“The psychedelic-occasioned mystical experience may function as a salient, discrete event producing inverse PTSD-like effects – that is, persisting changes in behavior (and presumably the brain) associated with lasting benefit.”

- Albert Garcia-Romeu, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University

 

Psychedelic research is showing that mystical experiences are linked to better therapeutic outcomes.

More recently, a survey analysis concluded that “efforts to increase ... mystical insight experiences may be key to maximizing beneficial impact.”

Despite this groundbreaking research, the medical world has largely overlooked the profound healing benefits of a mystical experience during psychedelic therapy for those struggling with mental health issues. The benefits, therefore, are only understood by a relatively small group of physicians in the ketamine therapy field.

For example, dissociation is commonly referred to as a negative side effect of ketamine, when in fact, it is the complete opposite. Dissociation is a powerful and important therapeutic component that may contribute to a mystical experience. While the subjective effects of ketamine may not be necessary to produce therapeutic responses, our experience is that they play a critical role in achieving the maximum efficacy of these treatments. 

In this blog post, we will be exploring the extraordinary potential of mystical experiences during ketamine therapy and discuss how essential dissociation is for therapeutic outcomes.

Mystical Experiences and Their Significance

Ketamine has many therapeutic uses, including promoting biochemical changes in the brain (neuroplasticity or neurogenesis). Here, we’d like to focus on psychedelic and shamanic paradigms where mystical visions are valued, and ketamine is used to purposefully induce mystical and psychedelic experiences. 

The psychedelic and dissociative properties of ketamine make it particularly suitable for inducing mystical states. Unlike other psychedelic substances like psilocybin, ketamine offers a unique balance between deep introspection and cosmic interconnectedness. It allows individuals to explore their inner worlds while simultaneously feeling connected to a greater universal consciousness.

A mystical experience is one of the most fascinating aspects of the hallucinogenic effects of psychedelic therapy and is categorized as one of several non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSC). Some people also refer to these states as altered states of consciousness (ASCs). They are induced when a sufficient dose of a psychedelic drug, such as ketamine is taken. However, they can also arise through alternate healing modalities such as meditation, breath work, energy healing and yoga. These profound encounters with the spiritual or transcendent are often described as moments of deep insight, unity, and connection with something greater than oneself. 

The core features of a mystical experience may include the following:

·      feelings of unity and interconnectedness with all people and things

·      a sense of sacredness

·      feelings of peace and joy

·      a sense of transcending normal time and space

·      ineffability

·      an intuitive belief that the experience is a source of objective truth about the nature of reality

Research studies have shown that mystical experiences induced by substances such as psilocybin and ketamine can have profound therapeutic benefits and have been linked to long-lasting positive changes in personality, attitudes, and beliefs, as well as reductions in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and addiction.

But what exactly is the significance of these mystical experiences? Why do they hold such transformative power?

The answer lies in the ability of mystical experiences to tap into our inherent capacity for spiritual connection and meaning making. 

During psychedelic therapy, the altered state of consciousness facilitated by substances like ketamine opens a doorway to the spiritual realm, allowing individuals to access deep layers of their psyche and confront unresolved emotional issues. These experiences can provide a sense of awe, interconnectedness, and profound insight into the nature of reality, leading to increased self-awareness, empathy, and a reevaluation of one's values and priorities.

In the context of mental health and alternative treatments, mystical experiences have shown promising potential for healing and growth. By exploring and integrating these experiences into therapy, individuals can find new perspectives, inner peace, and a renewed sense of purpose on their path toward mental well-being. 

I believe more and more ketamine clinics will have to modify their ketamine treatment protocols to start inducing altered states of consciousness to meet the demand for this increasingly popular and sought-after component of psychedelic therapy.

On the other end of the spectrum, a few biotech companies are currently rushing to create patentable drugs by removing the hallucinogenic component of these psychedelic drugs, such as with psilocybin and ibogaine. As a result, those valuable elements found in traditional psychedelics, such as alterations in perception, the dissolution of one's sense of self, and most notably, the mystical encounter, may be altogether absent in some upcoming newly developed compounds.

