The Price of Silence, Shame, and Guilt
Psychedelics in general, and specifically an oneirogen like ibogaine, are well suited in helping to untangle the psyche and promote a complete life re-appraisal. While they will not magically resolve or remove one’s problems, they do shine a light on which areas of one’s life might benefit from change first. Similarly, they also effect changes in how we choose to show up in the world, and bring us closer to who we really are once we begin to strip away our years of conditioning, which form the basis of who we think we are.
In part because of such conditioning around which emotions we are allowed to express or not, many of us go through life learning to avoid the most uncomfortable emotions, the ones few people like: anger, fear, sadness, surprise, or disgust. If we don’t do the emotional processing of events and their consequences for us in real time, our trauma gets stuck in our bodies.
Having touched on the concept of emotional trauma and its profound implications on our health, shifting our perspective to a broader understanding will help us comprehend the underlying forces that drive the onset of chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, and even psoriasis. It’s crucial to recognize that such diseases do not develop in isolation; they are often manifestations of deeper emotional or psychological stressors, and perhaps more important than the role of genetics is the role of epigenetics, which is the study of the environment’s impact on gene expression.
When the Body Says No
To begin with, Maté draws a clear line between psychological health and physical health, arguing that our emotional experiences profoundly influence our physiological states. He asserts that chronic stress and emotional trauma, especially those endured during childhood, leave indelible marks on our health. “The body can be a metaphor for our emotional lives,” Maté explains, suggesting that unresolved psychological turmoil can manifest as physical ailments. Chronic stress can alter the body’s normal functioning, predisposing individuals to various health issues, including autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
One of the core arguments in Maté’s book is the impact of early childhood experiences on long-term health. He emphasizes that experiences of emotional neglect or abuse during formative years can significantly shape an individual’s stress response system. This prolonged exposure to stress can have lasting repercussions, leading to a heightened risk of developing chronic illnesses. Maté provides compelling evidence that such adverse childhood experiences set the stage for a lifetime of health challenges, underscoring the critical importance of nurturing environments during early development.
Maté’s exploration of repression and its detrimental effects on health is particularly illuminating. He identifies the repression of emotions, especially anger and sadness, as a common trait among individuals who develop autoimmune diseases. “When we repress our emotions, we inhibit our bodies’ natural responses to stress,” Maté writes. This repression, he argues, can lead to chronic stress, weakening the immune system and disrupting bodily functions. By ignoring or suppressing our emotional needs, we inadvertently place ourselves at greater risk of physical ailments.
The personality traits commonly found in individuals with chronic illnesses also play a significant role in Maté’s analysis. He observes that people who are overly responsible, self-sacrificing, and who suppress their own needs to please others are more susceptible to chronic stress and disease development. These traits, often seen as virtues in our society, can contribute to a cycle of emotional repression and stress. Maté’s clinical observations reveal that such individuals are more likely to internalize their stress, leading to a breakdown in their physical health over time.
Delving deeper into autoimmune diseases and how they work, Maté discusses how chronic stress can lead to immune system dysfunction. He explains that stress hormones can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate immune responses, causing the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues. This misdirected immune response is at the heart of autoimmune diseases, where the body essentially turns against itself. “Chronic stress acts as a slow poison, undermining the immune system and paving the way for disease,” Maté asserts.
The Role of Ibogaine in Addressing Autoimmune Conditions
Ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance derived from the root bark of the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. While traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies by indigenous peoples of Central Africa, modern medicine is exploring its applications in various treatment settings. One promising area of research is the use of ibogaine for alleviating symptoms of autoimmune conditions.
Here at Tabula Rasa Retreat, we have treated many patients for conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, lupus and others; while ibogaine has not produced a miracle cure, we have seen in consistent follow-up from some our clients that their quality of life has since improved, with many reporting lasting improvement of some symptoms.
Ibogaine exerts its effects through multiple pathways in the brain and body. It interacts with various neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine, and NMDA receptors, which play crucial roles in mood regulation, pain perception, and immune response. Additionally, ibogaine’s metabolite, noribogaine, has a longer half-life and may contribute to sustained therapeutic effects by promoting neuroplasticity and modulating immune function.
Immune System Modulation
Pain Management
Psychological Well-Being
Case Studies and Clinical Trials
Emerging clinical evidence supports the potential of ibogaine in treating autoimmune conditions. Small-scale studies and anecdotal reports have documented improvements in symptoms and quality of life among patients with various autoimmune disorders. For instance, individuals with multiple sclerosis have reported enhanced mobility and reduced spasticity following ibogaine therapy. However, for ibogaine to truly gain traction in the mainstream pharmaceutical sphere, larger, controlled clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings and establish standardized treatment protocols.
To tie in the case for guilt, shame, trauma, emotional repression and autoimmune conditions, by reflecting on Maté’s arguments and integrating the potential benefits of ibogaine in releasing stored traumas and regulating neurotransmitters, we can see that our emotional lives are deeply intertwined with our physical health.
The journey towards healing begins with acknowledging this connection and addressing the emotional underpinnings of our physical ailments. By embracing a holistic approach to health, of which plant medicines like ibogaine can be a tool, we can create a more integrated and compassionate healthcare system, one that honours the complex interplay between mind and body. In doing so, we take a significant step towards a healthier and more balanced life. Contact us at Tabula Rasa Retreat for more information, or should you have any questions regarding autoimmune conditions, and how ibogaine may help.