Psychedelics, Chronic Pain, and the Promise of Integration
Chronic pain affects millions worldwide, often entangling the body and mind in a complex web of dysfunction. Emerging research on psychedelics offers new hope for this challenging condition, with studies highlighting their potential to disrupt rigid pain pathways, reduce inflammation, and foster neuroplasticity. By integrating these therapies with somatic and touch-based practices, we may unlock a powerful synergy for managing chronic pain.
The Quiet Epidemic of Touch Deprivation
Researchers like Peter Levine, Tiffany Field, and Harry Harlow have illuminated just how essential touch is—not just for babies, but for all of us. It helps us feel secure, grounded, and connected to something greater than ourselves. And yet, the more "connected" we are digitally, the more we seem to lose that vital human-to-human contact.
Announcement: Special Hybrid Course Offering – Ethical Safety and Support Touch for Guides, Traditional Healers, Psychotherapists, and With-nesses Including a Day at the Shulgin Farm
Join our transformative Ethical Safety and Support Touch workshop! Deepen your practice with four online sessions and an immersive in-person day at Shulgin Farm. Sliding scale pricing available. Apply now for this curated interdisciplinary experience.
How Psychedelics and Bodywork Unlock Possibility for Chronic Pain and Trauma
The REBUS model reminds us that the mind and body are not separate but deeply intertwined. Psychedelics may loosen the rigid beliefs that keep us stuck, while bodywork anchors these shifts in physical form. Together, they offer a way to reimagine chronic pain—not as a fixed reality but as a story we can reshape.
How Manual Therapies and Ketamine Can Help with Touch Aversion in CRPS, Fibromyalgia, and Other Pain Conditions
For individuals with touch aversion, the idea of manual therapy or massage can be daunting. However, gentle, skilled manual therapies can actually play a crucial role in managing pain and improving quality of life. Manual therapies include various techniques that involve manipulating the body’s soft tissues. These therapies can help in several ways.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Innovative Treatment Approaches at Unwind Oakland
At Unwind Oakland, we are dedicated to exploring and implementing the most effective and innovative treatments for CRPS. One of the unique approaches we use involves leveraging the neuroplastic window opened by low-dose ketamine with manual facilitation techniques.
The Importance of Collaborative Care for Integrating Ketamine at Unwind Oakland
Integrating ketamine into massage therapy is not as simple as administering the drug and performing manual techniques. It involves a multi-disciplinary approach, ensuring that every aspect of the patient's health and well-being is considered.
Understanding the Polytrauma Triad: A Guide for Massage Clients
Understanding the polytrauma triad is crucial for comprehending the full impact of trauma on the body and mind. Massage therapy offers a non-invasive, holistic approach to managing these conditions, providing relief and improving the quality of life for those affected.
The Role of Massage Therapy in Managing Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a range of physical and emotional problems. It can significantly impact one’s quality of life, affecting work, relationships, and daily functioning. Traditional treatments for depression often include medication and psychotherapy, but complementary therapies like massage are gaining recognition for their beneficial effects.
The Toxic Myth of Toxin Release
There’s a common belief that massage therapy squeezes toxins out of muscles. In addition to being inaccurate, this myth creates a poor relationship to one’s own body and drives sales and rebooking messaging that creates a poor relationship between massage therapists and their clients. What’s really going on?
Psychedelics and Chronic Pain
We already have one solution that might be overlooked in this discussion, however. Ketamine has a long-standing history as an analgesic, predating its recent applications in psychotherapy. Discovered in the 1960s, ketamine was initially developed as an anesthetic to provide pain relief and sedation without the severe side effects associated with other anesthetics
Exploring the Psychedelic Touch: Ethical Considerations and Human Connection
In the realm of psychedelics, where boundaries blur and perceptions shift, the topic of touch emerges as both a powerful tool and a delicate ethical territory. As we navigate this intricate landscape, questions arise regarding the nature of transgressions—is it an ethical issue with touch itself or with the individuals involved?
Unwind Learning is in Massage & Bodywork Magazine!
It is a privilege to have access to publications where Unwind can share with our peers in the massage therapy and bodywork field about emerging topics in research and practice. Recently, Suz authored a blog post for Massage & Bodywork Magazine. Here’s a snippet. Visit the blog to read more!
Wrapping It All Up
In our quest to spread joy and make a positive impact, we've curated a list of 25 thoughtful and meaningful ideas. These include charitable giving to support those in need, sustainable swaps to reduce our ecological footprint, and self-care gifts like books that nurture our minds and souls.
Embrace the Gift of Pause
As the holiday season unfolds around us in a whirlwind of festivities, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all. Between decorating the tree, shopping for gifts, and preparing elaborate feasts, we often find ourselves running on autopilot, neglecting the one person who truly deserves a break – you. In the midst of this chaos, I, your friendly massage therapist, extend a warm invitation to give yourself the most precious gift of all – the gift of pause.
A Cozy Gesture for Your Green-Thumb Friends: Farmers' Defense Sleeves
Imagine strolling through your garden without the usual itchy plant encounters, worries about a surprise sunburn, or the discomfort of clothing that just doesn't get you. That's the magic of Farmers' Defense Sleeves. They're not just protective gear; they're like a cozy winter blanket for your hands and arms. With options like UV-resistant clothing and waterproof aprons, they've thought of everything to keep you snug while you do your thing.
Give the Gift of Relaxation
In a world that often seems to move at breakneck speed, taking a moment to unwind and reconnect with oneself is a precious gift. What better way to do that than by gifting a Unwind Oakland gift certificate to yourself or a loved one? Unwind Oakland offers an oasis of relaxation and self-care, and our unique approach to gifting is something that sets us apart.
Defending Civil Liberties: Supporting the ACLU's Mission
In the ever-evolving landscape of civil rights and liberties, one organization has consistently stood as a beacon of hope and change. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is dedicated to preserving and defending the constitutional rights of all Americans. Its mission, deeply rooted in the principles of justice and equality, is a testament to the enduring fight for civil liberties.
Sacred Serenity: Wildcrafted Palo Santo Protection Mist
Step into the holiday season with the embrace of warmth and tranquility, courtesy of Anima Mundi Herbals' Palo Santo Protection Mist. This exceptional spray is not just a feast for the senses; it's a versatile gem that can elevate your wellness routine. Meticulously crafted with care and love in Northern Peru, Palo Santo, known as the "Tree of Life," takes center stage for its exceptional ability to cleanse and infuse sacredness into any space.
Tilted Shed Ciderworks: Crafting Joy and Justice
In the heart of Sonoma County, where rolling orchards embrace the land, Tilted Shed Ciderworks has been a beacon of craftsmanship and community since 2011. Founded by Scott Heath and Ellen Cavalli, their mission is not just to elevate the apple but to create a haven of natural ciders, coferments, and distillation projects, all sourced from the rich bounty of their local foodshed.