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Healing the Root Chakra with Psilocybin Microdosing
Healing the Root Chakra with Psilocybin Microdosing: A Scientific and Holistic Perspective The Root Chakra, or Muladhara in Sanskrit, has been described for thousands of years in Eastern philosophy as the foundation of human energy. It symbolizes safety, trust, and our basic right to exist. While this may sound abstract, modern neuroscience and trauma research increasingly affirm what ancient traditions have long taught: that unresolved fear and anxiety are stored not only in the mind, but also in the body. A Historic View Meets Modern Science Ancient yogic texts described the Root Chakra as the “seat of survival,” the energetic base that determines how safe we feel in the world. Today, psychology and neuroscience echo this idea. Research by Bessel van der Kolk (2014, The Body Keeps the Score) and more recent trauma studies show that traumatic experiences are encoded in both the nervous system and the brain, creating what scientists call “implicit memory.” This explains why the body can stay locked in fight-or-flight responses, even decades after the original event. When the Root Chakra is “blocked,” it is not just a metaphor. We now know that chronic stress and trauma correlate with increased activation of the amygdala (fear center), shallow breathing patterns, muscle tension in the lower body, and disrupted sleep. Psilocybin Research and the Body’s Root of Fear In the past decade, clinical research into psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms and truffles, has provided groundbreaking insights. Studies at Johns Hopkins University (Griffiths et al., 2016; 2022) and Imperial College London (Carhart-Harris, 2018; 2021) show that psilocybin-assisted therapy can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. Psilocybin appears to temporarily reduce activity in the default mode network (DMN) of the brain, the system associated with rigid patterns of thought and self-referential fear. At the same time, it increases connectivity across brain regions, allowing suppressed memories and emotions to surface in a safe, recontextualized way. In other words: psilocybin creates a window of opportunity to revisit and release what has been locked in the nervous system, the very essence of Root Chakra work. Microdosing Psilocybin Truffles: A Contemporary Practice While high-dose psilocybin sessions attract most of the headlines, microdosing psilocybin truffles has quietly become a contemporary wellness practice worldwide. In 2025, more individuals are using microdosing not only for creativity and focus, but also to regulate anxiety, improve sleep, and heal from early abandonment trauma. At Earth Resonance, we have translated both ancient chakra psychology and cutting-edge science into structured microdosing protocols. These are not random experiments — they are carefully designed cycles: The Pre-Cycle – Preparing the body with immune-supportive supplements like Immuno Defense+ and superfoods to stabilize the nervous system. The Microdosing Cycle – Precision-based use of psilocybin truffles to gradually unlock stored emotional patterns and enhance neuroplasticity. The Integration Cycle – Anchoring new patterns with targeted supplements such as Harmony & Calm, while using journaling, breathwork, and grounding practices. This three-phase approach ensures that microdosing is not just an isolated practice, but a complete transformation journey that works on both body and mind. Practical Ways to Heal the Root Chakra Scientific evidence increasingly supports holistic practices that were once considered “alternative.” For Root Chakra healing, both research and tradition suggest: Grounding in the body: Breathing exercises, yoga, walking barefoot (shown to reduce cortisol and inflammation through “earthing”), pelvic floor relaxation. Re-establishing safety: Supportive therapy, trusted relationships, and guided psychedelic-assisted healing. Conscious reprogramming: Affirmations, cognitive reframing, and inner child work, which have shown measurable effects in neuroplasticity research (Davidson & McEwen, 2020). How Do You Know Healing is Taking Place? Indicators of Root Chakra balance are not mystical — they are physiological and psychological: Lower baseline cortisol levels (less stress reactivity). Improved sleep cycles and heart-rate variability. A deeper breath and greater presence in the body. Reduced anxiety, less compulsive control, and more trust in life. These outcomes have been consistently observed in studies on psilocybin-assisted therapy and are mirrored in the feedback from participants in Earth Resonance protocols. Earth Resonance: Bridging Science, Nature, and Transformation At Earth Resonance, we combine ancient wisdom with 21st-century science. Our psilocybin truffle microdosing protocols are supported by natural supplements that work in synergy with the nervous system. The result: a grounded, research-informed path to healing fear, anxiety, and trauma from the root. Whether you are seeking freedom from survival patterns, a stronger sense of safety, or deeper presence in daily life, Earth Resonance offers a complete system that supports healing from the Root Chakra upward. Discover more: Explore our microdosing protocols and learn how psilocybin truffles, microdosing, and supplements can help you heal from the root and step into trust, flow, and resilience.
