Microdosing, a practice involving the consumption of small doses of psychedelics like psilocybin, has gained popularity as a tool for personal growth and mental wellness.
Contrary to common misconceptions, microdosing isn’t about replacing traditional pharmaceuticals; rather, it offers a unique approach to fostering emotional openness and neuroplasticity, potentially leading to profound shifts in mindset and habits. This means working with microdosing requires a new mindset and a willingness to work with the medicine in an active way.
How Often Should You Microdose?
Two main protocols exist for microdosing psilocybin: the Fadiman protocol (1 day on, 2 days off) and the Stamets protocol (4 days on, 3 days off). Personally, I favor the Fadiman protocol for its more frequent breaks, which I believe aids in habit formation and non-reliance on the mushrooms. Both protocols recommend a 1-2 week break after 5 weeks and caution against continuous use for more than 3 months at a time.
Is Microdosing a Replacement for Traditional Medication?
While microdosing isn’t intended as a substitute for traditional medications, it can complement other therapeutic approaches, particularly for individuals seeking alternatives to medications that leave them feeling disconnected or desensitized.
Microdosing can help you retrain your brain, cultivate healthier habits, and explore new avenues for holistic emotional wellness. The work with microdosing is encouraged to be done alongside a therapist or an integration coach who has knowledge working with alternative medicines. It’s also important to find additional ways to regulate your nervous system and feel safe while working with any sacred medicines.
Depending on how much support you need, it’s best to work under the care of a professional to get the most from the protocol tailored to your unique needs. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial, especially for those considering transitioning off traditional medications.
How Do You Know If Microdosing Is Right for You?
Microdosing may appeal to individuals curious about plant medicine but hesitant to embark on a full psychedelic journey. Its subtle effects integrate seamlessly into daily life, making it accessible for building reflective practices and exploring personal growth.
When it comes to working with psychedelics at any capacity, it’s important to understand that the medicine is not guaranteed to give you answers or show you things you may be seeking. Transformation happens when you surrender to what you’re meant to see, and use this information to guide you forward through integration. Sometimes this can come in small simple shifts and sometimes it can come in big breakthroughs. You’ll know you’re ready to do this work when you trust the process rather than assuming the medicine is somehow magically going to make you feel better.
In your full commitment to the work it’s also essential to approach microdosing with sobriety, as other substances can interfere with its effects. Mushrooms and other psychedelics are high-vibrational medicines, while alcohol in particular is a depressant, and low-vibrational. Combining these two substances, even if not at the same time while doing deep inner work can be counter-productive and disconnecting.
Conclusion
Microdosing offers a promising avenue for personal transformation and emotional healing. By following established protocols and consulting with professionals, individuals can explore this practice safely and effectively. If you’re interested in delving deeper into microdosing or exploring its potential benefits, book a free session with me to learn more about microdosing coaching and support.
Most of my clients have tried microdosing in the past but haven’t seen the results they were looking for, my specialty is building the container for you to feel guided while also feeling held in the medicine space to feel, express and process what’s coming up for you.
By incorporating these insights and protocols into your microdosing journey, you can navigate the practice with confidence and maximize its potential benefits for your mental and emotional well-being.