H-Hour #221 Dr Simon Ruffel and Dr WaiFung Tsang – Ayahuasca Researchers / Onaya Science

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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