Written by Oxana Kirsanova, a wellness entrepreneur, facilitator, and founder of Oneness Wellness Retreats in Costa Rica and Sea2Sky Wellness Club in Canada. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in holistic health and embodiment practices, her work integrates modern therapeutic approaches with ancient healing modalities to support nervous system healing, behavioral transformation, addiction recovery, and sustainable well-being. Through her wellness programs, clinics, and educational work, Oxana helps individuals move beyond survival patterns and reconnect with clarity, self-leadership, and deeper emotional balance
When most people talk about psychedelics, the focus is usually on neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections. While this is an important area of research, it is only one piece of a much larger picture. Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelics may interact with multiple systems throughout the body, creating a temporary state of increased flexibility, communication, and adaptation.
Although research into psychedelic-assisted therapies continues to evolve, scientists are increasingly exploring how these substances may influence not only the brain but also the nervous system, hormonal pathways, immune function, and the gut-brain connection.
1. The Nervous System: Increasing Flexibility in the Stress Response
The nervous system constantly balances between activation (fight-or-flight) and regulation (rest-and-digest). Chronic stress and trauma can leave the body stuck in patterns of hypervigilance and survival.
- May temporarily soften rigid stress-response patterns
- Can increase awareness of emotions and bodily sensations
- May support greater nervous system flexibility
- Often associated with feelings of calm, safety, and emotional release
- Creates an opportunity for new regulation patterns to emerge
2. Neuroplasticity: Creating a Window for Change
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. Research suggests that psychedelics may enhance this natural capacity, creating a temporary period where change may become easier.
- May increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)
- May support the formation of new neural connections (synaptogenesis)
- Can interrupt repetitive thought and behavior patterns
- May increase openness to new perspectives and insights
- Lasting change depends on integration after the experience
A 2018 study published in Cell Reports found that several psychedelic compounds promoted structural and functional neural plasticity in laboratory models, contributing to growing interest in their potential therapeutic applications.
3. Hormones and the Endocrine System
Psychedelics may influence the body’s hormonal signaling systems, affecting how we experience stress, connection, and emotional regulation.
- May influence cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone
- Can affect oxytocin, which is associated with bonding and trust
- May indirectly influence sleep-regulating hormones such as melatonin
- Interacts with serotonin pathways throughout the body
- Can contribute to feelings of emotional openness and connection
4. The Gut-Brain Connection
The gut and brain communicate constantly through an extensive network of nerves, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This relationship plays a significant role in both physical and emotional health.
- Most of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut
- May temporarily alter gut-brain communication
- Can produce digestive sensations such as nausea or release
- May influence appetite, cravings, and digestion
- Highlights the connection between emotional and physical health
Researchers continue to explore the complex relationship between the gut microbiome, serotonin production, and mental well-being.
5. Inflammation and the Immune System
Researchers are increasingly investigating the relationship between psychedelics and immune function. While this field remains in its early stages, some studies suggest broader biological effects beyond mood and perception.
- May influence inflammatory pathways
- Researchers are investigating the effects on neuroinflammation
- Could play a role in supporting immune regulation
- May contribute to overall healing and recovery processes
- Remains an emerging area of scientific study
A 2018 review published in the International Review of Psychiatry highlighted growing evidence that certain psychedelic compounds may possess anti-inflammatory properties, though much more research is needed.
6. Trauma Stored in the Body
Trauma is not only a psychological experience. It can also be expressed through the body as tension, posture, breathing patterns, and nervous system responses.
- Stored stress may become more accessible during psychedelic experiences
- Physical expressions can include shaking, crying, yawning, or trembling
- May support the release of held tension and emotional energy
- Can increase awareness of embodied trauma patterns
- Reinforces that healing involves both mind and body
Many practitioners working within trauma-informed and somatic frameworks observe that emotional processing often involves both cognitive insight and bodily awareness.
7. The Default Mode Network (DMN)
The Default Mode Network is a brain network associated with self-reflection, identity, and repetitive thinking. Increased activity within this network has been associated with rumination and certain mental health challenges.
Research suggests that psychedelics may temporarily reduce activity within the DMN, potentially creating space for different patterns of thinking and perception.
- May decrease rumination and repetitive thought patterns
- Can increase communication between different brain networks
- Often associated with expanded perspective and insight
- May reduce identification with rigid self-narratives
A landmark brain-imaging study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found altered patterns of brain network activity during psychedelic experiences, helping to advance scientific understanding of these effects.
The Bigger Picture
Psychedelics are not simply substances that affect the brain. Emerging research suggests they may influence multiple systems throughout the body, creating a temporary state of increased flexibility and communication.
- Affects the nervous system, brain, hormones, gut, and immune system
- May increase adaptability across multiple biological networks
- Can create opportunities for emotional, physical, and psychological change
- The experience itself is only the beginning
- Lasting transformation depends on integration, embodiment, and consistent practice
Ultimately, psychedelics do not create change for us. They may open a temporary window of possibility, but it is through integration, lifestyle changes, nervous system support, and daily action that lasting transformation occurs.