Learn moreBoundaries as Medicine: How saying No Heals the Nervous System
How Microdosing can Help to Set Boundaries? In a world that often praises productivity, perfection, and people-pleasing—especially in women—setting healthy boundaries can feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or even unsafe. Yet from a psychological and nervous system perspective, boundaries are essential for emotional health, identity, and long-term wellbeing. This blog explores why so many women struggle with saying “no,” how this pattern is wired into our nervous systems, and how microdosing psilocybin can gently support the process of reclaiming healthy boundaries from the inside out. Why Do So Many Women Struggle with Boundaries? From a young age, many women are conditioned to value external approval over internal safety. This shows up as:• Saying yes to avoid conflict• Prioritizing others’ needs over their own• Feeling guilty for resting or asserting needs• Suppressing discomfort to keep the peace These patterns are not personality flaws. They’re adaptive survival strategies—especially for women with trauma histories, emotionally immature caregivers, or environments where saying “no” came with consequences. Psychologist Dr. Gabor Maté explains this through the lens of authenticity vs. attachment. When we’re young, if our authentic self-expression threatens our sense of belonging or love, we learn to abandon authenticity in favor of attachment. This shows up in adulthood as porous boundaries, overgiving, and chronic dysregulation. What Are Healthy Boundaries, Really? Healthy boundaries are not rigid walls or defenses. They are energetic and emotional agreements that define what’s okay and what’s not okay for us—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. They help us:• Protect our time and energy• Feel safe in relationships • Maintain self-respect • Honor our inner yes and no• Restore autonomy after trauma And perhaps most importantly: they regulate the nervous system by removing us from unsafe dynamics that keep us in fight, flight, or freeze. The Role of the Nervous System in Boundary-Setting If you find yourself saying “yes” when you mean “no,” you’re likely not making a cognitive decision—you’re having a nervous system response. For example: • Saying yes because your body tenses in fear when you imagine conflict • Going along with something because your heart races when you consider asserting yourself• Fawning or freezing in the face of pressure This is where healing must go deeper than mindset work. We need to work with the body, not against it. How Microdosing Can Help You Reclaim Boundaries Microdosing psilocybin—taking a sub-perceptual dose of psychedelic truffles—offers a powerful, natural tool for nervous system healing and boundary restoration. Here’s how: 1. Nervous System Regulation Microdosing can support parasympathetic activation (rest and digest), helping you shift out of chronic survival states. A regulated nervous system makes it easier to recognize when something feels off—and to respond instead of react. 2. Increased Emotional Awareness Women often override subtle signals from the body. Microdosing enhances interoception (the ability to feel internal sensations), allowing you to more clearly sense: “This doesn’t feel right,” or “My body says no.” 3. Reduced People-Pleasing & Fawning Through its effects on the Default Mode Network, psilocybin reduces rigid thinking and people-pleasing loops. This allows new neural pathways to form—ones rooted in self-trust, not fear. 4. Empowerment Through Pattern Recognition Microdosing enhances cognitive flexibility, which supports recognition of old, inherited patterns (like perfectionism or emotional caretaking), so you can begin choosing differently. 5. Integration & Intentional Practice When used in combination with coaching, journaling, or somatic exercises, microdosing becomes a powerful catalyst for behavioral change. It can help you actually implement the boundaries you’ve intellectually understood for years. A Feminine Approach: Boundaries as Self-Love In our work with women through guided microdosing journeys, we see a common theme: when women begin listening to their bodies again, they stop abandoning themselves. They no longer say “yes” when they mean “no.” They stop betraying their energy for validation. They remember that their needs are not a burden, but a compass. Saying no becomes not a rejection of others, but a radical act of self-respect. Final Thoughts: Your No is a Spell In feminine wisdom traditions, boundaries are sacred. They are the energetic architecture of sovereignty. When you say no to what drains you, you say yes to your truth, your softness, your expansion. Microdosing is not a quick fix, but it is a beautiful, powerful ally on the path back to your body, your voice, and your deep knowing. Ready to Begin Your Boundary-Setting Journey?Start Microdosing with our Therapeutic Microdosing Protocol Trinity. CLICK HERE
Learn moreBurned Out, Anxious, and Misunderstood? It Might Be Your Hormones!
