Successful treatment of intractable MDMA adverse reactions using acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine
Hope Kronman, Alison Locker, Abdi Assadi, Jeffrey Guss
Journal of Psychedelic Studies April 2, 2025 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2025.00402 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA person experienced persistent insomnia, anxiety, and tinnitus for months after MDMA therapy, symptoms that did not resolve with Western medical approaches. Her symptoms eventually improved when treated within a Traditional Chinese Medicine framework. The authors argue that psychedelic treatment, particularly during the integration phase, may benefit from techniques that address energies not recognized by Western medicine.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | An individual who suffered from insomnia, anxiety, tinnitus, and more for months following MDMA therapy |
| Intervention | Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Acupuncture Adverse effect Alternative medicine |
| Key finding | Symptoms following MDMA therapy that were unresponsive to Western medical management responded to treatment within the Traditional Chinese Medicine framework. |
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic treatments like MDMA can sometimes have side effects which persist despite management with Western medical approaches. In what follows, we present a case study of an individual who suffered from insomnia, anxiety, tinnitus, and more for months following MDMA therapy. Ultimately, her symptoms responded to management within the Traditional Chinese Medicine framework. We present this case in detail, and argue that psychedelic management, especially in the integration phase, can benefit from the incorporation of techniques which engage with energies that Western medicine do not address.