Almost 30 Ep. 218 - The Science of Ayahuasca + Processing Trauma with Dr. Jeff McNairy
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May 9, 2019 Joining the conversation is Dr. Jeff McNairy, a doctor from Rythmia who integrates ancient practices with modern psychology through plant medicine. He delves into what happens in our bodies during ayahuasca experiences, the necessity of facing trauma for true healing, and the impactful stories from his work with diverse patient populations. Dr. McNairy also discusses dosing, the purging process, and how to prepare for an ayahuasca journey, making a compelling case for plant medicine's potential to reprogram our minds.
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Jeff's Path From Therapist To Rhythmia
- Jeff McNairy attended Rhythmia after treating Jerry at Passages and saw Jerry rapidly transform after his first plant medicine experience.
- That shift convinced Jeff to try ayahuasca himself and later join Rhythmia's team and help build the program.
What Ayahuasca Actually Is
- Ayahuasca's active compound is DMT, a molecule already present in plants and animals and linked to dreaming and near-death experiences.
- The brew mixes a DMT-containing plant with an MAOI vine so the DMT survives digestion and produces its effects.
How Trauma Is Reprocessed
- Ayahuasca links the amygdala (subconscious memory) with the prefrontal cortex (conscious reasoning), enabling reprocessing of traumatic neural pathways.
- That reconnection lets you feel and release stored emotions so you can form new, healthier responses.