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04/Mar/2024

In the never-ending quest for more effective mental health treatments, a centuries-old compound is re-emerging with potential to revolutionize the field. Psilocybin—known for its presence in “magic mushrooms”—is at the heart of a new wave of psychotherapy, proving to be an intriguing addition to the toolkit of psychiatrists and mental health professionals. This blog post will explore the advancements in assisted psilocybin psychotherapy, shedding light on its potential, current state, and future trajectory.

Understanding Psilocybin Psychotherapy

Unlocking the Substance

Initially introduced to the masses by indigenous cultures, psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain mushrooms. It became widely known in the West during the counterculture movement of the 1960s, only to be banned in many countries following stricter categorization of substances. Despite this, research persisted underground and in more permissive regions.

Delving into the Psychedelic Experience

When correctly administered in a controlled environment, psilocybin produces powerful psychological effects, including a profoundly altered state of consciousness. This experience, often described as “psychedelic,” can involve euphoria, introspective insights, and a sense of interconnectedness with the universe. In the context of therapy, this altered state is approached with intention, guiding patients through a process of self-reflection and emotional healing.

Benefits of Assisted Psilocybin Therapy

Mental Health Improvements

Research indicates that psilocybin therapy has the potential to significantly alleviate symptoms in various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The therapy’s effects are reported to be enduring, with some studies showcasing a single dose’s ability to induce a lasting positive shift in mood and outlook.

Treatment-Resistant Conditions

One of the most promising aspects of psilocybin therapy is its ability to aid individuals who are resistant to traditional treatment. In the realm of depression, where conventional approaches can fail a significant portion of patients, psilocybin might provide a much-needed alternative path toward healing.

Holistic Healing Approach

Assisted psilocybin therapy is more than just a psychological experience; it’s frequently described as a spiritually significant event. Its holistic approach addresses the interconnected nature of mental, emotional, and sometimes even physical well-being, leading to a more comprehensive healing process.

Current Research and Studies

Groundbreaking Discoveries

Recent studies on psilocybin therapy have provided compelling evidence of its effectiveness. For instance, a landmark study at Imperial College London revealed that patients with treatment-resistant depression experienced substantial reductions in depressive symptoms after two doses of psilocybin. Other research explores its potential for smoking cessation and even end-of-life anxiety in terminally ill patients.

Clinical Trials and Methodologies

To legitimize its medical application, psilocybin therapy is undergoing rigorous clinical trials. These trials employ a blend of traditional psychological support alongside carefully structured doses of psilocybin, ensuring the patients’ safety and maximizing the therapeutic experience.

Challenges and Considerations

Legal and Ethical Hurdles

Despite growing evidence of its benefits, psilocybin’s societal and legal status presents significant barriers. Its current classification as a Schedule I substance in the United States, for example, places tight restrictions on its use and research. There are also ethical considerations surrounding its use in therapy and accessibility to patients in need.

Integration into Mainstream Healthcare

For psilocybin therapy to reach its full potential, it must find acceptance within mainstream healthcare systems. This involves not only changing legal frameworks but also navigating the cautious medical landscape wary of its past associations with recreational use.

Future Outlook

Potential Impact on Mental Health Treatment

Should psilocybin therapy continue to demonstrate positive outcomes, it has the potential to reshape mental health treatment paradigms. Its possible use alongside, or in place of, traditional psychiatric medications is a promising avenue, offering a different approach for people who do not respond to conventional treatments.

Opportunities for Further Research and Development

The future of psilocybin therapy lies in extensive further research, exploring dosing regimens, the optimal therapeutic settings, and the full scope of its potential applications. Additionally, there’s room for the development of supportive technologies and treatment protocols addressing patients’ post-therapy integration and aftercare.

Conclusion

The recent advancements in assisted psilocybin psychotherapy mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of mental health care. While it faces significant hurdles, the accumulating evidence of its therapeutic capabilities, combined with the growing cultural openness to alternative healing modalities, suggests a bright future. The potential to uplift countless individuals from the trenches of mental health struggles underscores the importance of continuing the conversation and research around this potentially game-changing form of therapy. With the right support and approach, psilocybin therapy could stand as a beacon of hope for those in need of relief from the burdens of the mind.

For ongoing clinical trials and an in-depth look at psilocybin assisted therapy check out the work being done at Compass Pathways

Here are a few centres offering psilocybin assisted therapy:

Empire Psychotherapy 
Numinus
Dr. Erica Zelfand N.D.

