Many people seek complementary and alternative approaches to psychedelics. Understanding the evidence base helps make informed choices.
Complementary Approaches with Evidence for Psychedelics
Acupuncture: Several studies show modest effects on psychedelics symptoms, particularly for anxiety and pain-related presentations.
Yoga: One of the best-evidenced complementary approaches — multiple mechanisms relevant to psychedelics.
Massage therapy: Reduces cortisol and increases serotonin — documented effects on psychedelics symptom severity.
Supplements: Omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D have meaningful evidence for some psychedelics presentations.
Complementary Approaches with Limited Evidence for Psychedelics
Crystal healing, homeopathy, and many energy medicine approaches lack scientific evidence for psychedelics. Risk of harm is low, but opportunity cost of forgoing evidence-based treatment is real.
Using Complementary Approaches Safely for Psychedelics
Complementary approaches work best as additions to, not replacements for, evidence-based psychedelics treatment. Always inform your healthcare providers of everything you're using.