Microdosing: Harnessing the Power of Psychedelic Therapy
My First Encounter With The Medicine
It was a friday morning and I decided to pop my first dose of mushrooms.
While I was initially hesitant of what to expect, I figured it couldn’t be too bad, as I felt these mushrooms were kin. Their country of origin was my country of origin; the town name was my surname… the mushrooms and I were kin.
Per the instructions on the package, I started on an empty stomach and worked through my morning routine - a little bit of mindful movement followed by a brief meditation, then a shower, before finally jumping onto my computer for work.
30 minutes later, I found myself cuddled into a little ball, trying to figure out what to do next.
The feeling wasn’t one of being “on” something. Rather it was a knowing that I was more relaxed than normal. It was as if I was trying to pretend that I wasn’t calm, a feeling that I didn’t recognize at that time as non-resistance.
Shortly after, the effects waned and I decided to go out for my daily matcha.
The next day, I took my second dose, and again I felt myself incredibly relaxed. This time, my sister was dosing with me, and we found ourselves simply enjoying our morning. When I asked her how she felt, she exclaimed…
“It’s weird. It’s like everything is the same, but different.”
We both laughed and laughed some more. We spent the morning watching television, taking it slow, and laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
The third day, we continued on with the same dose and ventured out into the world.
While we sat and waited for breakfast to arrive at our table, we simply observed the brevity of it all. The slowness of it all, the gentleness of the world around us. When our meal came NOT as expected, we fixed it, plopping our pancakes together as tears streamed down my face at the unexpectedness of it all.
As we sat, we sang. As we ate, we laughed.
We moved in slow motion as we watched the world moving in slow motion around us.
That is what it felt like. It was as if the world slowed down. The thoughts racing in my head were taking a siesta and there was only the rarely-present, ever-present experience of NOW. There was a brevity and lightness to everything. It was all the same, but different.
And beautiful.
The History of Mushrooms
The first written account of mushroom journeys was from a famous article in Life Magazine. In this article, two Americans ventured into Oaxaca in search of mushrooms and it was there that they met the curandera Maria Sabina, known as Eva Mendez at the time.
Maria was a curandera, a healer, a shaman, who lived in a small Mazatec village, Huautla de Jiménez, in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. And it was there were she used mushrooms in ceremony to help people in and around her community heal.
In the years since this article was published, people have travelled to Mexico for mushroom journeys.
Research continues regarding micro-dosing for mental health disorders as well.
While the jury is still out on whether or not micro-dosing is beneficial for overall wellbeing, and at what doses, I can 100% say that for that little blip in time, nothing else mattered.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing involves the practice of consuming small doses of psychedelic substances such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) or psilocybin mushrooms on a regular basis. Unlike traditional, full-dose psychedelic experiences that can result in profound alterations of consciousness, microdosing aims to achieve subtle effects that are not typically perceptible.
The goal of microdosing is to harness the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, such as enhanced mood, creativity, focus, and overall well-being, without experiencing the intense effects associated with higher doses. Microdosers often follow a regimen of taking tiny doses – typically one-tenth to one-twentieth of a recreational dose – every few days or on a schedule tailored to their specific needs.
Microdosing can be beneficial in that this approach is gentle yet consistent enough to boost brain function, potentially leading to longer-term positive changes in mood, cognition, and behavior.
Benefits of Microdosing
Increased Energy
Increased Productivity
Increased Creativity
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Enhanced Focus
Who Can Benefit from Microdosing?
Microdosing has recently gained popularity among individuals looking to enhance various aspects of their lives. While there can be many contraindications and individuals who should NOT participate in microdosing, there are several groups of people who may find microdosing beneficial:
Creatives: Many artists, writers, musicians, and other creative professionals have reported increased creativity, focus, and productivity while microdosing. The subtle effects of microdosing can help unlock new insights, break through creative blocks, and enhance problem-solving abilities.
Students and Researchers: Students and researchers may benefit from microdosing as a tool for cognitive enhancement and academic performance. Microdosing has been associated with improved learning, memory, and information processing, making it potentially useful for studying, writing, and critical thinking.
Individuals with Mood Disorders: Some individuals with mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD may find relief from symptoms through microdosing. Preliminary research suggests that microdosing psychedelics may have antidepressant effects and may be a promising alternative or complement to conventional treatments.
People Seeking Personal Growth: Microdosing can be a tool for self-exploration, personal growth, and spiritual development. Many microdosers report enhanced emotional insight, mindfulness, and a greater sense of connection to themselves and others, leading to improved well-being and a deeper sense of purpose.
Individuals with Chronic Pain or Fatigue: Microdosing may offer relief from chronic pain, fatigue, and other physical symptoms. While more research is needed in this area, some research suggest that microdosing can help reduce pain, increase energy levels, and improve overall quality of life for individuals with chronic health conditions.
Those Interested in Preventative Health: Some individuals use microdosing as a proactive measure to support overall health and well-being. By promoting neuroplasticity, neurogenesis (the creation of new brain neurons), and stress resilience, microdosing may help protect against age-related cognitive decline and improve overall brain health over time.
It's important to note that microdosing is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its effects can vary widely from person to person. Additionally, microdosing is still a relatively new practice, and there are potential risks and legal considerations to be aware of. Individuals considering microdosing should consult with a healthcare professional and approach the practice with caution, mindfulness, and an understanding of both benefits and risks involved.
Who Should NOT Participate in Microdosing?
While microdosing may offer potential benefits for some individuals, it may not be suitable for certain individuals due to potential risks and contraindications. These include:
Individuals with a History of Psychiatric Disorders: People with a history of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis should avoid microdosing. Psychedelic substances can exacerbate symptoms and may lead to adverse psychological reactions or psychotic episodes.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid microdosing, as the effects of psychedelic substances on fetal development and infant health are not well known. There is a risk of harm to the developing fetus or nursing infant, and it is not worth the potential risks.
People with Heart Conditions or High Blood Pressure: Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, cardiovascular problems, or high blood pressure should avoid microdosing. Psychedelics can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This could potentially worsen existing heart conditions or lead to other cardiovascular complications.
Those Taking Medications with Contradictory Effects: Certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other psychiatric medications may interact with psychedelic substances and increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Individuals with a History of Substance Abuse: People with a history of substance abuse or addiction should avoid microdosing. Microdosing may trigger cravings, relapse, or exacerbate other underlying addiction issues.
Minors: Microdosing is not recommended for individuals under the age of 18, as the long-term effects of psychedelic substances on developing brains are not well known. Additionally, legal and ethical considerations may prevent minors from accessing psychedelic substances for microdosing purposes.
People in Unstable Mental or Emotional States: Individuals who are currently experiencing acute mental or emotional distress, such as severe depression, anxiety, or trauma, should avoid microdosing. Psychedelic substances can amplify emotions and can exacerbate psychological symptoms in individuals.
It's important to prioritize safety and well-being when considering microdosing. Like with any new medication or supplement, consult with your healthcare professional before beginning any new routine.
Will I try it again? Definitely.
Will it be a regular part of my routine? The jury is still out.