Check out my article on Psilocybin and the Default Mode Network Click Here


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04/Dec/2023

Have you ever seen those circular bruises on the back of athletes’ shoulders and wondered how they got there? Chances are, they’re the result of a practice known as cupping. Cupping therapy is an age-old form of alternative medicine, originating from ancient Chinese and Egyptian cultures. The practice involves creating suction on the skin using cups, which pulls the skin upwards and increases blood flow to the area. This is believed to help mobilize blood flow, promoting healing and relieving muscle tension.

There are various types of cupping therapy, each with its unique benefits and applications. In this article, we’ll delve into three main types: flame cupping, vacuum cupping, and sliding cupping. We’ll explore their characteristics, benefits, scientific research backing their effectiveness, and the potential risks involved.

Flame Cupping

Flame cupping, also known as fire cupping, is the traditional method of cupping therapy. It involves soaking a cotton ball in alcohol, setting it alight, and then placing it inside a glass cup. The fire consumes the oxygen inside the cup, creating a vacuum as it cools, which causes the cup to stick to the skin and draw it upwards.

Research suggests that flame cupping can assist in pain management, inflammation reduction, and promote relaxation. A study published in PLoS ONE found that patients with chronic neck pain reported significant pain relief after undergoing flame cupping therapy.

However, there are risks associated with flame cupping, including burns, skin infection, and temporary skin discolouration. Therefore, it’s crucial to have this procedure performed by a trained professional.

Naturopathic Pain Management Cupping

Vacuum Cupping

Vacuum cupping, also called mechanical or suction cupping, uses a hand-held pump to create the suction effect instead of heat. This method offers more control over the amount of suction and will avoid the potential to cause burns.

Research indicates that vacuum cupping can be beneficial for conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic back pain. A systematic review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that vacuum cupping significantly reduced pain in people with fibromyalgia compared to no treatment.

While vacuum cupping is generally safer than flame cupping, potential side effects include bruising, discomfort during the procedure, and minor skin irritation.

Slide Cupping

Slide cupping, or moving cupping, involves applying oil to the skin, creating suction in the cup, and then sliding the cup around the affected area. This technique is often used for treating large muscle groups and is particularly popular among athletes for recovery.

A study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine reported that slide cupping could improve range of motion and decrease perceived muscle soreness in athletes.

Slide cupping shares similar risks with the other types, including possible skin irritation and discolouration.

How it works

The primary goal of cupping therapy is to enhance circulation, help relieve pain, remove “heat,” and pull out the toxins that linger in your body’s tissues. It’s believed that the suction from the cups lifts the skin and underlying tissues, leading to increased blood and lymph flow. This fresh influx of blood nourishes and repairs the targeted area, promoting healing and relaxation.

From a scientific perspective, cupping therapy may improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and activate the immune system. The vacuum created by the cup stimulates the nervous system, which can increase blood circulation and reduce pain.

Conditions

Several studies suggest that cupping therapy may be beneficial for a variety of health conditions:

  1. Chronic Pain: A systematic review of 135 studies found evidence that cupping therapy can effectively reduce chronic neck and lower back pain.
  2. Cardiovascular Diseases: Some researchers suggest that cupping could help manage cardiovascular diseases by improving blood flow. However, more research is needed in this area.
  3. Respiratory Diseases: Cupping is traditionally used in the treatment of respiratory diseases like the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Scientific evidence supporting this use is limited but growing.
  4. Skin Diseases: Anecdotal evidence suggests that cupping may help with acne, herpes zoster, and other skin diseases. More rigorous studies are needed to confirm these effects.

It’s worth noting that cupping has been associated with some risks, particularly when done without proper training or hygiene. The most common side effects include bruising, skin irritation, and mild discomfort. More serious complications, such as infections or bleeding, are relatively rare but can occur, particularly with wet cupping. Additionally, cupping is not recommended for everyone, particularly pregnant women, people with bleeding disorders, or people taking blood thinners.

Check out more Naturopathic solutions to chronic pain Here

Conclusion

Cupping is an ancient therapy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, but it remains a relatively mysterious and controversial practice in the West. While cupping has been associated with some potential benefits, including pain relief, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and effectiveness. Additionally, cupping does carry some risks, particularly when done without proper training or hygiene. If you’re considering cupping as a therapy, it’s important to do your research and work with a qualified practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.