The connection between emotional health, hormonal balance, and how microdosing may offer a way back to yourself. Hormonal imbalance is one of the most overlooked drivers of emotional health issues in women — yet over 80% of women will experience it at some point in their lives. It doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. For many, it’s a slow unraveling: trouble sleeping, feeling anxious for no clear reason, snapping at loved ones, feeling emotionally numb, or just… not feeling like yourself. What’s even more frustrating? These symptoms are often dismissed — by others, and even by women themselves — as “just stress” or “part of being a woman.” But what if your body is actually sounding the alarm? The Emotional Cost of Hormonal Imbalance Hormones are chemical messengers that influence almost everything: your mood, energy, libido, sleep, digestion, immunity, and mental clarity. When they’re out of balance, your emotional world is the first to suffer.You may feel: Easily overwhelmed or emotionally flat Disconnected from your body and intuition Restless at night and exhausted during the day Trapped in cycles of anxiety, irritability, or low mood Isolated in your relationships — like no one really gets it This isn’t just in your head. It’s in your hormones. 7 Hidden Hormone Disruptors Every Woman Should Know Your hormonal system is sensitive — and modern life throws it off in more ways than we realize: Chronic StressElevated cortisol blocks estrogen and progesterone → mood swings, fatigue, irregular periods. Poor Sleep & CaffeineDisrupts melatonin and adrenal balance → anxiety, PMS, burnout. Blood Sugar SpikesFrom sugar and refined carbs → insulin resistance, hormonal acne, weight gain. Plastics & Chemicals (Endocrine Disruptors)Found in packaging, cosmetics, and microplastics → mimic estrogen, fuel estrogen dominance. Heavy MetalsAccumulate from water, food, and air → interfere with hormone receptors and detox function. Viral Load & InflammationHidden infections = chronic inflammation → hormonal chaos, immune dysfunction. Gut & Liver ImbalancePoor detox = hormone buildup → bloating, breast tenderness, irritability. Microdosing & Hormonal Health: A New Path for Women Microdosing with psilocybin, especially in the form of therapeutic protocols like Trinity, may offer a gentle but powerful way to support emotional and hormonal balance — from the inside out. Here’s how: 1. Regulates the Stress Response Microdosing calms the HPA axis (your body’s stress command center), reducing cortisol — the hormone that, when chronically elevated, disrupts everything from sleep to cycle health. 2. Supports Serotonin Balance Psilocybin enhances serotonin receptor activity, which is crucial for emotional regulation, sleep quality, and menstrual cycle rhythms. This is especially helpful for women with PMS, PMDD, or perimenopause. 3. Increases Mind-Body Awareness Microdosing helps women reconnect to their physical and emotional signals — so you’re not just reacting to symptoms, but understanding them. This is key for recognizing and correcting early signs of imbalance. 4. Supports Detox Pathways By reducing internal stress and inflammation, microdosing indirectly supports the liver and gut, which are essential for clearing out excess hormones and toxins like xenoestrogens or heavy metals. 5. Promotes Emotional Stability Many women report feeling more centered, less reactive, and more at ease in their body and relationships — essential for navigating hormonal fluctuations with grace. Trinity: Microdosing for Hormonal Harmony Our Trinity protocol is a therapeutic microdosing experience based designed to support women who seek emotional clarity, hormonal regulation, and mind-body realignment. This is not about numbing or suppressing symptoms — it's about reconnecting.Reconnecting to your body, your cycle, your rhythm. Reclaiming the stability and inner peace that are your birthright. CLICK HERE to BUY TRINITY and start your PROTOCOL
Learn moreEscape the Rat Race by Eliminating 5 Major Stressors
Your well-being is our top priority. Every product we create, every protocol we design, and every service we offer is thoughtfully crafted to support your health—mind, body, and soul. We're here to help you feel your best, naturally and sustainably, because your journey to wellness matters to us. To first step to optimize your health is eliminate stress, or at least control it. Eliminating Stress: Take the First Step to Balance Stress often stems from an underlying fear of "not being enough" or "not having enough' is subconsciously programmed from a young age. Recognizing and addressing these feelings can bring profound relief. Here are 5 common stressors and how to face them: 5 Major Stressors and how to face them: 1. Work OverloadStressor: Constant deadlines and multitasking.How to face it: Break tasks into smaller steps, prioritize the most important, and learn to say "no" to non-essential commitments. Deep breathing exercises can help you reset during busy days. 2. Financial WorriesStressor: Concerns about managing expenses or achieving financial goals.How to face it: Create a clear budget, track your spending, and set small, realistic goals to build financial confidence over time. 3. Caffeine OveruseStressor: Overconsumption of coffee or energy drinks that spike cortisol.How to face it: Swap coffee for herbal teas or adaptogenic drinks. Gradually reduce caffeine intake to avoid withdrawal symptoms and improve energy balance. 4. Negative Self-TalkStressor: Feeling "not good enough" or comparing yourself to others.How to face it: Practice self-compassion and gratitude. Write down three things you’re proud of each day to shift your mindset. 