Truffle therapy using the magic truffle
Table of contents truffle therapy
Sclerotia from magic mushrooms
Bee truffle therapy magic truffles are used. Truffles and magic mushrooms (magic mushrooms) are both psychoactive fungi from the same organism that contains psilocybin. The main difference between the two lies in their appearance: mushrooms have a stem and a cap, while truffles have a knobby shape and no stem.
What is less known is that truffles are actually the sclerotia of mushrooms. The sclerotia is a compact, spherical mass of mycelium and nutrients that forms underground in response to drought and food shortages.
In a sense, truffles can be considered a mushroom survival mechanism. They contain the same psychoactive substances as mushrooms and are therefore used for their hallucinogenic effects. Although truffles are less known than mushrooms abroad, in the Netherlands we mainly only use truffles due to legislation. Truffles and magic mushrooms have similar effects on the mind and perception of users.
The truffles contain several psychoactive substances, including psilocybin and psilocin, which are considered the main active components for truffle therapy. Baeocystin and norbaeocystin are additional substances found in lower proportions.
Psilocybin is a tryptamine that turns into psilocin in the human body. This provides the main psychedelic effects of these mushrooms. Baeocystine and norbaeocystine are considered less potent psychoactive agents present in several types of mushrooms.
The psychoactive effect of truffles used during truffle therapy mainly comes from the substance psilocybin, which is present in high levels. Psilocybin as an individual substance is now widely investigated in scientific studies to remedy mental disorders. This does not examine whether the other psychoactive substances in magic mushrooms and truffles have an additional positive influence on the therapy.
Magic truffles or psilocybin?
Using psilocybin from synthetic or purified sources can provide greater accuracy and control in scientific research. Magic truffles and mushrooms contain varying amounts of psilocybin, making it difficult to monitor doses and ensure consistency across study participants. In clinical trials, researchers use precise doses of psilocybin to study its effects on brain activity, emotions and behavior in different populations. By using a standardized, controlled substance, researchers can more accurately assess the effects of psilocybin and gain a better understanding of its therapeutic potential. Psilocybin is therefore preferred over truffles in scientific research because it offers greater precision, consistency and safety.
For therapeutic sessions with magic truffles, no exact amount is required and a deviation of approximately 10% can be used. It doesn't matter if someone takes a few mg more or less psilocybin than expected. An additional advantage is that the other psychoactive substances, which also influence the effect to a lesser extent, can provide a broader experience than psilocybin alone.
In short, a precisely measured amount of psilocybin is useful for research, but not necessary for truffle therapy.
Psilocybin may be useful in therapy according to research
Psilocybin is a substance that is currently in the spotlight of scientific research. Several studies are underway that show that psilocybin therapy can be a promising approach in treating various conditions. In fact, there have been promising results in treating depression, anxiety, addiction, cluster headaches, and even Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that psilocybin therapy is not only highly effective, but also relatively safe and well tolerated compared to traditional medications.
Depression
Several clinical trials have shown that psilocybin may be a promising treatment for depression, even in patients resistant to traditional antidepressants.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In addition to anxiety disorders, research is also underway into the effectiveness of psilocybin in the treatment of PTSD. The preliminary results have proven promising.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
A study conducted at the University of Zurich showed that a single dose of psilocybin reduced symptoms of SAD in participants with social anxiety disorder. According to the researchers, it is not known what the long-term effects of the treatment are.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
A pilot study conducted at the University of Arizona examined the effects of psilocybin in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. The study showed that psilocybin-assisted therapy significantly reduced anxiety levels.
Addictions
Psilocybin is being investigated as a possible treatment for addictive disorders, particularly tobacco and alcohol addiction. Various studies have already shown positive long-term effects in reducing cravings and promoting abstinence.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
There is recent research supporting evidence that psilocybin can help treat OCD symptoms. Research claims that microdosing sufferers can better manage their symptoms and manage their daily activities more easily.
Cluster headache
Psilocybin has been investigated as a potential treatment for cluster headaches, a severe and disabling form of headache. Some patients have reported positive results after treatment with psilocybin.
Migraine
Although limited research, some studies have shown that psilocybin may provide relief in the treatment of migraines. The positive effects appear to be due to a change in blood flow in the brain.
Anorexia nervosa
Some research is underway into the potential role of psilocybin in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, but further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. Other studies have previously noted that relationships with food can improve.
Psychosomatic complaints
Although there are currently no specific studies focusing on psilocybin and psychosomatic complaints, there are some broader studies and indications that may suggest that psilocybin may have a positive influence.
How does psilocybin work?
The results of the scientific studies are very good and the success rate of the treatments compared to regular care is many times higher. Some of the positive effects can be attributed to the physical effects in the brain such as changes in neurochemistry, blood supply, neuroplasticity, new brain connections and brain waves. In addition to these measurable effects, the subjective experience of the person undergoing the psilocybin session can also play an important role.