These future altered compounds will likely be most beneficial for people suffering from schizoaffective type disorders, who typically can't take psychoactive drugs to get relief from depression, PTSD and anxiety. Also, by removing the hallucinogenic component from these drugs, the treatment duration length would be much lower (current clinical trial models for psilocybin and MDMA are 6 – 8 hours long). This would allow for more affordability and greater access. Current anticipated costs for psilocybin and MDMA treatments range from $10,000 - $15,000, making this groundbreaking treatment available mostly to the wealthy.

In the meantime, ketamine will remain the legal psychedelic medicinal drug of choice for the foreseeable future, with treatment costs averaging around $3,000 for a foundational series of six infusions.

What are The Benefits of Mystical Experiences?

High enough doses can induce dissociative states, meaning that patients may experience a sense of being out of one’s body, and a disconnection from reality. While some may initially view this as an undesirable side effect of the treatment, there are several benefits of dissociating during ketamine IV therapy and having a mystical experience that promotes healing and growth:

• Reduction in anxiety

  • Dissociation can help alleviate anxiety, as it allows the individual to disconnect from painful or stressful thoughts and emotions.

• Reduced fear response

  • Research has shown that dissociation can help reduce the fear response, allowing individuals to confront and process traumatic experiences more effectively. 

• Improved mood

  • Ketamine therapy has been shown to have a rapid and significant antidepressant effect. Dissociation during treatment may contribute to this effect by allowing individuals to detach from negative thought patterns and emotional responses. 

• Distraction from pain

  • Dissociation can also act as a form of distraction from physical pain, which can provide great relief for those with chronic pain conditions. Also, ketamine has anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to pain reduction. 

• Enhanced introspection

  • The dissociative state induced by ketamine can facilitate a deeper exploitation of one’s inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences, leading to increased self-awareness and personal insights. 

• Increased creativity

  • Many individuals have reported experiencing heightened creativity and enhanced cognitive function while dissociating during ketamine therapy. This can lead to development of new ideas and fresh perspectives on old problems.  

The Science Behind Mystical Experiences

Scientific studies have shown that mystical experiences trigger a cascade of neural and psychological changes in the brain. They can lead to a temporary dissolution of the self, known as ego death, and open doors to new perspectives and insights. The therapeutic benefits of these experiences lie in the ability to break free from rigid patterns of thinking and embrace a more expansive view of oneself and the world.

When it comes to understanding the science behind mystical experiences during ketamine therapy, researchers have been exploring the underlying mechanisms at play. One key aspect is the interaction between ketamine and the brain's glutamate system. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.

Ketamine acts as an antagonist to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is a subtype of glutamate receptor. By blocking the NMDA receptor, ketamine disrupts the normal functioning of glutamate transmission in the brain. This disruption leads to a cascade of effects, including increased release of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

These neurochemical changes are thought to contribute to the altered states of consciousness and mystical experiences reported by individuals undergoing ketamine therapy. The exact mechanisms underlying these experiences are still not fully understood, but researchers believe that the modulation of glutamate transmission and the subsequent effects on other neurotransmitters play a significant role.

Several studies have investigated the neurobiological basis of mystical experiences during ketamine therapy. One notable study explored the effects of ketamine on the subjective experiences of healthy volunteers. The researchers found that ketamine administration led to a significant increase in mystical-type experiences, as measured by the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire.= 

Another study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural correlates of the psychedelic state induced by ketamine. The researchers found that ketamine administration resulted in increased functional connectivity between brain regions involved in self-referential processing and emotional regulation, which may contribute to the mystical experiences reported by participants.

These studies, along with others in the field, provide valuable insights into the neuroscience behind mystical experiences during ketamine therapy. However, it is important to note that the subjective nature of mystical experiences makes it challenging to fully capture and understand their underlying mechanisms.

How To Have a Mystical Experience

Our experience with ketamine infusions clearly shows us that patients who experience mystical journeys during the treatment experience much higher remission from their mood disorders, find more meaning and purpose in life and show improved overall wellbeing. Once a patient has a breakthrough experience in the mystical cosmic consciousness of an altered state, they hardly ever come back to thinking and feeling the same as they went into the treatment. This is where the therapeutic benefits of ketamine really stand out from any other mood disorder medications.  