For more information on Cupping Click Here

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18/Sep/2023

If you’ve ever experienced a sports injury, car accident, or slip and fall, you know the pain and frustration it can cause. It can take weeks, months, or even years to fully recover from an injury, and sometimes traditional methods such as rest, ice, and medication are not enough. Fortunately, technology has evolved, and there are new treatments available to help accelerate the healing process. One of those treatments is laser therapy. If you’ve ever wondered how laser therapy works for injury recovery, then you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore what laser therapy is, how it works, and its benefits.

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy, cold laser, or photobiomodulation therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. The therapy involves the use of a low-level laser, which emits light at a specific wavelength that penetrates the skin and targets the affected area. Unlike conventional lasers used in surgery or cosmetic treatments, low-level lasers do not produce heat, so they’re safe and painless.

How does Laser Therapy Work?

Laser therapy works by stimulating the body’s cells to produce more energy. When the light energy from the laser penetrates the skin, it’s absorbed by the cells and converted into cellular energy. This energy is used to repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. The light energy also activates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that’s essential for cellular function. When cells have more ATP, they’re better equipped to carry out their functions and repair damaged tissues.

Benefits of Laser Therapy for Injury Recovery

Laser therapy has a multitude of benefits for injury recovery. The therapy helps to reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of pain and stiffness. By reducing inflammation, laser therapy can improve range of motion, decrease pain, and enhance overall mobility. Additionally, laser therapy stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that’s essential for tissue repair. By increasing collagen production, laser therapy can help speed up the healing process and improve tissue health.

Another benefit of laser therapy is the absence of side effects. Unlike medication or surgery, there are no adverse side effects associated with laser therapy. It’s safe, painless, and non-invasive. Moreover, the treatment is quick and easy, with most sessions lasting between 5-15 minutes. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.

Fibromyalgia

Research on Laser for Sport Injury Recovery

Laser therapy has shown considerable promise in treating sports injuries. A study from the International Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine found that Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) was 65.9% effective in treating all sports injuries.

A SPIE Digital Library publication emphasized the effectiveness of Low-Intensity Laser Therapy in treating various musculoskeletal pathologies. Similarly, research from the Journal of Laser Applications suggested that athletes with sports-related injuries returned to their sports faster after treatment with low-energy lasers.

A triple-blind, sham-controlled study found that LLLT facilitated superficial wound healing, although results varied concerning its effectiveness in treating pain and restoring function in musculoskeletal injury or disease. A study on tendinopathy published on the Liebert Pub website reported benefits from low power laser sources in treating tendon and sports injuries.

Overall, these studies suggest that laser therapy, particularly LLLT, can be an effective treatment for sports injuries.

I Have found LLLT to be very effective in treating arthritis, tendonitis and other related injuries in as little as 5 treatments.

Research on Laser for Neurological Injury

A study published on the Wiley Online Library revealed that different wavelengths of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) could affect functional recovery in injured peripheral nerves and traumatic brain injury in mice. Another study showed that laser therapy had a positive influence on nerve regeneration, specifically the sciatic nerve in rats after injury.

Research published on Springer highlighted the efficacy of LLLT on neurosensory recovery after damage to the inferior alveolar nerve. Another research paper indicated the positive impact of low-intensity laser therapy on recovery following traumatic spinal cord injury. A Plos One journal article also corroborated these findings, suggesting that transcranial LLLT improved neurological performance in traumatic brain injury in mice.

Further studies have shown positive effects of LLLT on neuromuscular recovery after crush injury in rat sciatic nerve, neuropathic pain relief and function recovery in rats with chronic constriction injury, and skeletal muscle repair.

How to Get Laser Therapy for Injury Recovery

If you’re interested in laser therapy for injury recovery, the first step is to consult with a healthcare professional. A licensed and qualified practitioner can assess your condition and determine if laser therapy is the right option for you. The practitioner will also determine the optimal number of treatments necessary for your condition. Treatments are typically administered in a clinical setting by a qualified professional. The number of sessions can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the desired outcome.

