Summery of why Acupuncture can be an important ally in the integration process:
- Promoting neurogenesis.
- Re-patterning beliefs, ideas, narratives, habits, reactions etc.
- Nervous system regulation via physiological state shift.
- Connection to self, body, mind, spirit etc.
- Digesting experiences tangibly.
- Treatments are a safe & supportive space for transformation.
- Registered (licensed) Acupuncturists are qualified health professionals.
In the last decade psychedelic use has become not only accepted mainstream, within Canada it is being legitimized within mental health treatments. Ketamine, MDMA and psilocybin are now utilized in the mental health field. I am not aware of plant medicines such as huachuma, ayahuasca, or peyote available in established health institutions; though these are shared in many circles. What I know is that laws have shifted since 2020, opening space for study and treatment. I will not make distinctions between classes, basically these medicines (or synthetic drugs) mentioned are vastly different in terms of psychopharmocology and physiology. Preperation methods of plant medicines or synthetic alternatives offer wide arrays of experiential potential. However it is you choose to explore: it is important to integrate. Often such experiences are tough to weave with reality. Integration is key and Acupuncture is a potent ally on that journey. To weave a thread of the experience into your orientation with life so the lessons downloaded can become a lived ‘doing’ instead of some far-out idea.
Acupuncture can be supportive in the time leading up to and in navigating after. Treatments will facilitate the individual to connect within deeply as well as digest insights received. One may seek adjacent integrations such as all forms of embodied expression (dance, Qi Gong etc.) massage, meditation, breathing practices and time with nature. Drawing the circle wider now, honoring the ways our ancestors communed with plants, we could: connect with others and tend to relationships, start a song circle, be of service to local community and all else which brings people together in an inclusive, loving way. Acupuncture can elicit new ways of moving in the world, I advise receiving at least several treatments consistently for integration’s purpose.
Acupuncture is by its own right a psychadelic therapy. Shifting physiological state as well as improved mood, re-patterning and feeling blissful are but a few of many treatment session experiences common. This traditional medicine method is based on connection, not dualism (‘mind-body’) or binary constriction. A common experience is a satisfaction of oneness; something psychadelic imbibers frequently muse upon. Being that the medicine involves stimulating certain points on the body, one gains renewal through physically tangible avenues.
I would like to lightly address an aspect in the rise of psychadelic assisted therapy, modern concepts and approaches to plant medicine. We of the western world, find ourselves at the apex of individualism. For all the wonderful tailored promises inherent in this effort (much like the hero’s journey), I believe also lies a deep unsettled rumbling. It may be the first time, in human history, that such individualism exists. Therefore our contextual relationship with plant medicine has shifted so vastly as to de-contextualize the very medicine experienced. I address this with the intention of bringing attention to paths well-worn by animistic ancestors. Cultures the world over did and still do imbibe together as one, for the community and connection with totality.
With this in mind, I would like to invite the one embarking or returning from plant medicine experience to glean something of the historal-cultural context of the medicine. In these fragmented times, I feel it is important to thread history into our re-weaving of personal fragmentation. If there is no way to access historical usage of the plant medicine or perhaps you will imbibe a synthetic version; offering flowers to a local body of water, tree or alcove could be done. Remembering that while the journey will have personal intentions, opening ourselves to wider perceptive fields of relations is human. Earth altars can be another beautiful offering, here is pictured one I have done.
“When undergoing a deep transformative psychedelic experience, it typically requires an extended period of adjustment. Integration is ideally achieved when the experience, its meaning, and its after-effects have been incorporated into one’s life.”
– Natasja Pelgrom, Synthesis Wellness Director and Lead Facilitator.
In terms of addiction, and where one has sought healing elsewhere: returning to the place where those addictive processes were active will be another initiation. Healing within the place, or environment where problems arose, can be very powerful. This is one of the reasons why I speak to the importance of Acupuncture’s place within integration. If you have travelled and return home, support of many types will be necessary. Acupuncture can be a potent support at that time, and it will be one which will heal at a deep, visceral and instinctual place. As Bayo Akomolafe said: “there are things that cannot be reduced to our settled languages.” Acupuncture shifts your physiological state and opens up relationships to self and the world via vast fields of qualitative connection. Resting with our experiences brings forth the opportunity to walk that same street and see it for the first time.
*This article is for educational purposes.
References:
https://acupuncturetoday.com/article/39380-psychedelic-assisted-therapy-a-role-for-acupuncturists
https://www.synthesisinstitute.com/home
https://www.themythicbody.com/podcast/why-mindfulness-isnt-enough/