But how can one intentionally have a mystical experience during ketamine therapy? Even though a mystical experience can not be guaranteed, you can greatly increase your chances by finding a clinic that promotes and practices the following:

• Intention setting

  • Setting an intention is more than just stating your plans for an experience or wishful thinking. It’s a guiding principle that supports you throughout your journey. The focus ushers you towards awareness, resilience, and purpose. Defining your intention before a consciousness-expanding experience is a precursor to achieving your desired outcome while aligning your journey with your core objectives.

• The right set and setting

  • Set and setting are terms used to describe the internal and external factors that can impact your psychedelic experience. In its simplest description, "set", or mindset, refers to your inner state of mind, including your mood, personality, beliefs, and perceptions. "Setting" encompasses everything happening outside of you, such as the room decor, seating comfort, people around you, their behaviors, the music playing, the smells etc.

• Staff bedside manners

  • The therapist or integrator holding space for you during the treatment plays a crucial role in guiding you through the journey by providing a safe and supportive environment. Also, all the clinic staff should have a warm, calm, and welcoming disposition to help patients feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they enter the clinic.

• Receiving a relatively high dose

  • It is important to understand that to have a mystical experience during ketamine therapy you need to reach an altered state of consciousness and dissociate. This requires receiving a higher dose than the standard 0.5mg/kg, or up to around 1mg/kg for dissociation. Unfortunately, too many ketamine clinics still don't value mystical experiences and see dissociation as just a negative side effect.

• Curated Music

  • Music is crucial to the mystical experience and defines the journey of the treatment. Various playlists specially curated for ketamine treatments are of utmost importance and will evoke different outcomes each time. For example, you can listen to the same music with same dose at each treatment and you will have a completely different experience each time. The possible experiences are infinite. Those clinics that go the extra mile to include guided meditation and other relaxing modalities like aromatherapy, set themselves apart and create a much more therapeutically beneficial experience for their patients. 

Integration and Aftercare

The psychedelic journey doesn't simply end after the mystical experience. After a ketamine session, it is essential to set aside time for reflection and introspection. This involves processing the insights gained, integrating them into everyday life, and seeking ongoing support through therapy or support groups. 

Seeking ongoing support through therapy or support groups is highly recommended for individuals who have undergone ketamine therapy. These spaces provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences, ask questions, and share insights. Connecting with others who have had similar experiences can be incredibly validating and helpful in navigating the integration process.

Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet, can support the long-term benefits of ketamine therapy. Engaging in self-care practices, such as meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection can also aid in the integration process and further enhance the therapeutic effects of mystical experiences.

Summary

Mystical experiences are an extraordinary and exciting aspect of the ketamine experience. As an individual embarks on a journey beyond the limits of reality, they may find inner peace, a sense of connectedness, and even relief from difficult mental health conditions. While the exact nature of mystical experiences varies from person to person, they share common elements that can profoundly influence the therapeutic process.

 

What we’ve learned, both from research and from our patients, is that increasing the potential for mystical experience leads to better therapeutic outcomes. Using this research, we offer higher doses, allowing for dissociation and the potential for patients to experience something greater than themselves. This massive shift in perspective is what can give patients fresh insight into their lives and the potential for lasting change.

Author: Alejandro Jackman

The Brazen Word is the personal blog of Alejandro Jackman that was born out of the fascinating insights gained from patients undergoing ketamine therapy at the Ketamine Lounge in Miami Beach and from noticing a very broken healthcare system firsthand. He focuses on changing the narrative about the superior benefits of ketamine medicine and other psychedelic drugs for mood disorders and other conditions. He brings a new perspective to the Western medical world by promoting spirituality as an equally effective and often overlooked therapeutic component in ketamine therapy.

Alejandro is now on a mission to share these stories and perspectives with the public and encourage everyone to question everything they have been taught in mainstream life.