Conclusion

Injury recovery can be a long and challenging process. Laser therapy can help make it faster, easier, and less painful. The therapy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing process, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair. Benefits of laser therapy include pain relief, improved mobility, and faster recovery time. The therapy is safe, non-invasive, and has no side effects. If you’re interested in laser therapy for injury recovery, consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it’s the right option for you. Learn more about laser therapy for chronic pain HERE

References:

  1. Wiley Online Library
  2. Springer
  3. Springer
  4. ScienceDirect
  5. Liebert Pub
  6. Springer
  7. Plos One
  8. Wiley Online Library
  9. Wiley Online Library
  10. LWW Journals

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04/Jan/2023

Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling groggy and exhausted? That’s because our bodies naturally respond to light. In fact, bright light upon waking is essential for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle—not just for one day, but for days, weeks, and even months. In this blog post, we’ll explore why bright light upon waking is so important and how it can help improve your health and well-being.

What Is a Sleep Cycle?

A sleep cycle is the process by which our bodies move through different stages of wakefulness and sleep throughout the night. It’s made up of two main phases: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. During NREM sleep, our bodies are getting ready for REM sleep, which is when we dream. Each night, we usually go through 4–5 cycles of REM and NREM sleep that last about 90 minutes each.

The Role of Light in Our Sleep Cycles

Light plays an essential role in regulating our circadian rhythm—our body’s natural internal clock that tells us when to be awake or asleep. When it gets dark outside, a hormone called melatonin is released into our systems to help us fall asleep. When it gets light out again, another hormone called cortisol signals to us that it’s time to wake up and get going. Without adequate exposure to bright light upon waking, our circadian rhythms can become disrupted—which could lead to poor quality of sleep over time as well as other negative health effects such as fatigue, irritability, depression or anxiety.

Benefits of Bright Light Upon Waking

Exposing ourselves to bright light first thing in the morning helps reset our internal clocks so that we can stay awake during the day and fall asleep at night more easily. This means we can get better quality rest overall! Additionally, exposing ourselves to bright light in the morning may also provide cognitive benefits like increased alertness and improved concentration throughout the day.

How much light is optimal?

A recent study published in Sleep Science and Practice found that exposing participants to bright light of at least 2500 lux for 30 minutes after waking triggered the highest cortisol response. This study also revealed that dim lighting of less than 500 lux did not produce a significant change in cortisol levels, meaning that it was not sufficient for resetting the circadian rhythm.
Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Oregon determined that conflicting with the body’s natural expectations can have serious consequences; exposure to bright light of more than 5000 lux after waking up in the morning disrupted cortisol rhythms, leading to an increase in stress hormones and a decrease in alertness and productivity. The optimal level of light exposure after waking appears to be between 2000-3000 lux, as this amount is both beneficial for circadian rhythm health and does not induce a stress response.
An experiment performed at Northwestern University found that exposure to bright light between 2000-2500 lux resulted in greater alertness and improved performance on cognitive tests as compared to regular office lighting levels. Thus, we can conclude that exposing oneself to bright light between 2000-3000 lux within thirty minutes of waking is likely most beneficial for resetting our circadian rhythms, improving alertness and productivity, reducing stress, and promoting overall wellbeing.

What is the best light source?

The optimal light source to be exposed to upon waking is one that mimics natural sunlight. By exposing yourself to a full-spectrum light therapy, ideally within the first hour of waking, your body will be more likely to respond positively. This type of light therapy helps regulate the body’s production of melatonin and cortisol.
The most effective type of full-spectrum light therapy involves artificial lights that mimic natural daylight and provide a bright white light similar in color temperature to the midday sun. For example, LED bulbs that have a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) are ideal for providing a balanced spectrum of light. Additionally, adjustable lamps can provide an even greater degree of control over brightness levels by allowing users to adjust the intensity according to their own preferences.

Conclusion

Bright light upon waking has been shown to improve both physical health (by helping regulate our circadian rhythm) as well as mental health (by boosting alertness). So if you want to feel more energized during the day and get better quality rest at night, make sure you give yourself some extra exposure to bright light first thing in the morning! Even if it’s only for a few minutes each day—it could make all the difference in terms of improving your overall health and well-being!

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06/Oct/2022

Introduction

You may have seen people getting IV therapy and wondered what it was all about. IV therapy is the administration of vitamins and minerals through an IV, or intravenous, drip. The vitamins and minerals are infused directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This allows for higher absorption of the nutrients than if they were taken orally.
IV therapy has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, migraine, inflammatory bowel disease, and infections. Proponents of IV therapy claim that it can boost energy levels, improve immunity, and help the body recover from illness and injury more quickly. But does IV therapy really work? Let’s take a closer look.

How Does IV Therapy Work?

