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

Blog Archive

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

Psychedelics for Enhanced Well-Being in Older Adults

Discover how psychedelic therapy in communal settings significantly enhances well-being, especially in older adults, highlighting the power of social connections and tailored interventions.

Samira Ghofrani 10 May 2024

MDMA and LSD Group Therapy for Complex Trauma Treatment

See how MDMA and LSD are being used in Swiss clinical practices to revolutionise the treatment of severe trauma-related disorders, offering new hope for recovery.

Samira Ghofrani 3 May 2024

The Paradox of Letting Go in Psychedelic Experiences

At a Numinous Ways retreat, Ben is guided by Sam, a facilitator, through the complex tension between control and surrender inherent in psychedelic experiences. While daily life requires control for stability, psychedelic journeys demand letting go to access deep transformative potential. This paradox challenges Ben, as maintaining control can cause anxiety and resistance, yet surrendering without preparation can overwhelm. Through metaphors and dialogue, Sam helps Ben prepare, build trust, and integrate insights, teaching him how both control and surrender can coexist and foster growth.

Sam Bloomfield 3 May 2024

Ayahuasca’s Impact on Childhood Trauma and Therapeutic Growth

Explore the intersection of childhood trauma and ayahuasca use in this recent study, revealing critical insights into how these experiences impact therapeutic outcomes and post-traumatic growth.

Samira Ghofrani 27 April 2024

The Impact of Psychedelics on Personality

Discover the transformative power of psychedelics on personality through a study revealing how these experiences shape us, the role of the setting, and the motivations driving us toward these profound encounters.

Samira Ghofrani 19 April 2024

Ayahuasca’s Role in Eating Disorder Healing

Discover the groundbreaking exploration of ayahuasca as a transformative tool in treating eating disorders, offering insights into a holistic path to healing beyond conventional therapies.

Samira Ghofrani 12 April 2024

Breaking Free: Psilocybin for Tobacco Addiction

Explore Matthew W. Johnson’s groundbreaking study on psilocybin as a formidable ally in tobacco addiction treatment. This insightful exploration not only unveils psilocybin’s potential to catalyse smoking cessation but also paves the way for a revolutionary approach to addiction, blending cutting-edge science with profound psychological insights.

Samira Ghofrani 5 April 2024

The Role of Expectancy in Psychedelic Research

Unlock the knowledge behind how expectations shape the therapeutic journey in psychedelic research in this eye-opening article. As we traverse the landscape of scientific discovery, uncover the pivotal role that participants’ beliefs and attitudes play in influencing the outcomes of psychedelic trials. This exploration not only highlights the power of the mind but also sheds light on the intricate dance between belief and breakthrough, offering a deeper understanding of these substances’ transformative potential.

Samira Ghofrani 29 March 2024

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