Chuck Raison – Ancient Practices & Conscious Experience

In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychiatrist and mental health researcher Chuck Raison. Chuck’s work centers on understanding how ancient practices can change our conscious experience. He’s a leader in studying the links between inflammation, stress, and depression, and how meditation and other practices can influence those dynamics. This conversation covers many topics, including: ancient practices and conscious experience; Tibetan tummo practice; the role of inflammation in depression; sickness behavior; links between stress and inflammation; the placebo response; psychedelics as a novel treatment for depression; investigating the role of memory in transcendent experiences; body temperature and emotions; and the precious gift of awareness. Full show notes and resources