Synopsis: Find the answer to how ketamine therapy works as this blog goes over four key mechanisms: biological, psychological, functional, and spiritual—revealing how ketamine can influence the mind and body in transformative ways.

This blog is an adapted transcript of our video How Does Ketamine Therapy Work?

Ketamine Therapy: More Than Taking Another Medication

There can be a lot of misconception about what ketamine therapy is, let alone how it works. Many people who are exploring this treatment as an option are used to the traditional paradigm of western medicine, i.e. take a pill and hopefully get better. However, ketamine treatments are more than just receiving the treatment passively, it's a multifaceted and fascinating medication. Therefore, to fully understand how ketamine therapy works, we must dive into its four mechanisms of action, aka the four ways ketamine works.

A brain in the shape of a tree with branch-like neurons sticking out — The biological mechanism of ketamine involves the regeneration of neurons and the strengthening of the connections between them.

What Are the Biological Mechanisms Behind Ketamine's Effects?

The first is the biological mechanism: ketamine is known to stimulate neurogenesis and strengthen synaptic connections, which means it promotes the growth of new neurons as well as strengthens the connections between them. This effect is mediated by a protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which acts like a fertilizer for brain cells. Think Miracle-Gro for the brain. Imagine a tree during winter, stripped of leaves and looking barren, then picture it in spring, lush and full—this is similar to the regenerative effect ketamine can have on the brain.

Man walking a wooden footpath in between a red forest — Patients undergoing ketamine therapy have access to their subconscious; uncovering suppressed emotions and memories.

How Does Ketamine Affect the Psychological State of Patients?

The second mechanism is psychological. During ketamine therapy, patients seem to gain access to their subconscious minds, similar to looking under the hood of a car. This access can bring suppressed emotions, memories, and experiences to the forefront, allowing for a therapeutic release and exploration. Think about the term "depression" itself. It implies pressing down or suppressing, which is precisely what ketamine therapy could help alleviate by allowing these repressed elements to surface.

The top of a tree in the form of a brain with branches sticking out. — Through ketamine’s mechanism of reducing activity in the Default Mode Network, the brain is found to have brain wave patterns similar to those in deep meditation.

Ketamine's Impact on Brain Function and Neural Activity

The third mechanism involves functional changes. Ketamine has been observed to reduce the activity of the Default Mode Network (DMN), a part of the brain active during rest. This portion of the brain is also thought to be associated with where the ego resides and repetitive thought patterns occur. This disruption during ketamine treatments can facilitate the creation of new mental pathways. What’s fascinating is that EEG (electroencephalograms) studies show ketamine therapy can induce brain wave patterns similar to those seen in deep meditation, such as theta and gamma waves. It is in this calmer mental state that new beliefs, i.e. healthy intentional reprogramming, can occur.

Person with eyes closed and floating on still waters — Patients have reported spiritual experiences during ketamine therapy, allowing them to feel a connection to the universe.

Spiritual and Transcendental Experiences with Ketamine Therapy

The fourth and final mechanism is spiritual. Although not grounded in solid science, many patients report experiencing profound, deeply spiritual states during ketamine therapy. Many of our patients will report these mystical types of experiences. They might have a near-death-like experience where literally they feel like they're dying or dissolved. Some may feel a connection with Source or Universe, or others will experience the interrelated connection between all human beings. This fourth mechanism can be especially powerful for those with a pre-existing spiritual practice, often intensifying their spiritual awareness.

Ketamine Therapy: A Multifaceted Transformation

In summary, ketamine's mechanisms of action span the biological, psychological, functional, and spiritual - this is a multifaceted medication and treatment. When it is performed in a psychedelically- and trauma-informed setting, and supported by integration of the experience with processing and lifestyle changes, it now makes sense how so many lives have been transformed with this treatment.

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