Link Between Psilocybin and Emotional Empathy

3 January 2025 posted by Samira Ghofrani

New research reveals that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, can significantly boost emotional empathy in patients with depression, measured until two weeks post-treatment. This enhancement, specifically toward positive emotions, could transform therapeutic approaches and improve social functioning for those struggling with depression.

The Potential of Psychedelics in Reducing Suicidality Among Marginalised Women

27 December 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A groundbreaking study found that marginalised women with a history of psychedelic use had a 60% reduced hazard of suicidality compared to others. Highlighting both the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and the risks from trauma and substance use, the findings stress the importance of innovative mental health interventions for at-risk populations.

Navigating the Challenges of Psychedelic Experiences

13 December 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study highlights the potential of psychedelic experiences to catalyse major life changes across personal, spiritual, and professional domains. Researchers found that 83% of participants reported significant shifts in values, goals, or relationships, largely viewed as positive. The findings underscore the transformative potential of psychedelics, suggesting a need for more nuanced discussions in therapy and…

Transformative Life Changes Through Psychedelics

6 December 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study highlights the potential of psychedelic experiences to catalyse major life changes across personal, spiritual, and professional domains. Researchers found that 83% of participants reported significant shifts in values, goals, or relationships, largely viewed as positive. The findings underscore the transformative potential of psychedelics, suggesting a need for more nuanced discussions in therapy and…

Psychedelic Micro-dosing for Mental Health

23 November 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Microdosing psychedelics like psilocybin may improve mental health. Researchers found that microdosers are motivated by health and wellness benefits, with lower substance use and higher mindfulness compared to non-microdosers. While promising trends were discovered, these findings highlight the need for rigorous research to ensure safety and efficacy.

Psychedelic Journeys and Psychological Flexibility

8 November 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Ketamine is making waves as an antidepressant, but new research shows it may also slow cellular aging. This study reveals that a short course of ketamine infusions reduced both depression and PTSD symptoms and lowered participants’ biological age. By tracking DNA changes, researchers uncovered promising epigenetic effects, particularly with OMICmAge biomarkers, which may open doors…

Exploring Ketamine’s Effects on Depression, PTSD, and Biological Ageing: New Insights from Epigenetics

1 November 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

Ketamine is making waves as an antidepressant, but new research shows it may also slow cellular aging. This study reveals that a short course of ketamine infusions reduced both depression and PTSD symptoms and lowered participants’ biological age. By tracking DNA changes, researchers uncovered promising epigenetic effects, particularly with OMICmAge biomarkers, which may open doors…

Eploring Psychedelic Experiences in Autistic Adults

25 October 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study examined the impact of psychedelic experiences on mental health and social engagement among autistic adults. With promising results from a single impactful experience, the study highlights perceived reductions in anxiety and increases in social connections. These findings indicate new possibilities for addressing mental health and social challenges faced by the autistic community, though…

Exploring Psychedelic “God” Encounters

18 October 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study compares naturally occurring and psychedelic-induced “God encounter” experiences, revealing similarities and key differences between spiritual moments facilitated by psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, or DMT. The research shows that both types of experiences have profound long-term impacts, often leading to positive life changes in meaning and purpose.

The Science Behind Psychedelic “Peak” Experiences

4 October 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study delves into the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) during DMT-induced peak experiences. By examining how the body’s stress (sympathetic) and relaxation (parasympathetic) systems work in harmony, researchers discovered that this balance predicts the intensity of the spiritual and insightful experiences people report. The findings suggest that a person’s state before a…

How Psychedelics Can Enhance Meditation

27 September 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores whether psychedelics can enhance meditation practice, revealing that regular use, intention-setting, and specific psychedelics like N,N-DMT positively influence meditation for many users. The findings suggest a synergy between these practices, with psychedelics helping to deepen mindfulness, acceptance, and cognitive flexibility in meditation. While promising, these insights highlight the need for more research…

Letting Go of Control and Embracing the Journey

20 September 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores the experiences of patients undergoing oral esketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression. It highlights the importance of preparation, emotional support, and a supportive setting, showing how these factors help patients manage the intense psychoactive effects and improve treatment outcomes.

How LSD Interacts with our Mind and Body

13 September 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study uncovers how both pharmacological (e.g., LSD dose) and non-pharmacological (e.g., mood, personality) factors shape the LSD experience. By exploring how personal traits and current mood impact the intensity of psychedelic experiences, this research holds important implications for psychedelic-assisted therapies.

Exploring Entheogenic Experiences and Spirituality

6 September 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

A recent study explored the spiritual dimensions of entheogenic experiences, finding two main types: mystical experiences and those centred on insights, connection, and positive feelings. These findings offer a nuanced understanding of how psychedelics can facilitate spiritual growth, offering both intense mystical states and more subtle personal transformations. This has implications for individuals seeking spiritual…

The Potential of Ayahuasca in Grief Therapy

16 August 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores the potential of ayahuasca as a therapeutic tool for grief. Comparing its effects to peer-support groups, the research highlights ayahuasca’s unique ability to reduce grief intensity, facilitate emotional release, and even foster a sense of connection with the deceased, offering a profound healing experience.

The Role of Music in Psychedelic Therapy

26 July 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores how music influences the therapeutic outcomes of psychedelic therapy using psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. It explored the impacts of music on patients’ experiences, emphasising its role in enhancing emotions, providing guidance, and promoting openness to challenging experiences.

Psychedelic Retreats for Transformation

12 July 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores the transformative potential of psychedelic retreats, highlighting profound shifts in personal identity and behaviour among participants. Their findings indicate that these experiences can lead to significant personal growth, suggesting promising applications in mental health therapies.

The Impact of Psilocybin Retreats on Anxiety

5 July 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores the impact of psilocybin retreats on anxiety, revealing significant reductions in both state and trait anxiety one week post-retreat. The study highlights the role of mindfulness increases and ego dissolution experiences in achieving these positive outcomes.

The Synergy Between Psychedelics and Meditation

28 June 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores the synergy between psychedelic use and meditation practices. It found that psychedelics can increase mindfulness meditation engagement and that loving-kindness meditation can buffer against challenging psychedelic experiences. These insights could enhance the effectiveness of psychedelic retreats.

The Impact of Psychedelic and Near-Death Experiences on Attitudes Towards Death

7 June 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study explores how psychedelic and near-death experiences transform attitudes towards death. Findings reveal both experiences significantly reduce fear of death and enhance spiritual significance, with ayahuasca and DMT showing particularly strong positive effects. This research offers promising implications for therapeutic applications in addressing end-of-life anxiety.

Psychedelics Show Promise in Treating OCD Symptoms

31 May 2024 posted by Samira Ghofrani

This study reveals that classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can significantly reduce OCD symptoms. The research highlights the importance of dose and the intensity of the psychedelic experience in achieving therapeutic benefits, suggesting a promising alternative for OCD treatment.

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