Physical effects
Neurochemistry
By taking psilocybin, more stimulation will take place on the serotonergic receptors after the conversion to psilocin. Psilocybin's interaction with serotonin receptors leads to increased serotonin release and changes in serotonin transmission in several brain regions. This affects neurochemistry at several levels:
Increase in serotonin release: Psilocybin promotes the release of serotonin into the synaptic cleft, resulting in increased serotonin concentrations in certain parts of the brain. This can lead to altered neuronal activity and communication.
Stimulation of serotonin receptors: Psilocin binds to and specifically activates the 5-HT2A receptors, which are involved in the regulation of mood, perception and cognition. By stimulating these receptors, psilocybin alters signal transmission in the brain, resulting in the experience of hallucinations, altered consciousness, and other effects.
Increased neuroplasticity: Psilocybin may also promote neuroplasticity, the ability of neurons to form new connections. Due to the extra stimulation on the serotonergic receptors, more BNDF is produced. BDNF has been shown to stimulate the growth of neural branches (dendrites) and the number of dendritic spines, which may contribute to long-term changes in brain structure and function.
Amygdala
The amygdala is a part of the brain involved in processing fear and stress. Research has shown that psilocybin can reduce activity in the amygdala, which can help reduce feelings of stress.
Blood supply
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), it can be noted that psilocybin can alter blood flow in several brain areas. Psilocybin may reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex and the default mode network (DMN) due to the change in blood supply. The DMN is a network of brain regions involved in self-awareness, time perception and memories.
Using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI, we can show that psilocybin increases global cerebral blood flow, meaning more blood is delivered to the brain. This may indicate increased metabolism and an increase in neuronal activity in certain areas of the brain.
Brain waves
Psilocybin can change the brain waves in the brain. Brain waves are measured with electroencephalography (EEG). A study conducted at Johns Hopkins University showed that psilocybin changed brain waves by shifting from alpha-similar waves to theta waves. Alpha activity (8-13 Hz) is associated with a relaxed but alert state, while theta activity (4-7 Hz) is associated with dream-like and deeper meditative states.
Subjective experience
Better mood
Through increased stimulation of serotonergic receptors, psilocybin can induce a wide range of moods and experiences, ranging from positive to challenging experiences. Some common aspects of the subjective experience that may occur mainly during the trip are:
Increased sense of connection: Many people experience a deep sense of connection with themselves, others, and the natural world during a psilocybin experience. This can be accompanied by feelings of unity, empathy and love.
Emotional intensity: Psilocybin can heighten emotions and lead to intense feelings of sadness, joy, happiness and wonder.
Partly due to the addition of psilocybin, a substance that resembles serotonin, depressive symptoms caused by serotonin deficiency can disappear.
Less ego
With less sense of self, things seem more connected because you are less likely to have to distinguish between yourself and the world around you. If you look at yourself with less self-awareness, it sometimes seems as if it is about someone other than yourself. From these thoughts it is often easier to talk honestly about yourself without an emotional blockage. It therefore ensures openness and that can have a great advantage for processing the past, but also for conversation therapy, self-examination and personal growth.
Less stress
An increased sense of connection and more acceptance allows fears and stress to be better accepted, which means they have less control. With stronger psilocybin sessions, sometimes the sense of self disappears completely and then fear no longer plays a role at all since no self-protection is needed.
New insights
Under the influence of psilocybin, the brain works in a different way than you are used to. New insights and connections can be discovered. Of course, it is impossible to predict in advance how this will turn out. An additional advantage of these types of sessions is that curiosity is rewarded and that people often remain curious about themselves, others and the world long after the session.
Spirituality
Some people report spiritual or mystical experiences during a psilocybin trip. This can be accompanied by feelings of transcendence, a sense of meaning and connection to something greater than oneself. In the same way that religion can give some people peace and confidence, a spiritual experience can also bring more peace and health.
Healthy choices
Many people who have experienced a deeper trip on psilocybin experience the importance of a healthy body and a healthy environment. By being better for your own body, mind, people and the environment, the love you feel for yourself and the universe can increase. This can contribute to a change in perception, health and a better life.
