Presentation:

The Therapeutic Use of Psychedelic Medicines for Enhancing Creativity and Healing

Workshop:

Complementary Medicine Techniques for Healing

Mitchell Liester is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Mitch has been researching psychedelic medicines for more than 3 decades and has published research related to the use of MDMA, ayahuasca, and LSD. He has presented his research findings at both national and international conferences. Mitch also has a full time private psychiatric practice in Monument, Colorado.

Presentation Preview

Psychedelics have a long history of use in indigenous cultures around the world. These medicines have been employed to access altered states of consciousness, for healing, and as an aid in religious/spiritual ceremonies. More recently, scientists have discovered additional benefits of these medicines including neuroplastic changes, cognitive enhancement, and increased creativity. This presentation will explore the use of psychedelic medicines in both indigenous and non-indigenous cultures, as well as recent scientific discoveries regarding these medicines’ neuroplastic mechanisms and their potential activation of silent synapses.

Workshop Preview

Modern medicine, also referred to as allopathic medicine, has been around for just over 200 years. Alternative forms of healing, such as those practiced in indigenous cultures, have existed for thousands of years. This workshop will explore various forms of healing utilized by indigenous cultures in the Himalayas, the Amazon rainforest, the deserts of Africa, and the Andes mountains. Comparisons and contrasts between different types of healing methodologies will be discussed. Participants in this workshop will be provided the opportunity to experience a traditional Quechua limpia or cleansing, as practiced by the indigenous Quechua people of Ecuador. A question-and-answer session along with a group discussion will close out the workshop, providing attendees the opportunity to share their own complementary healing experiences with each other to facilitate shared learning.