Microdosing Mushrooms for Chronic Pain Management
How did I come to mushrooms as a tool for managing my chronic pain? The answer I give most often is “sheer desperation”. It’s been quite the journey, but if you have chronic pain it might be a story that resonates with you.
My chronic pain started as a teenager with migraines and other unexplainable symptoms. After several years with little to no relief and a growing list of prescription medications, my doctor referred me to a neurologist for an MRI. After the results came back negative, he gave me a food journal and empowered me to take control of my health and advocate for myself as a patient. I quickly discovered the impact of nutrition, exercise, and mental health on my chronic pain and migraines. From here, I built a foundation of wellness and was able to reduce my medications.
I wish the story ended there and I lived happily-ever-pain-free-after. Instead, I found myself in an abusive marriage that caused my pain levels to skyrocket. The emotional turmoil and severe chronic stress caused my nervous system to go haywire. I felt completely out of control and was at the end of my rope. Somehow, I gathered enough strength and awareness to leave the marriage and start my life over at 31.
Building from my foundation of wellness practices, I dove deep into yoga, meditation, therapy, and coaching. My support system propped me up and I found my way back to myself. But something was still missing. I knew I needed to make profound shifts within myself to not only be physically resilient, but also mentally and emotionally. This is where psilocybin mushrooms came in.
I’ve always been interested in alternative options for pain management that is back by evidence and research. When I learned about the ability of psilocybin mushrooms to create changes within the nervous system, I got very curious. At the time there was very little information readily available, so I learned how to grow my own medicine and began experimenting on myself. Through trial and error paired with digging through research, I created a microdosing protocol. And from there, as they say, the rest is history.
I now help others use the transformational power of mushrooms to manage chronic pain, reduce stress, and create profound mindset shifts. Utilizing my training in chronic pain management, health coaching, yoga, meditation, and psychedelic guiding, I am able to provide education and resources to those seeking integrative and alternative wellness options.
If you are curious about psilocybin mushrooms for chronic pain, I’ve put together some information below to help you decide if microdosing mushrooms is right for you.
Understanding Chronic Pain and Its Toll
Chronic pain affects millions worldwide, diminishing quality of life and mental health. Traditional treatments often fall short, leading to a pressing need for alternative, effective solutions. The current paradigm in healthcare is shifting to an integrative approach that not only addresses the physical aspects of chronic pain, but recognizes the impact of mental, emotional, and social wellness. Coaching paired with microdosing psilocybin is emerging as a tool that help manage symptoms and rewire the nervous system to be more resilient.
Microdosing Psilocybin: A Primer
Microdosing involves the intake of very small amounts of psilocybin, usually about 1/10th of a traditional dose, which is enough to induce cellular-level changes without producing overt psychoactive effects. This method has attracted attention for its potential to mitigate various conditions, including chronic pain, without the side effects commonly associated with conventional medications. Once your individual dosage is determined, you can go about your day as normal and will not experience any hallucinogenic effetcts.
The Role of Neuroplasticity
Central to understanding psilocybin’s impact is neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. For example, every time you learn something new, your brain creates new neural connections. Chronic pain can alter the brain's neural pathways, leading to a persistent state of pain as a protective response. Psilocybin, however, has been shown to promote neuroplasticity, facilitating the brain's ability to adapt and potentially revert these changes. This makes it easier to create lifestyle changes that support chronic pain management.
Evidence-Based Research on Psilocybin and Pain Management
A growing body of research supports the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. Studies have demonstrated that psilocybin can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with chronic pain, conditions often intertwined with long-term pain experiences. For instance, a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology highlighted that a single dose of psilocybin led to substantial improvements in emotional well-being and life satisfaction, effects that were sustained over an extended period.
Moreover, research suggests that psilocybin’s ability to enhance neuroplasticity could directly influence the brain's pain processing areas, offering a novel approach to pain management that goes beyond mere symptom relief to address the root cause of pain perception.
The Benefits of Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain
Reduced Dependency on Traditional Painkillers: Microdosing offers a potential reduction in the use of opioids and other pain medications, which often come with significant side effects and addiction risks. (always consult with your healthcare team before making changes toy our medications)
Enhanced Emotional Well-being: By alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, psilocybin can improve the overall quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain, making pain more manageable.
Promotion of Neuroplasticity: The enhancement of neuroplasticity may help in rewiring pain pathways in the brain, offering a long-term solution to chronic pain management.
Minimal Side Effects: Microdosing psilocybin has been reported to have minimal side effects, making it an appealing alternative to traditional treatments.
The Path Forward: Regulation, Research, and Practice
While the benefits of microdosing psilocybin are promising, it is essential to navigate the legal and ethical considerations surrounding its use. Current regulatory frameworks in many regions classify psilocybin as a controlled substance, limiting its accessibility for medical research and treatment. However, the tide is gradually turning, with ongoing studies and changing policies beginning to pave the way for more widespread acceptance and use. It is important for you to know your local laws and how you can safely access medicine.
The future of chronic pain management may very well lie in these natural compounds, with psilocybin leading the charge. As research progresses, it is crucial to continue exploring the mechanisms behind psilocybin’s effects, optimizing dosing regimens, and understanding the long-term implications of microdosing.
Moving Forward
In bridging the gap between traditional and alternative treatments, microdosing psilocybin stands as a testament to the power of innovative approaches in combating chronic pain. As the scientific community delves deeper into the therapeutic possibilities of psilocybin, we stand on the cusp of a new era in medical treatment, one where pain is no longer an insurmountable obstacle but a manageable condition.
Interested in learning more? Book a free consultation with me to see if microdosing is right for you
Citations
Griffiths RR, Johnson MW, Carducci MA, et al. Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2016;30(12):1181-1197. doi:10.1177/0269881116675513
