The Science of Psychedelic Medicine with Dr. Erica Zelfand

- The 5 big psychiatric epidemics are: Depression, Pain, Anxiety, Addiction, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). And, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. - 

Traditional models are Psychotropic medications and/or counseling. While widely successful this model may fail in certain populations.  t

Treatment failures might be due to not accessing certain neural networks and possibly psychospiritual levels that might be needed for healing. 

 Because of this Psychedelic Medicine and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy has emerged. 

This traditional medicine now has the science and trials to help understand how to apply in a clinical setting 

In this episode , I am joined by Dr. Erica Zelfand who will guide us through  Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.  She is a perfect guide as she is the instructor of the course called The Science of Psychedelics

 Dr. Zelfand gives us some information and highlights on  MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ketamine.

We learn about which psychedelics impact Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, (BDNF), the Default Mode Network (DMN) which involves the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus and angular gyrus. Also those that act on 5HT-2A receptors, and NMDA-receptors. 

 The effect of these therapies appear to allow the brain to change, access new resources, become more neuroplastic, and gain psycho spiritual insight. Before long psychedelics, will soon be a legalized part of mainstream psychiatry. 

About Dr. Zelfand

 Erica Zelfand, ND is a licensed family physician specializing in functional medicine and integrative mental health. Blending conventional pharmaceutical medicine with nutrition, herbal medicine, counseling, psycho-spiritual work, and other therapies gleaned from her international travels, Dr. Z’s philosophy of healing aims to nourish the whole person. She is also a medical writer, teacher, psychedelic facilitation instructor, and the mastermind behind The Science of Psychedelics, an online training for healthcare providers and empowered individuals alike. She consults with clients across the globe through her practice, Simba Health. 

To learn more, please visit www.drzelfand.com 

Her social handles on - Facebook, twitter, Clubhouse, and linkedin handles are all the same: DrZelfand -

She has been so kind to offer a 15% coupon on her course The Science of Psychedelics by using the code : onething 

at the checkout. 

Resources in the episode

Books referenced -

PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story by Alexander Shulgin and Ann Shulgin’s (phenethylamines)
TIHKAL: The Continuation; A Chemical Love Story by Alexander Shulgin and Ann Shulgin’s (on Tryptamines) - 

Works Cited - 

Flight Instructions Bill Richards : - 

Resources Cited - 

Multidisciplinary Association For Psychedelic Studies  - 

Dr. Robin Carhart Harris , UK researcher on Psilocybin  

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