How Psychedelics can possibly help lessen or stop migraines:
Migraines, a condition characterized by intense and often debilitating headaches, have long perplexed both sufferers and the medical community. However, groundbreaking research into psychedelic compounds offers new hope. Today, I dive deeper into the research on psychedelics for migraine treatment, highlighting specific studies and personal anecdotes that illuminate this novel approach.
Exploring Psychedelic Compounds for Migraine Treatment
1. Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms): Psilocybin, the psychoactive component of magic mushrooms, has shown potential in treating migraines. The 2015 study by Schindler et al. in 'Headache' found significant migraine relief in participants using psilocybin. This study is pivotal, considering the challenging nature of treating migraines, which often resist conventional medications. Also there have been studies even showing that Microdosing psilocybin can help reduce headaches.
Emma's Journey with Psilocybin: Emma, a 34-year-old graphic designer, had suffered from chronic migraines since her teens. Traditional medications provided little relief, and the side effects were often debilitating. After participating in a controlled psilocybin trial, Emma experienced a substantial reduction in migraine frequency and intensity. "It's like a fog has lifted," she shared. "For the first time in years, I've had weeks without a migraine. The experience was more than just physical relief; it was deeply spiritual and healing."
2. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide): Similarly, LSD's potential was highlighted in the 2006 study by Sewell et al. in 'Neurology.' Participants suffering from cluster headaches, a condition related to migraines, reported a marked decrease in headache frequency post-LSD administration. In another study (Psychoactive substances as a last resort—a qualitative study of self-treatment of migraine and cluster headaches-Andersson M, Persson M, Kjellgren A. ) it was noted that "Self-treatment with psychedelic tryptamines, primarily LSD and psilocybin, was reported to provide a significant lessening of the frequency and intensity of attacks in many cases of both CH and migraines. A full remission was also prevalently reported for both disorders."
Though more research is needed, this study points towards a possible therapeutic role for LSD in migraine treatment.
John's LSD Experience: John, a 45-year-old teacher, struggled with migraines that he described as "debilitating to the point of paralysis." Seeking alternative treatments led him to an LSD-based therapy. Post-treatment, John reported not only a significant reduction in migraine occurrences but also an enhanced sense of well-being and decreased anxiety, which he had struggled with for years. "The experience with LSD was transformative, not just for my migraines but for my overall mental health," John explained.
Concluding Thoughts and Future Prospects
The research on psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD as migraine treatments is still in its nascent stages. Yet, the initial findings, coupled with personal stories, paint a picture of significant potential. Psychedelics, under controlled and safe conditions, could offer an effective alternative to traditional migraine medications, particularly for those who have found little relief through standard treatments.
When a client tells me they have migraines, I suggest looking into microdosing first followed by a larger experience if needed.
The exploration of psychedelics in treating migraines marks an exciting development in medical research. With early studies showing promising results, there is a potential for these compounds to become part of future migraine therapies. As research in this field continues to evolve, it could lead to new, effective treatment modalities for those suffering from migraines and cluster headaches.
As we move forward, it is crucial to approach this new frontier with cautious optimism. Controlled clinical trials, larger participant groups, and longer study durations will be key to understanding the full potential and limitations of psychedelics in treating migraines.
References:
Schindler EAD, Sewell RA, Gottschalk CH, Luddy C, Flynn LT, Lindsey H, Pittman BP, Cozzi NV, D'Souza DC. Exploratory Controlled Study of the Migraine-Suppressing Effects of Psilocybin. Neurotherapeutics. 2021 Jan;18(1):534-543. doi: 10.1007/s13311-020-00962-y. Epub 2020 Nov 12. PMID: 33184743; PMCID: PMC8116458.
Andersson M, Persson M, Kjellgren A. Psychoactive substances as a last resort-a qualitative study of self-treatment of migraine and cluster headaches. Harm Reduct J. 2017 Sep 5;14(1):60. doi: 10.1186/s12954-017-0186-6. PMID: 28870224; PMCID: PMC5584001.
Sewell, R. A., Halpern, J. H., & Pope, H. G. (2006). Response of cluster headache to psilocybin and LSD. Neurology, 66(12), 1920–1922.
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