5. Lack of SleepStressor: Poor-quality sleep leads to elevated cortisol and stress.How to face it: Establish a calming bedtime routine, avoid screens an hour before bed, and create a restful environment with dim lighting and calming scents. Escaping the Rat Race: Create More Balance The constant hustle of modern life can leave you feeling stuck in the "rat race," chasing deadlines, achievements, and external validation. To break free and create balance: Reassess Your Priorities Simplify Your Life Set Boundaries Embrace Downtime How Microdosing Can Help? Microdosing can be a powerful tool to help you reset, reconnect, and regain balance in your life. By taking small, sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin, microdosing can: Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Psilocybin works on the brain’s serotonin system, helping to calm the mind and ease overthinking. Enhance Focus and Creativity: Microdosing can boost mental clarity and problem-solving, helping you navigate life with more ease. Support Emotional Balance: By breaking negative thought patterns, it encourages self-reflection and a more positive outlook. Encourage Presence: It helps you stay grounded in the moment, supporting a deeper connection to yourself and others.Start Microdosing Now with our Starter Package: CLICK HERE
Learn moreTrauma: How Hidden Wounds Shape Our Behavior
an invisible wound—one that bleeds beneath the surface, unseen yet deeply felt. This is how pain and trauma feels.The question arises: how deep does it go, and how can we heal? Trauma is not merely what happens to us; as Dr. Gabor Maté explains, it is what happens inside us as a result of those events. The wounds of trauma shape how we see ourselves, how we build relationships and how we show up in the world. Healing begins when we turn inward, fully vulnerable, to confront what has long been hidden. What Are Trauma Wounds? Trauma wounds are the emotional imprints left by painful or overwhelming experiences. They are often marked by feelings of fear, shame, unworthiness, or disconnection. Unlike physical wounds, trauma wounds live in our nervous system, they can, long unaddressed result in anxiety, burn-outs, depression and chronic illnesses. They shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These wounds might manifest as: Persistent self-doubt or inner criticism. Emotional numbness or overreaction. Repetitive patterns in relationships or decision-making Trauma can also separate us from our authentic selves, leading to coping mechanisms that may temporarily soothe but ultimately prevent true healing. The Unseen Wounds: How Trauma Manifests in Everyday Behavior Often, trauma doesn’t show itself through obvious pain or breakdowns. Instead, it hides in plain sight, shaping behaviors that seem productive, normal, or even admirable on the surface. These patterns, however, are often coping mechanisms—ways to avoid or numb the emotional wounds we carry.1. Addiction (Beyond Substances): Work, Social Media, Entertainment. 2. Over achievement as a mask: Proving your self worth 3. People-Pleasing: Suppress their own needs to keep others happy4. Emotional Avoidance: voiding intimacy or commitment in relationships5. Control-Seeking Behaviors: Micromanaging others6. Self-Sabotage: Procrastination7. Hyper-Independence: Reject help or support, even when it’s needed8. Physical Overdrive: Over-exercising to feel “in control” of the body9. Difficulty Saying No: Fear of disappointing others or being abandoned10. Chronic Anxiety: Always expecting the worst to happen.11. Emotional Dysregulation: Bottling up emotions until they explode in unexpected ways Recognizing the Pattern Is the First Step These behaviors often feel like part of our personality, but they’re rooted in survival strategies developed to cope with past pain. Recognizing these patterns allows us to pause, reflect, and ask: “What am I avoiding with this behavior?” “What need am I trying to fulfill?” “How can I meet that need in a healthier way?” What Are Trauma Bonds? Trauma bonds occur when we form deep, often unhealthy, attachments with others based on shared pain, control, or dependency. These bonds can arise in relationships where we feel both hurt and love—an emotional push-and-pull that keeps us tethered despite the harm. Signs of trauma bonds include: Feeling loyal to someone who mistreats you. Excusing or rationalizing harmful behaviors. Feeling trapped but unable to leave the relationship. Healing trauma bonds requires recognizing the patterns and seeking support to rebuild trust in healthier, mutually respectful relationships. Addressing Your Pain with Vulnerability To heal, we must confront our pain, not with judgment, but with openness and curiosity.This requires: Acknowledging Your TriggersTriggers are not your fault, but they are your responsibility to explore. Pay attention to what provokes strong emotional reactions and ask yourself: “What am I feeling right now?” “Where does this feeling come from?” “What is this pain trying to tell me?” Honoring Your VulnerabilityVulnerability is not weakness; it is the gateway to healing. It takes courage to admit, “I am hurting” or “I don’t have all the answers.” When we acknowledge our wounds without shame, we give ourselves permission to heal. Caring for Your SelfHealing is an act of self-compassion. How are you tending to yourself? Ask: “Am I meeting my emotional needs?” “How do I speak to myself in moments of pain?” “What can I do to make myself feel safe?” When these identifications are threatened, the ego reacts, triggering feelings of insecurity, jealousy, or anxiety. These triggers are signals — opportunities to reflect on what parts of your identity you’ve attached your worth to. How to Begin Healing Seek Safe SpacesHealing requires safety. This could mean a trusted friend, therapist, or a journal where you can express yourself without fear of judgment. Reconnect with Your BodyTrauma often disconnects us from our physical selves. Grounding practices like yoga, breathwork, or somatic exercises