Numinous Ways

NUMINOUS adj. /ˈnuːmɪnəs/ A term derived from the Latin numen, meaning "arousing spiritual emotion; mysterious or awe-inspiring."

Blog Archive

Psychedelic Journeys and Psychological Flexibility

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 for treating mental health and aging together.

Samira Ghofrani 8 November 2024

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

Samira Ghofrani 1 November 2024

Eploring Psychedelic Experiences in Autistic Adults

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 cautious interpretation and additional research are warranted.

Samira Ghofrani 25 October 2024

Exploring Psychedelic “God” Encounters

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.

Samira Ghofrani 18 October 2024

The Science Behind Psychedelic “Peak” Experiences

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 psychedelic session could influence the likelihood of profound, transformative experiences, ultimately leading to greater well-being in the weeks following the experience.

Samira Ghofrani 4 October 2024

How Psychedelics Can Enhance Meditation

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 on the long-term effects and potential risks of combining psychedelics and meditation.

Samira Ghofrani 27 September 2024

Letting Go of Control and Embracing the Journey

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.

Samira Ghofrani 20 September 2024

How LSD Interacts with our Mind and Body

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.

Samira Ghofrani 13 September 2024

Exploring Entheogenic Experiences and Spirituality

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 development through psychedelic retreats.

Samira Ghofrani 6 September 2024

The Role of Mental States on Psychedelic Experiences

This study delves into how mental states before and during psilocybin use can predict the nature of psychedelic experiences. The research shows that a state of surrender may enhance positive outcomes, while preoccupation with daily concerns may lead to adverse effects. These findings offer valuable insights for psychedelic therapy, emphasising the importance of mental preparation.

Samira Ghofrani 30 August 2024

The Future of MDMA-Assisted Therapy in Europe

The integration of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) in Europe represents a promising but complex development in mental healthcare. This study explored key insights from experts on the regulatory, training, and ethical challenges that need to be addressed to bring this innovative treatment for PTSD to patients.

Samira Ghofrani 23 August 2024

The Potential of Ayahuasca in Grief Therapy

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.

Samira Ghofrani 16 August 2024

The Role of LSD in Pain Relief: Insights from fMRI Scans

This study examined how LSD modulates brain activity related to pain. By using advanced fMRI techniques, the study reveals how LSD could be a potential game-changer in managing chronic pain.

Samira Ghofrani 9 August 2024

Exploring Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy in Canada

This study examined the experiences of Canadians receiving compassionate access to psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Significant reductions in anxiety and depression, along with improvements in quality of life and spiritual well-being, were observed, indicating the potential benefits of psilocybin for patients with severe illnesses.

Samira Ghofrani 2 August 2024

The Role of Music in Psychedelic Therapy

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.

Samira Ghofrani 26 July 2024

MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy on Sleep Quality

This study explores the impact of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on sleep quality in PTSD patients, showing significant improvements in both sleep and PTSD symptoms. These findings highlight a promising new approach to treating PTSD by addressing one of its most persistent and debilitating symptoms.

Samira Ghofrani 19 July 2024

Psychedelic Retreats for Transformation

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.

Samira Ghofrani 12 July 2024

The Impact of Psilocybin Retreats on Anxiety

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.

Samira Ghofrani 5 July 2024

The Synergy Between Psychedelics and Meditation

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.

Samira Ghofrani 28 June 2024

The Potential of Ketamine in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

This study explores the potential of a single ketamine infusion combined with motivational enhancement therapy to treat alcohol use disorder. The findings suggest significant improvements in abstinence and reduction in heavy drinking, offering a promising new direction for addiction treatment.

Samira Ghofrani 21 June 2024

Ayahuasca and Cognitive Function: Insights from Long-Term Ritual Use

This study explores the long-term cognitive effects of ayahuasca, revealing that experienced ritual users show preserved cognitive functions and improved memory. The findings suggest that ayahuasca does not negatively impact cognitive health.

Samira Ghofrani 14 June 2024

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

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.

Samira Ghofrani 7 June 2024

Psychedelics Show Promise in Treating OCD Symptoms

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.

Samira Ghofrani 31 May 2024

Unveiling the use of Ketamine for Treating Depression

This study reveals that the experience of awe during ketamine infusion mediates its antidepressant effects, offering new insights into its therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression.

Samira Ghofrani 24 May 2024

MDMA for Enhancing Social Connection

MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, significantly enhances feelings of social connection, according to a meta-analysis of 27 studies. Researchers found moderate-to-large effects on sociability, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for multiple conditions.

Samira Ghofrani 17 May 2024

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