IV therapy is thought to work by providing high concentrations of nutrients that can be rapidly absorbed by the body. When these nutrients are infused directly into the bloodstream, they bypass the digestive system, which can sometimes limit absorption when taking oral supplements.
The intravenous route also allows for higher doses of nutrients than would be possible with oral supplementation. For example, when taking a vitamin C supplement orally, only a small percentage of it is actually absorbed by the body. However, when given as an IV infusion, concentrations of vitamin C in the blood can increase to levels that are not achievable through oral supplementation alone.

What Are The Benefits Of IV Therapy?

IV therapy is claimed to offer a number of benefits, including improved immunity, increased energy levels, and faster recovery from illness and injury.

Dehydration

One of the most well-known benefits of IV therapy is its ability to treat or prevent dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough water to function properly. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, headache, dry skin, and dizziness.
Dehydration can also cause more serious problems like heat stroke and kidney failure. IV fluids can help rehydrate your body and relieve some of these symptoms.

Migraine

Another common use for IV therapy is to treat migraine headaches. Migraines are a type of headache that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. A study published in 2012 found that patients who received magnesium sulfate through an IV had fewer migraines than those who received placebo treatments .

Cancer

IV therapy is also sometimes used as a treatment for cancer . While there is no cure for cancer yet , research has shown that high doses of certain vitamins and minerals may help improve quality of life for cancer patients and even improve survival rates. Vitamin C, for example, has been shown to kill cancer cells in test tubes . It’s also been shown to reduce fatigue, pain, nausea, and vomiting in cancer patients. Other vitamins and minerals that have been studied include selenium, CoQ10, curcumin, B vitamins, and vitamin D . However, more research is needed to confirm whether or not these nutrient infusions are effective treatments for cancer.

Immune Booster

IV therapy can also be used to boost immunity. If you frequently get sick or feel run down, IV therapy can help give your immune system a much-needed boost. Vitamins C and D are both essential for immune health. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and has been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Most people tolerate IV therapy well and do not experience any side effects. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as bruising or soreness at the injection site. more serious side effects are rare but could include allergic reactions or blood clots.

Conclusion

If you’re considering trying IV therapy, it’s important to speak with your doctor first. IV therapy is not without risks; for example, it can lead to dehydration or an infection if not done properly. That being said, there is some promising research to suggest that IV therapy may be an effective treatment option for certain conditions. If you and your doctor decide that IV therapy is right for you, be sure to choose a reputable provider like myself who has experience administering treatments.

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22/Jun/2022

Intro

Fans of Star Trek probably remember Dr. McCoy shinning his red laser beam on both humans and aliens resulting in miraculous recoveries from disease. It’s funny to think of how accurate this depiction of “future medicine” was back in the 1960’s. In fact from its inception, Star Trek had a very deliberate intention of incorporating scientific fact and theory into its paradigm.

Lasers

Lasers are devices that have fuelled imagination and propagated scientific breakthrough for decades. A laser emits light through a process of optical amplification. What we perceive as a laser beam is highly concentrated electromagnetic radiation which can also be thought of as concentrated energy. Industrial laser beams can be so amplified and powerful that they can cut through metal. Many medical lasers are somewhat less amplified but in many cases can cauterize and cut through tissue with amazing precision and accuracy.

Cold Laser Therapy

In my Toronto clinic we use what’s known as a cold laser. This type of laser is more powerful than a laser pointer used for presentations but less concentrated than those lasers used to cut and burn tissue. When this type of laser is applied on the surface of the body it transmits energy (known as Joules) into the underlying tissue. When tissue is exposed to this type of energy we can see increase in blood flow, metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, neurogenesis and stem cell release.

Laser for Pain Relief

Pain is often precipitated by a decrease in circulation and oxygenation of tissue. Laser therapy works to restore circulation to hypoxic tissue as well as influencing several metabolic processes that decrease inflammation and increase regeneration. Laser therapy treatments are quick (a session typically takes 10-15min) and painless. Laser therapy has been very effective for my patients dealing with both neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain. I have also had success with various neuropathies. I therefore commonly recommend laser therapy as a first line treatment in a variety of conditions for its excellent safety profile and efficacy. For more information or to book an appointment call us today!


dr_shawn

Patient focused integrative health care. Utilizing effective natural approaches designed to be used alone or to compliment conventional medical care.


Information

Address: 225 Duncan Mill Road Toronto, Ontario M3B3K9

Clinic: 416-490-8243

Fax: 416-490-9961

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