help re-establish this connection. Release ShameShame thrives in silence. Speak your truth, even if only to yourself. Remember, your worth is not defined by your wounds. Embrace Your Triggers as TeachersTriggers are windows into unresolved pain. Instead of avoiding them, approach them with compassion. What do they reveal about your unmet needs or past wounds? Set BoundariesBoundaries are an act of self-respect. They protect your healing space and prevent further harm. Practice Self-CompassionBe gentle with yourself. Healing is not linear—it is a process of progress and setbacks. Celebrate small victories and forgive yourself when you stumble. Start Microdosing Microdosing can help address trauma wounds and bonds and give you insights in past trauma, so you can start healing. Healing Is Not About Perfection—It’s About Wholeness Healing your trauma wounds and addressing trauma bonds is about reclaiming the parts of yourself that were lost or silenced. It is about learning to live authentically, not in fear or shame, but in the fullness of your being. In the words of Rumi:“The wound is the place where the light enters you.”By turning toward your wounds, you open yourself to growth, connection, and the transformative power of healing. 💛
Learn moreDry January! How Microdosing helps Breaking Alcohol Habits
Addiction isn’t what it seems. Our team is here to help anyone who finds themselves struggling with alcohol or other addictions. You are not alone. Earth Resonance was founded with exactly that mission — to break away from shame, guilt, and fear. We’re here to raise awareness.It’s not just the image of someone hitting rock bottom; it’s far more subtle, insidious, and adhesive. It sticks to routines, seeps into social norms, and disguises itself as harmless habits — like that evening glass of wine. Research shows that women in their 40s are particularly at risk. Why? The wine culture. It’s glamorized as a way to unwind after a long day. But what starts as a reward can turn into reliance. Studies reveal that even moderate drinking among women can escalate to dependency without them realizing it. According to a study published in the journal Addiction, middle-aged women are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder due to increased social pressures and the normalization of alcohol in stress relief routines (Anderson et al., 2020). So, when does drinking become addictive? It’s not about hitting a specific number of glasses. It’s about the shift from wanting to drink to needing to drink. If you find yourself reaching for that glass out of habit or to cope, it might be time to pause. Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) highlights that the transition from casual drinking to dependency often involves changes in brain pathways related to stress and reward systems (Koob et al., 2019). What is addiction? It’s a complex mix of mental and physical dependency. It hijacks the brain's reward system, making it crave the very thing that causes harm. With alcohol, that harm starts the moment you take a sip. Studies show that alcohol consumption affects the prefrontal cortex, impairing decision-making and emotional regulation (Volkow et al., 2021). One glass of wine? Your brain releases dopamine — the feel-good chemical. But here’s the kicker: that dopamine hit is followed by a crash, making you crave more. Meanwhile, alcohol disrupts neurotransmitters, dulling your brain’s ability to process emotions and impairing cognitive function. In simple terms? It makes you feel good temporarily, but leaves your brain worse off. According to the World Health Organization, even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to long-term cognitive decline and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (WHO, 2018). And let’s not sugarcoat it: alcohol is a neurotoxin. It’s toxic to your brain cells, causing inflammation and shrinking your brain over time. That’s why moderation isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. This Dry January, we’re not here to judge. We’re here to raise awareness. Because the real magic happens when you start to recognize these patterns. Let’s make this month about breaking sticky habits — and finding freedom beyond the bottle. Microdosing and Habit Change Emerging research suggests that microdosing psychedelics, such as psilocybin, can play a significant role in habit change and addiction recovery. Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual doses of a psychedelic substance, which can help promote neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to rewire itself. A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that individuals who microdosed experienced reduced cravings and improved emotional regulation, both critical in overcoming addictive behaviors (Polito & Stevenson, 2019). Alcohol hijacks the brain’s reward system, but microdosing can help reset it. By enhancing cognitive flexibility and fostering new neural connections, microdosing supports healthier coping mechanisms. Instead of reaching for that glass of wine, microdosing can encourage mindfulness, introspection, and a deeper connection to one's goals. It’s not about replacing one substance with another; it’s about empowering the mind to break free from destructive cycles, feeling and processing emotions and acknowledging them instead of avoiding them or constantly. This is not an easy process, but we are here to help! This January we are encouraging you to replace your wine with water or thee! Sounds boring? Try this! Brew your microdose in a cup, and you elevate your evening! If you are interested in starting your microdosing journey, start with our Microdosing Starter Package and take the first step toward a healthier, more mindful life. Go Alcohol free this month and take 15% off with the discount code ALCOHOLFREE
Learn moreLove your Lungs and quit Smoking!
