![\"Science](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/w_2560,h_1438,c_scale\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1651016646\/magazine\/chemical-compound-Artem_Egorov-iStock-692869882\/chemical-compound-Artem_Egorov-iStock-692869882.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPsilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain types of mushrooms grown primarily in Europe, South America, Mexico and the United States. The chemical has been used for more than a thousand years by indigenous cultures for both medicinal and ceremonial purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the years, scientists and psychotherapists have experimented with the chemical. They’ve noticed positive effects on their patients\u2019 mental health when taken in smaller (regimented) doses, otherwise known as microdosing psychedelics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psilocybin shares a similar structure to serotonin, a hormone that helps to regulate our mood. Because of this structural similarity, psilocybin works along the same pathway. Many antidepressants have been created to make serotonin more plentiful in the brain. And in return, making one feel better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scientists and psychotherapists have noticed positive effects on their patients’ mental health when psilocybin is taken in smaller (regimented) doses.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n However, psilocybin works differently. When psilocybin enters your system, it stimulates your serotonin receptors. <\/strong>This leads to an increase in production of <\/strong>brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Th BDNF molecule stimulates growth, connections and activity, and increases transmission of glutamate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Glutamate is the neurotransmitter responsible for brain functions like cognition, learning and memory. Psilocybin also promotes neurogenesis, the formation of new neural networks in your brain. This allows your brain to communicate with other parts of the brain that it normally wouldn\u2019t have, allowing a new shift in perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about psilocybin, we spoke with Lisa Atlas. Lisa has spent the last few years researching the effects of psychedelics with different dosages. She is currently getting her certification to be a plant medicine facilitator through Third Wave<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Third Wave program works with coaches who want to add psychedelic education into their existing work while learning about the science, legal barriers and ethical practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the age of 15, Lisa struggled with severe migraines, cluster headaches and daily tension headaches. She spent years trialing different medications and found herself constantly battling new side effects at each attempt. With no cure in sight, this eventually led to depression, anxiety and social isolation. Three years ago, she decided to look into psilocybin as alternative medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only side effect I have is that I am noticeably happier.<\/p>\nLisa Atlas, Plant Medicine Facilitator<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n After a few months experimenting with both micro and macro dosing, Lisa started seeing a significant decrease in her migraines. Her tension headaches were also more bearable. She kept up the regimen and now says that her cluster headaches and migraines have decreased by 90%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe only side effect I have is that I am noticeably happier,” says Lisa. “I no longer take my [medication] for ADHD.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The default mode network (DMN) is a part of the brain that is used for <\/strong>different mental activities, <\/strong>including daydreaming, self-reflection and thinking about the past or future. Psilocybin allows unique connections to be formed by calming down the activity of an overactive DMN. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s the domino effect of thoughts, overanalyzing everything,\u201d Lisa says, \u201cconstantly anxious about everything\u2014that\u2019s the chatter in your mind. Psilocybin helps to calm down that mind chatter, allowing you to take a step back and shift your perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lisa compares an overactive DMN to a computer with multiple windows open. \u201cWhen you have a computer that has a million windows open, it tends to slow down or completely freeze, no longer working at an optimal speed or performance,” she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Your mind tends to react in the same way. Psilocybin basically turns off your default mode network, disintegrating and reintegrating everything and basically giving you a reboot effect. Think about it as closing out all your windows and restarting your computer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n With addiction, it all comes back to your neural network. These neural networks can negatively affect the brain so that things like addiction become a habit. And because you\u2019re getting a reward, you\u2019re not wanting to change the habit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are promoting neurogenesis and forming new neural networks, though, it makes it easier for someone to go down another path and shift perspective to see how addiction is both harmful to yourself and others. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Psilocybin helps to calm down mind chatter, allowing you to take a step back and shift your perspective.<\/p>\nLisa Atlas, Plant Medicine Facilitator<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Lisa explains, \u201cThese neuropathways you have been using your whole life are so deeply ingrained in your brain, which is why you do stuff subconsciously. It\u2019s why you have habits, and it\u2019s why you do stuff without thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lisa admits that one of the positive side effects has been not drinking alcohol, which used to be a large part of her lifestyle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have noticed now that it\u2019s much easier for me to make healthier decisions. Not even making decisions per se, but I want<\/em> to eat healthier and be productive. I want to progress in my life. The motivation that I have is insane. It\u2019s through the roof.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking smaller doses of psychedelics can indeed expand one\u2019s creative perspective. A recent survey of scientific research finds that microdosing psychedelics may have long-term cognition and creativity-enhancing effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the years, entrepreneurs and famous business personalities have come into the spotlight admitting the use of psychedelics to enhance their creative mindsets, solve work-related problems and to create new concepts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Douglas Engelbart, to name a few, have had profound psychedelic experiences. Experiences that have helped them to achieve what they have today. Another profound example is Dr. Kary Mullis who credited his 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to thinking about polymerase chain reactions while on LSD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Psilocybin is legal in a handful of cities throughout the United States. Many people liken the psilocybin movement to that of the cannabis movement in the \u201890s. The legal ramifications are very much in flux with a lot of animosity toward who it will benefit most and how people will profit from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you live in an area where the practice is legal, Lisa suggests that you look for a coach who you trust, has experience and has education on the science. They should know how to administer the drug based on your personal situation, which has a lot to do with your mental state and where you are in your mental journey. Most importantly, your coach needs to be extremely stable and grounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are looking for a \u201cwellness experience\u201d rather than a regimented dosage, Ayahuasca is another alternative approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic in the form of a tea-like mixture. The active chemical, DMT, can affect people\u2019s senses and have hallucinogenic outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The plant itself is not illegal. Although, the chemical DMT is a Schedule 1 Drug in the United States. Thus, most people will attend retreats in other parts of the world, such as the Amazon, where Ayahuasca is administered as medicinal brew. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many westerners have used the Ayahuasca ritual to find answers to personal issues they are facing by seeing things from a different perspective. The experience produces therapeutic effects on those who take part in the ritual and opens parts of the brain that are typically shut off due to trauma or similar experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAyahuasca gives us the ability to look inside to see how we observe reality,\u201d says a source. \u201cWe see our reality through a lens that we create by past experiences. These strong experiences may not necessarily serve us. Most of us have difficulty confronting or even acknowledging or \u2018holding space\u2019 for these experiences. By giving us the ability to see and hold these experiences, we may let go or give a different perspective on how we see your new reality.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about Ayahuasca rituals, we met with Simone Mackay, director of Somah Journeys. Simone works with a team of women who offer a 6-day Women\u2019s Ayahuasca retreat at the beautiful retreat center of Munay Sonqo in Sacred Valley in Peru\u2019s Andean highlands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This women-only retreat is led by Leti Sidris. Additional support is provided by female assistants to ensure a caring space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThroughout the retreat, it is with the highest regard and sense of responsibility that we work to ensure a safe, nurturing space. A space infused with trauma-informed principles and awareness,\u201d says Simone. \u201cWe do this work with integrity. We honor our role as the gatekeepers with steady hands and open hearts. This creates an environment that allows people to go inward and come out feeling empowered.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n By ingesting the plants, we can be brought back into connection with ourselves and Mother Earth.<\/p>\nSimone MacKay, Director of Somah Journeys<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Simone adds, \u201cBy ingesting the plants, we bring back a connection with ourselves and the earth. Mother Nature offers us profound gifts. When we receive these with reverence, it helps us uncover our true nature\u2014which has been clouded and shaped by outgrown habits, conditionings and intergenerational trauma.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n People who have participated in the retreat claim that the equivalent of years of therapy happened within just a few days. They were able to move into deep explorations and come into connection with the earth and her wisdom. Leaving participants feeling transformed and empowered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ve had women reclaim their bodies and grow into more true versions of themselves. In addition, they find they bring more love, patience and care to their relationships including motherhood,\u201d says Simone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior<\/strong>. And that\u2019s why we\u2019re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you! Over the years we have seen an increase in depression, anxiety and addiction. In a fight to achieve better mental health and wellness, many people are looking at alternative remedies…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":9755,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","loftocean_post_format_gallery":"","loftocean_post_format_gallery_ids":"","loftocean_post_format_gallery_urls":"","loftocean_post_format_video_id":"","loftocean_post_format_video_url":"","loftocean_post_format_video_type":"","loftocean_post_format_video":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_type":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_url":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_id":"","loftocean_post_format_audio":"","fallsky_single_post_hide_thumbnail":"","fallsky_single_post_template":"","fallsky_single_post_sidebar":"","loftocean-featured-post":"","loftocean-like-count":0,"loftocean-view-count":6062,"loftocean_post_co_authors":"","loftocean_single_post_author_order":"","fallsky_page_header_layout":"","fallsky_hide_before_page_content_ad":"","fallsky_hide_after_page_content_ad":"","_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1806],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-9752","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-wellness-trends"},"yoast_head":"\nTrial & Error with Microdosing Psychedelics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"psilocybin\"](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/w_1920,h_1029,c_scale\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1651016627\/magazine\/psilocybin-TherapeuticShroom-pixabay-g58f6e8015_1920\/psilocybin-TherapeuticShroom-pixabay-g58f6e8015_1920.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Depression, Anxiety and Addiction & the Default Mode Network <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ray](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/w_1920,h_1280,c_scale\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1651016620\/magazine\/ravi-pinisetti-1zikZJVXSfA-unsplash\/ravi-pinisetti-1zikZJVXSfA-unsplash.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTherapeutic Breakthrough for Addictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Can Microdosing Psychedelics Help with Creativity? Yes!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Psychedelic](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1651016623\/magazine\/psychedlics-dric-pixabay-op-art-gf022fdc15_1920\/psychedlics-dric-pixabay-op-art-gf022fdc15_1920.png?_i=AA)
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Microdosing](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1651016638\/magazine\/microdosing-Roman-Didkivskyi-iStock-1197297868\/microdosing-Roman-Didkivskyi-iStock-1197297868.jpg?_i=AA)
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIs Microdosing Psychedelics for Everyone?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Does Ayahuasca Work? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1651016635\/magazine\/woman-drinking-ayahuasca-Renphoto-iStock-1181740305\/woman-drinking-ayahuasca-Renphoto-iStock-1181740305.jpg?_i=AA)
What Can <\/meta>Ayahuasca be Used For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cup](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1651016643\/magazine\/cup-of-ayahuasca-horkins-iStock-1131567744\/cup-of-ayahuasca-horkins-iStock-1131567744.jpg?_i=AA)
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWomen-Only Ayahuasca Retreats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cool](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1651016631\/magazine\/womens-retreat-pavlyukv-iStock-1328183323\/womens-retreat-pavlyukv-iStock-1328183323.jpg?_i=AA)
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAbout Vacayou<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. But the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We\u2019ve made it much easier for you to search, discover, and book wellness and active vacations<\/strong>. With Vacayou\u2019s Instant Book, your dream wellness getaway is now just one click away<\/strong>.
Start the trip of your lifetime today, with Vacayou<\/a>. We are here to help create a healthier global community through wellness and active travel.
To keep up with the latest wellness trends and experiences, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter<\/a>.
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"