Find a recording of this seminar here.

 

A summary of some of the topics covered in the webinar

Psychedelic plant medicine healing has often been appropriated by westerners. Many Indigenous cultures from which plant medicines have been used ceremonially for millennia have been negatively affected by the popularizations of psychedelic plant medicines.

Psychedelics are powerful and not to be taken lightly. Do your research. If you want to work one-on-one with a therapist or guide, ensure that your support person has a good deal of experience with the psychedelic you want to use. And, ensure that your therapist or guide has good training in trauma. It is also recommended that you have good support in your life for integrating your psychedelic healing work: friends, therapist, nature, meditation and body-based practices, etc.

There was extensive research with LSD in the 1940's and 50's with positive results for alcoholism before it and most other psychedelics became illegal in the 19970's. Research into the healing potential of psychedelics began again in the 2000's, with universities such as Johns Hopkins leading the way.

There is hopeful evidence that

• MDMA is very helpful for PTSD; 

• mushrooms may be helpful for alcoholism, anxiety and depression;

• Iboga or Ibogaine may be helpful for opioid addiction;

• Ketamine may be helpful for addiction;

• and Ayahuasca may be helpful for many ailments.

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Psychedelics quiet the Default Mode Network of the brain. The functions of the DMN can be likened to the functions of the ego. Therefore, quieting the DMN allows easier access to the unconscious and the wounds and trauma stored therein. Psychedelics increase connections between regions of the brain that typically do not communicate with each other.

Psychedelics can also help people find more hope in their circumstances. After psychedelic experiences, people tend to feel less isolated and more connected–more connected to other people, to the community, and to nature.

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Much, much more was covered in the webinar. Find a recording of the full webinar here.