It's World No Tobacco Day! We all succumb to being disillusioned from time to time, be it a red-flag romance, a fad diet, or blatantly ignoring signs of a food allergy because it’s a food we love that much- despite it making us ill. However, it is time we wake up to the illusion of the tobacco industry. There is a global epidemic of nicotine dependence. This harmful addiction causes us to pollute not only our own lungs but the lungs of others around us, especially those closest to us. Researchers all over the world are studying ways to stop tobacco and nicotine dependence. Take for example the following article published by Berkley News that discusses the scientific mechanisms underlying nicotine addictiveness in the brain, as well as the fact that most if not all of nic addicts experience sickness as a result of smoking. Researchers are currently designing methods to help eliminate nicotine dependence which include genetic editing technologies that would delete or create new receptors. What if we could intervene without dramatic pharmacological intervention? Imagine if something a simple as Microdosing could help stop this global epidemic of nicotine dependence? Despite the overwhelming evidence, ongoing research and even publicity of the dangers of nicotine, people continue to smoke. The prevalence of smokers worldwide has declined, however smoking remains common throughout most countries of the world and nicotine dependence continues to haunt our health and our youth. There is reason to be concerned for the nic addicts of Generation Z who have now turned to e-cigarettes, which is harmful for reasons similar to cigarettes and also comes with its own risks. It’s safe to say, there’s no “safe” alternative to smoking cigarettes and there’s no healthy way to use nicotine. Statistics and Interesting Facts According to the WHO, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year. Of those 8 million it is estimated that more than 1.2 million of those people die from indirect use, or second-hand smoke. There are more than 7,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke and over 70% of those chemicals are linked to cancer. Not all these chemicals are added during the manufacturing phase but some are naturally a part of the tobacco plant itself. Tobacco kills half of its users that do not quit smoking, giving all the more incentive to call it quits. E-cigarettes are not considered less harmful, as they are known to carry heavy metals, volatile organic compounds and other cancer-causing chemicals. It is estimated that only 4% of users who try to quit are successful at quitting, indicating not only the level of nicotine addictiveness but also the reality that quitting smoking is an extremely difficult task. History of Tobacco: By now it is rather well known that legal drugs such as caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and nicotine are incredibly profitable products serving the addictions of millions of people worldwide. Tobacco should not be left behind when considering the reckless and morally questionable marketing tactics used by these common day industries. While tobacco itself has origins in the indigenous cultures of north and south Americas, what we know as modern day cigarettes is incomparable from how it was smoked by the indigenous people. Tobacco was initially derived from the leaves of a nightshade plant called, Nicotiana, hence nicotine, and it’s original use dates back to the Mayan people in Central America in the first century BC. It was later used by indigenous peoples for ritualistic uses and in ceremony. As colonization took place, the use and spread of tobacco increased. The modern usage of tobacco tends to be more impulsive and less ritualistic and cigarettes today are more harmful than the tobacco that was smoked in its original state. Natural does not mean healthy: While tobacco itself has many known toxic chemicals, manufactured cigarettes contain additional harmful substances that arise simply from the curing process. Curing tobacco is the process of drying the leaves to prepare them to be smoked, without curing the leaves smoking tobacco can be fatally dangerous due to high levels of nicotine and ammonia. All in all, whether the tobacco is natural or not, there are more than 7,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke, and over 70% of those are linked to cancer. Marketing in the Tobacco Industry Perhaps the greatest 2 decades long marketing ploy of all times by the tobacco industry happened from the 1930s to 1950s, when physicians were recruited to test and approve cigarettes promising to the public that there was no health risk to smoking. Tobacco companies such as Camel’s cigarettes also forged false research studies to try to back their health claims used in their marketing, here is one such advertisement. You can imagine the influence this had on the masses, especially in a time when people relied almost exclusively on conventional medical doctors for their health concerns. Eventually science reversed its position on cigarettes and tobacco around the 1950s when research showing the link to cancer began to surface. By this time the tobacco industry was already embedded into culture, politics and the economy. There is now regulation concerning the tactics and health claims that tobacco companies are legally allowed to make, and each cigarette box comes with a warning label for the drug. One such example includes the following image: As you can see the imagery and wording is quite graphic, giving a much more accurate representation of the associated risks of smoking. Despite the graphic warning labels, including warning of cancer and death, there exists an estimated 1.1 billion smokers worldwide, correlated with 7.7 million deaths annually. Some of the highest proportions of young adult smokers are in Europe and southeast Asia. Is Smoking Really An Illusion? After this brutal history of marketing deception by media, medical doctors and politicians alike, many laws have now been enacted to correct these errors. In 1970 President Nixon signed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act banning cigarette ads from the radio and television. And as of 2019 in the United States the minimum age to buy cigarettes was raised to 21 years old. Cigarette packs are now filled with graphic images of broiled lungs, rotting teeth, injured children, people coughing up blood and warning labels of cancer, heart and lung disease, the injury of children and death. Yet it was estimated in 2020 that 32% of adults around the world were cigarette smokers, causing roughly 7 million deaths per year. We may think we’ve woken up, but currently there exists an estimated 1.1 billion smokers worldwide. Despite all of these warnings, statistics, lost and injured loved ones, why do we continue to light up a smoke? What is it about cigarettes that has us hooked to our dying breath and ignoring the injury of others and the planet in the process? How Cigarettes impact the Body and Brain: How does nicotine affect the brain? Nicotine enters the brain by passing the Blood Brain Barrier, it then