The dosage of psilocybin plays a major role
The effects of psilocybin vary and depend on your personal sensitivity, character, mood, additives and dosage. The higher the dose, the more chance of high stimulation of the serotonin receptor, called the 5HT2a receptor. The higher stimulation of the receptors produces the effects of psilocybin. The degrees of effects are divided into different trip levels.
| Psilocybin Dosage | Trip level | Duration (h) | Eligibility |
| Microdose | 1 | 2-3 | Beginner |
| Medium dose | 2-4 | 5-6 | Beginner |
| High dose | 4-5 | 6-7 | Some experience |
| Heroic dose | 5 | 7-8 | More experienced |
During trip level 1, the negative feelings of serotonin depression disappear. Because the communication of the hemispheres of the brain changes, music will sound deeper, colors will become brighter and the environment will become more tangible. During this phase people are more open and socially involved and open/honest. Triple level 1 occurs in microdosages as the maximum trip level. With psilocybin therapy with medium, high and heroic doses, you will initially briefly enter trip level 1 and return to trip level 1 at the end of the session.
Brighter perception of colors, visual effects such as the movement and “breathing” of objects, walls, etc. With closed eyes, 2-dimensional patterns can be observed. Due to changes in short-term memory, the user experiences continuous distracting thought patterns, alternating with extreme focus. The natural filter in the brain is bypassed, which increases creativity, among other things. During this phase, cross-connections can already be discovered. Cross-connections about, for example, why certain things happen and how you can deal with them.
Very clearly noticeable visual effects. Everything seems bent or distorted. Patterns can be seen on walls, objects, faces, etc. Mild hallucinations, such as the effect of flowing rivers in wood grains or other structures. Some confusion of the senses, for example seeing sound as color, etc. Time distorts, making everything seem to take place in the “now”. From this level it is already possible to connect with the subconscious brain, while it can still be controlled very well. There may be fears in the subconscious that cause stress without people consciously realizing it. This level is useful to combat those fears from the subconscious. Fears often come from the past and/or the future. These fears are not realistic at the moment and acceptance is possible during this trip level
Strong hallucinations, such as objects morphing into other objects. Perception of the ego fades, for example objects can start talking to you or you feel contradictory things at the same time. Some loss of reality, time becomes an incomprehensible concept. Possible experience of out-of-body experience. Mixing stimuli from different senses. Because of the loss of ego and therefore the loss of self-protection, one is harsh but honest about oneself during this phase. Problems can be addressed and given a place. The connection with the subconscious is very high at this trip level, which means that a lot can be learned about who someone is, while it seems as if it is someone else because of the loss of ego.
Total loss of visual connection with reality, senses no longer work in the “normal” way. A total loss of ego. Users feel themselves merging with space, other objects or the universe. The loss of reality becomes so bad that it is difficult to explain or put into words. This level differs from the other levels in that the actual universe in which things are located ceases to exist. During this phase there is absolutely no control possible from the ego. The connection with the subconscious is now maximum. During trip level 5, just like at trip level 4, it is difficult to formulate words and there is therefore little point in talking. It is, as it were, a dream that cannot be influenced by yourself. This phase can give you insights in an initially incomprehensible way. Level 5 psychonauts often call the trip experiences mystical, the most beautiful experience of their lives or frightening. Control freaks in particular find it scary at first. It is not wise to do this without experience with psychedelics.
Truffle therapy at Triptherapie
At Triptherapie we are proud of our careful preparation of psilocybin sessions. Our team carefully assesses your unique needs and goals during a thorough intake process so we can tailor our recommendations. Furthermore, we believe that our comprehensive approach to preparation sets us apart. As part of our standard service offering, we offer a range of benefits that make your truffle therapy as productive and transformative as possible. Let us help you unleash psilocybin's full potential and create lasting change in your life.
Before the session
- Screening for safety based on the intake
- Nutritional advice in preparation for psilocybin use
- Supplement advice to improve neurochemistry
- Video and reading suggestions that can come to life during the session
- Small assignments that can help prepare for the session
During the session
- Introductory conversation whose topics discussed can come to life during the peak
- Various playlists with treatment-specific music
- Aromatherapy
- Space for introspection
- Experienced guidance
- Home visits are possible
- Use of our locations is possible
After the session
- Space to discuss immediately after the session
- Tips for recovery after the psilocybin session will be sent by email
- An integration conversation a few days after the session
- Motivational messages to maintain success even after the psychedelic session
Contraindications to truffle therapy
Although truffles are one of the safest drugs available, unfortunately not everyone can simply opt for truffle therapy. The dangerous combinations are mainly those involving psychoactive medications and opioids. The contraindications are listed on the intake page so that you can carry out the first check yourself. After completing the intake, we will also carry out a second check. Preferably complete the intake before booking a session.
The private and duo psilocybin sessions
This overview lists the prices for both the individual sessions and the duo sessions with two participants. The reservation for a duo session is made in the name of one main booker. Please contact info@triptherapie.nl for larger groups.
All our psilocybin sessions include:
- Personal advice based on the intake
- Support via email/chat/telephone
- Psychedelic session with a guide of your choice
- All materials and aromatherapy used
- Aftercare and integration discussion
