A Journey to Healing at Zen Medicine

Ketamine therapy is gaining recognition as a promising treatment for various mental health conditions, offering hope where traditional therapies may have fallen short. At Zen Medicine, we provide a safe, supportive, and holistic environment for our patients to embark on this transformative journey. In this post, we’ll explore what ketamine therapy is, how it is administered, the benefits and risks, and why in-office treatment might be the right choice for you.

What is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine is a dissociative medicine that has been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine works by temporarily altering the way your brain processes information, allowing you to disconnect from certain sensations, thoughts, or environments. This dissociative effect can create a unique mental state that allows patients to gain new perspectives on their mental health challenges.

One of the most exciting aspects of ketamine is its ability to promote neurogenesis, which means it helps your brain grow new connections between neurons. In simpler terms, ketamine can help “rewire” your brain, potentially creating new pathways that improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to show results, ketamine often provides rapid relief, sometimes within hours.

Benefits of Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy offers several benefits, especially for those who have not responded to conventional treatments:

• Reduced Symptoms and Rapid Relief: Ketamine therapy can lead to a significant reduction in the severity of symptoms.
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • Chronic Pain
  • And more

• New Perspectives: Patients often report gaining new insights and perspectives on their mental health challenges.

Risks and Disqualifying Conditions

While ketamine therapy can be highly effective, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, or mild hallucinations during the treatment. These are typically short-lived.
• Disqualifying Conditions: Ketamine therapy is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with glaucoma, hypertension, psychosis, or schizophrenia may not be candidates due to the potential for exacerbating these conditions.

Types of Ketamine Administration

Ketamine can be administered in several ways, each with unique benefits:

• Intravenous (IV): Delivered directly into the bloodstream, offering the most immediate and intense effects.
• Intramuscular (IM): Injected into the muscle, providing a slightly slower onset but still effective.
• Oral: Taken as a pill or lozenge, which has a slower absorption rate, may be less intense, and the duration of effects of ketamine may last longer than other methods.
• Nasal Spray: Administered through the nostrils, offering a moderate onset of effects.
• Subcutaneous (Sub-Q): At Zen Medicine, we administer ketamine subcutaneously, injecting it just under the skin. This method is most effective, with a gradual onset, allowing for a controlled and manageable experience.

The Zen Medicine Experience

At Zen Medicine, we are committed to providing a serene and supportive environment that maximizes the effectiveness of ketamine therapy. Our process is carefully designed to ensure your comfort, safety, and therapeutic success.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Pre-Session Consultation: Before starting, you will meet with a licensed medical practitioner to ensure you are a good candidate for ketamine therapy. You will also be required to have clearance from a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. We can help connect you with a Therapist if you need.
• Ketamine Treatment Frequency and Duration: At our clinic, the number of ketamine treatments required varies per individual. Our licensed practitioners will collaborate closely with you to determine the optimal treatment plan, typically involving one session per week over a six-week period. Each session is carefully tailored to individual needs and generally lasts between 2 to 3 hours. The duration can vary depending on how each patient metabolizes the medication. After your initial treatment, you will gain a better understanding of your body’s response to ketamine, allowing us to adjust the length of future sessions to enhance comfort and efficacy. This personalized approach ensures that each patient receives the most effective care tailored to their specific metabolic and therapeutic needs.

Preparing for Your Ketamine Therapy Session

Preparation is key to a successful ketamine therapy session. Here’s what you should do before your treatment:

• Complete Intake Forms: Ensure all intake forms are filled out the day before your session.
• Arrange Transportation: As you cannot drive after your session, arrange for a ride to and from our office.
• Mindful Eating: Eat lightly, but not later than 3-4 hours before your session.
• Hydration and Comfort: Avoid drinking water 2 hours before the session, and wear comfortable clothing.
• Home Preparation: Set up your home to be a cozy retreat post-session, prepare meals in advance, and enlist the help of family or friends if needed.
• Medication Guidance: Follow your medical provider’s instructions regarding any medications that may need to be paused before the session.

During Your Session

At Zen Medicine, we prioritize your mental and physical well-being throughout the entire process:

• Private, State-of-the-Art Room: We offer a private, state-of-the-art room specifically designed to foster peace and comfort. This space is a meticulously created tranquil environment, helping you feel secure and at ease throughout your session.
• Personalized Soundscapes and Visual Isolation: To enhance your experience, we provide noise-canceling headphones with a carefully curated playlist that promotes a positive and introspective journey. Additionally, an eye mask is provided to help you stay focused on your inner experience, free from external distractions.
• Comfort and Care: We prioritize your physical comfort by providing blankets and pillows, encouraging you to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to fully relax.
• Integrative Relaxation Techniques (IRT): We understand that some patients may experience stress or anxiety before undergoing ketamine therapy. This is completely normal. At Zen Medicine, we address this with our Integrative Relaxation Techniques (IRT) rather than relying on medications like Valium, commonly used in other settings. IRT is led by a skilled practitioner and includes:
  • Light Breathing Techniques: Gentle, easy breathing exercises to calm the mind and body.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: A practitioner guides you through a series of instructions to relax different parts of your body, helping you achieve a state of deep relaxation.
  • Intention Setting: Setting a clear, personalized intention is a crucial aspect of ketamine therapy. It serves as a guiding focus during your session, reminding you of what you are working on and what you hope to achieve. Our practitioners work closely with you to develop an intention specifically tailored to your needs and current circumstances.
• Continuous Care During Treatment: Our practitioners consistently monitor your progress to ensure your safety and comfort. We do not engage in talk therapy during the session itself; instead, we allow the medicine to take effect, enabling you to explore your inner experience without distraction.
• Following your session: The practitioner will bring you a cup of tea and light snacks. We provide this dedicated time to process your journey with you, offering support and guidance as you reflect on the experience.

After Your Session

Post-treatment care is crucial to maximize the benefits of ketamine therapy:

• Self-Care: Spend time in positive, stress-free environments, and avoid watching TV or using your phone. Let others know in advance that you will not be responding to messages until the following day.
• Nutrition: Eat healthy light meals. Hydrate with water or herbal tea.
• Mindful Activities: It is important to rest, relax, and restore after your treatment. Journaling directly after treatment is highly suggested. The first 24-48 hours after your treatment are very important. Consider booking a full session with a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Read self-help books. Engage in meditation, yoga, Reiki, or massage to enhance your recovery. Take time to connect with yourself. Enjoy peaceful activities such as spending time in nature, walk on the beach, or visit a park.
• Avoidance: For 12 hours after the session, avoid driving, operating machinery, cooking, signing legal documents, or engaging in strenuous activities. No alcohol should be consumed for 48 hours following your session.

Investment

Investing in ketamine therapy at our clinic offers a holistic and personalized approach to improving your overall health and well-being. Session costs range from $555 to $350, depending on the treatment plan. After a thorough consultation with our practitioners and the development of your tailored protocol, we will provide you with detailed pricing information.

We accept all major credit cards, and to accommodate different payment preferences, patients paying with cash or check can benefit from a 4% discount by avoiding the credit card processing fee. Additionally, we offer Afterpay, a service that allows you to receive treatment immediately and pay for it in four equal installments over time, interest-free. This variety of payment options ensures that our treatments are accessible and manageable financially, supporting your journey to better mental health with flexibility and ease.

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy at Zen Medicine is more than just a treatment; it’s a journey towards healing and self-discovery. With our comprehensive approach, including personalized care, a tranquil environment, and dedicated aftercare, we strive to provide the most supportive and effective ketamine therapy experience possible. If you’re considering this transformative therapy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.