acts as a neurotransmitter and stimulates the release of dopamine. As soon as nicotine is inhaled, it takes 10 seconds to enter the brain and have these effects. This characteristic of being so fast-acting contributes to the addictiveness of nicotine. Overtime the brain learns to adapt the effects of nicotine, building tolerance. This means that the more someone smokes, the greater the amount of nicotine is required to have the same effect on the individual. Nicotine can also be considered a stressor as it causes adrenaline to be released from the adrenal glands. Adrenaline, also called epinephrine, is a hormone that stimulates the central nervous system and causes increased heart rate, blood pressure and rate of breathing. Nicotine is even passed on in the milk of breastfeeding mothers and will be passed onto the fetus inside the womb of a pregnant mother. Overtime, nicotine causes negative effects on the heart, lungs, kidneys, and reproductive system in addition to increasing the likelihood of developing cancers of the mouth and throat, stomach, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, liver, bladder, cervix, colon, rectum, pancreas, breast, and leukemia. Why Nicotine is so Addictive: How much nicotine is needed to get addicted? With so many reasons for people to stop smoking and so many people who continue to smoke, we confront the ever-pressing question: what makes nicotine so addictive? A drug’s level of addictiveness is determined by how reinforcing it is. Drug reinforcement is related to the dopamine released in the brain from a drug, and how this surge of dopamine causes someone to come back for more. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and reward and plays a significant role in addiction. For more information about drugs and addiction please refer to the following article, From Drug to Natural Medicine. There are many reasons that nicotine is considered one of the most addictive drugs, even when compared to heroin and cocaine. One of those reasons is because as soon as someone inhales a cigarette, nicotine is immediately absorbed by the lungs and delivered to the brain stimulating instant release of dopamine. This surge of dopamine can be compared to an artificial reward, meaning that you are giving yourself an artificial feeling of “pleasure” which will eventually wear off. The addiction is not only coming from the brain and your subconscious desire for more pleasure, but the body also becomes dependent on the drug on a physiological level. This dependence causes physical illness when the drug is not received. Although nicotine is known as a “mild” drug, it is important to remember that it is extremely addictive and it still has very detrimental health effects even if they are not as immediately obvious as other drugs. Nicotine Withdrawal: Nicotine withdrawal is very real, and can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, which is why it is important to do so with guided and experienced supervision. Nicotine affects all parts of the body including the heart, blood vessels, brain, hormones, and more. When you quit, you are depleting your body of substances that it has become accustomed to, and even dependent on! Common side effects of nicotine withdrawal include symptoms like irritability, outbursts of anger, and difficulty concentrating. Feelings of sadness, depression and anxiety are also common with nicotine withdrawal. It is also common to have difficulty sleeping, restlessness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches and difficulty resisting strong urges and cravings to smoke. As common as it is for people to start smoking without any health advice, it is often just as common for someone to try to quit without health advice or medical support. This is part of the reason for such low success rates when it comes to quitting smoking. What you can do today to quit smoking: How many days does it take to break a nicotine addiction? Quitting Nicotine is not to be taken lightly. If you wish to quit, try to find support. Do what you can to build up a support system around you, not just one person but a few people close to you, trusted acquaintances, and even a coach, or a medical or health professional. Do not take it lightly just because it is a legal drug. It is very difficult to navigate the physical and emotional symptoms that you will face in this process. Make sure you are supported in your health by giving yourself ample time for rest, nourishment through foods and sunshine, and an accountability partner that will make it easier for you to stick to your commitment. The initial withdrawal cycle will be the worst, lasting around 3-5 days. This is when the most painful physical symptoms occur, and it often feels like an actual sickness. After day 5 for most people the nicotine is cleared out of the system. From this point the most difficult task is to overcome the strong physical and mental urges to smoke. It is important to avoid triggers during this time, including stress, environments with a lot of smokers, or any environment where you would typically engage through smoking. This can be near impossible for many people to have control over, so even if you must be in these environments, try to be conscious about it. An example would be to take your accountability partner with you while you attend a social event who can help be a support. Symptoms from quitting nicotine will last weeks after the last cigarette. It is common for people to feel mental symptoms of sadness, anxiety and depression when they quit smoking as the body is still working toward rebalancing back to its original state. Especially when these symptoms are experienced it is important to have a support system and a qualified guide who can help to ensure your safety and wellbeing. If you are quitting nicotine, and either it’s your first time or you have tried before and failed- you are so brave for going through this journey! It is not easy, and it is an accomplishment. Give yourself time, and treat yourself well in this time, try to avoid being overly harsh or critical of yourself. If you are supporting someone close to you while they quit, please try to find yourself some support as well. It can be very difficult and draining to witness someone in this circumstance, and it wears on the entire household. Remember to give yourself and those around you a lot of grace through the process. Can Microdosing help you stop smoking? An increasing amount of research is being dedicated to study psychedelics for the treatment of drug addiction. Research has emerged indicating the potential of psilocybin in treating nicotine addiction suggesting that mystical experiences might be the explanation for psilocybin being one of the most promising outcomes of addiction treatment. The topic of mystical experiences is an important one when considering the effects of micro dosing psilocybin. A mystical experience eludes to the recognition of a higher force outside of oneself, when time and space seem to dissolve. It is often associate with “ego death” and seems to be an explanation for why these substances have