H-Hour #221 Dr Simon Ruffel and Dr WaiFung Tsang – Ayahuasca Researchers / Onaya Science
Dr Simon Ruffell is a Psychiatrist & Senior Research Fellow and co-founder of Onaya Science.
Dr WaiFung Tsang is a Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of Onaya Science.
This conversation explores the research and therapeutic potential of ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew used in indigenous communities in South America. The discussion covers topics such as epigenetic changes, the long-term effects of ayahuasca, the gut-brain connection, and the involvement of indigenous communities in research. The conversation also touches on the challenges of conducting research in a shamanic and ritualistic context and the perception of ayahuasca research in the scientific community. This conversation explores various aspects of ayahuasca and its impact on spiritual practices, the benefits of plant medicine and Chinese medicine, the availability and variations of ayahuasca, research on ayahuasca-like compounds, the selection of the Shipibo community for retreats, the journey of research and learning in ayahuasca, the Amazon as an unknown cradle of civilization, future research and expansion of studies, exploring ayahuasca and traumatic brain injury, the changing perception of psychedelics in society, Onaya’s website and training programs, and funding and support for Onaya’s research.
Takeaways
- Ayahuasca shows potential for therapeutic use in treating mental health conditions and trauma.
- Epigenetic changes may occur as a result of ayahuasca use, potentially reversing genes associated with trauma.
- The gut microbiome may be impacted by ayahuasca, and further research is needed to understand the long-term effects.
- Involving indigenous communities in research is crucial for a holistic understanding of ayahuasca’s effects.
- Ayahuasca research challenges traditional scientific methods and highlights the importance of the ritualistic and social aspects of the experience. Ayahuasca is being incorporated into various spiritual practices and traditions around the world, including Buddhism and Chinese medicine.
- Plant medicine, including ayahuasca, is often focused on prevention rather than cure, and can provide fast-acting benefits compared to traditional Western medicine.
- Ayahuasca can be found in various regions, and different variations of the plant can be combined to create similar experiences to traditional ayahuasca.
- Research is being conducted on ayahuasca-like compounds, exploring their effects and potential therapeutic benefits.
- The Shipibo community was selected for retreats due to their expertise in shamanism and their deep understanding of ayahuasca.
- The research journey in ayahuasca is ongoing, with a focus on expanding studies and understanding the potential benefits of the plant.
- The Amazon holds a wealth of unknown history and civilizations, with recent discoveries of ancient cities and civilizations.
- Future research aims to explore the impact of ayahuasca on traumatic brain injury and expand studies to include different populations, such as elite sports athletes.
- The perception of psychedelics is shifting, with increased acceptance and research in the field, leading to the establishment of psychedelic research departments in universities.
- Onaya offers training programs and courses for individuals interested in exploring psychedelics, psychology, spirituality, and shamanism.
- Onaya relies on donations and funding to support their research and continue their independent work.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
03:02Meeting and Ayahuasca Research
07:10Epigenetic Changes and Childhood Trauma
10:30Long-Term Effects of Ayahuasca
13:57Integration and Environment
17:32Research in Clinical Settings
21:25Quantitative and Qualitative Research
23:41Gut Microbiome and Ayahuasca
25:32The Gut-Brain Connection
28:16Involving Indigenous Communities
29:39Epigenetics and Ancestral Trauma
31:54Genetics and Mental Health
37:28Choosing Genes for Research
41:34Perception of Ayahuasca Research
46:33Different Indigenous Communities and Ayahuasca
49:18Ayahuasca and its Influence on Spiritual Practices
51:05The Benefits of Plant Medicine and Chinese Medicine
52:32Ayahuasca Availability and Variations
53:26Research on Ayahuasca-like Compounds
54:20The Selection of the Shipibo Community for Retreats
55:42The Journey of Research and Learning in Ayahuasca
57:06The Amazon as an Unknown Cradle of Civilization
58:01Future Research and Expansion of Studies
59:16Exploring Ayahuasca and Traumatic Brain Injury
01:00:15The Changing Perception of Psychedelics in Society
01:02:57The Shift in Acceptance and Research on Psychedelics
01:04:46Onaya’s Website and Training Programs
01:07:29Funding and Support for Onaya’s Research