potential when dealing with mental illness and disorders such as drug addiction. Although micro dosing psilocybin will not emerge you into a full blown mystical experience, this element of mysticism is the nature of the medicine, and cannot go without recognition. When considering micro dosing as a support system to quit smoking, multiple factors will be at play in helping you quit. Intention – before you start micro dosing to quit smoking, we recommend you work together with a coach, therapist, or health professional to help set your intention of why you wish to quit smoking, what you want to gain from quitting, and how you want to feel by the end of your session. I recommend gaining as much clarity as you can considering not only what you will gain when you quit, but also what you might lose and how it will impact you and those around you if you don’t quit. Try to ask yourself honestly what your vision is for your future and if smoking is something that brings you deep fulfillment? Mysticism - The mushrooms work their magic even with a low dose. With the micro dosing approach you can expect more subtle hints of subconscious messages coming your way. This can be interpreted as your intuition, or downloads, but it’s likely that you will feel more attuned to a power greater than you, and more attuned to the higher power within you! This is the magic. Subconscious reprogramming – As micro dosing creates an environment of neuroplasticity in the brain, you will have the opportunity to introduce new beliefs and new habits that you prefer to carry with you in your life. This gives you the opportunity to leave smoking behind, along with the belief systems that come with it. Don’t expect any of this to happen overnight, the mushrooms only provide the right environment- you still must do the work. This is currently the best explanation for why psilocybin can be so effective with treating drug addiction. As stated by the researchers on the John’s Hopkins team, psilocybin may help break the addictive pattern of thoughts and behaviors that have become ingrained after years of smoking. Therefore, it is essential to keep your thoughts and beliefs at the focus during this process- the more patterns you can confront during your micro dosing session, the better. Researchers at John’s Hopkins carried out a fascinating study in which participants were given psilocybin in a controlled setting, with mental health professionals. The results of the study were phenomenal with over 80% of smokers being cigarette and nicotine free 6 months after the study ended. These were individuals who had been smoking cigarettes for an average of 31 years and who had previously tried to quit smoking before without success. This is quite substantial when considering other more conventional treatment options have a success rate of less than 30-35%. Smoking just isn’t sexy. While many might associate the act of smoking to rockstars, Hollywood actors, and even dreamy romance scenes in Paris, the associations cigarettes have of being anything other than harmful, life threatening and invasive need to change, immediately! Micro dosing is showing extremely promising results when it comes to helping people quit their addiction to nicotine. Perhaps it can help transform our entire world view toward nicotine addiction. Research suggests that the primary way in which psilocybin might be successful in treating nicotine addiction is the way in which it transforms our underlying belief system. The mushrooms are teaching us, once again, our beliefs and our thoughts really matter. Once we work on those, we can watch the world around us transform. Article written by Elise Renn
Learn moreHarmony: 5 Benefits for Emotional Wellness
At Earth Resonance we believe in medicine from the Earth, not a lab. We are highly selective in what we add to our product line. Besides our famous Natural Psilocybe we have developed a new product called Harmony to support a balanced mood and promote a positive life. The balance of mind, body, and spirit enables you to feel content and at peace with yourself and those around you. Microdosing psilocybin taken for therapeutic purposes can give many benefits. However, the integration phase that follows is crucial for maximizing the benefits of microdosing. To support your integration Cycle, Harmony helps to find balance in your life While there are various methods to promote harmony, the use of supplements can be helpful. The Harmony supplement can be a valuable addition to the integration cycle or when you feel you need to to take care of your emotional well being. Here are five ways in which it can help promote harmony. 1. Reduce Stress LevelsRhodiola rosea has been shown to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body's response to stress, thereby reducing symptoms of stress, such as fatigue and exhaustion.(1) 2. Improve Cognitive FunctionAshwagandha's bioactive compounds, such as withanolides, have been shown to have neuroprotective effects and enhance brain function. (2) A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study found that Ashwagandha supplementation significantly improved cognitive function, attention, and information processing speed in healthy individuals. (3) 3. Promote relaxation5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin found in Griffonia Seed, has been shown to promote relaxation and regulate mood. (4) In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 5-HTP supplementation led to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. (5) 4. Enhance Sleep QualityAshwagandha's ability to modulate GABA receptors, involved in sleep regulation, is responsible for its sleep-enhancing effects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Ashwagandha supplementation improved sleep quality and reduced sleep latency in individuals with insomnia. (6) 5. Boost Energy LevelsRhodiola rosea's ability to increase ATP production in the body, which is the energy currency of cells, is responsible for its energy-boosting effects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Rhodiola rosea supplementation significantly improved physical performance and reduced fatigue in individuals with fatigue-related disorders. (7) References:1. Darbinyan V, et al. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue – a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(5):365-371.2. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev. 2000;5(4):334-346.3. Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi K. Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(1):96-106.4. Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD003198.5. Jangid P, et al. Comparative study of efficacy of l-5-hydroxytryptophan and fluoxetine in patients presenting with first depressive episode. Asian J Psychiatr. 2013;6(1):29-34.6. Langade D, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sleep Quality and Mental Alertness in Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Am Coll Nutr. 2019;38(4):310-315.7. Shevtsov VA, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine.
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