Non-Negotiables

• Follow your prescriber’s instructions. If anything in this guide differs from what they’ve told you, follow their guidance.

• Have a support person on-site in case you need assistance.

• Spit (do not swallow) the Ketamine after 10-15 minutes. Swallowing increases the risk of nausea.

Supplies

Required

• Ketamine tablets as prescribed

• Comfortable couch, mat, or reclining chair

• Pillows and blankets

• Written intentions for the session

• Blood pressure monitor (wrist cuff recommended)

• Cup for spitting medicine

• Facial tissues

• Wastebasket (in case of vomiting)

• Eye mask

• Headphones or speaker (Headphones allow for deeper inner immersion)

• Download music playlist (without advertisements)

• Method of recording blood pressure and heart rate

Optional

• Power objects (meaningful personal objects, stones, photos or yourself and/or loved ones at various stages of your life, etc)

• nausea medication as prescribed

• Small dish to place Ketamine tablets for ambiance

• Candle, essential oils, incense, or sage

• Altoid, Listerine strip, or other mint to cleanse palate after spitting medicine

• Nourishing drink (tea, smoothie…) and light snack for after the session

• Art supplies for creative expression

• Journal for reflection

Instructions

Day of

• Unless told otherwise, have an empty-ish stomach to avoid nausea. No heavy meals in the 3-4 hours before the session and sip clear liquids as needed.

• Avoid caffeine or stimulants.

• Avoid news, social media, extended travel, crowded/intense places, and triggering people/situations

• Enjoy a nourishing activity such as walking in nature, journaling, gardening, making art, getting a massage, stretching/yoga, or meditating, If your dosing session will occur after a workday, it’s especially important to allow a grounding activity to transition into a new mental space.

• Coordinate with your support person.

Setting up your space

• Play some relaxing music as you set up the space.

• Put away distractions, including devices. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode. If necessary, put a “Do Not Disturb” note on your doorbell or front door.

• Set up a comfortable space to lie down or recline with blankets and pillows.

• Adjust the space to be calm, relaxing, and private. Do some light decluttering if necessary to create a pleasing environment.

• Prepare and arrange your supplies (see list above)

• Arrange any power objects in a way that’s pleasing to you. Ideally a small table or shelf close to your physical location during the Ketamine session.

• Place your Ketamine tablets in a dish and arrange with your power objects.

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes (if any). Avoid constricting belts, bras, or jeans.

• If using nausea medication, take as prescribed - often 30 minutes before dosing.

• Inform your support person that you will be starting your journey and go over any requests.

Opening ritual

• After setting up the space, take a few minutes to settle into your journey mindset. You might stretch, take a bath, meditate, or do a breathing exercise.

• Energetically cleanse the space in whatever way feels authentic. You might light sage or incense, ring a bell or sound bowl, or simply open a window and imagine that negative energies are flowing out of the space.

• Take and record your blood pressure and heart rate. proceed only if within the limits yoru prescriber gave you.

• Read the “flight instructions”

• Use the restroom to avoid an interruption during your journey.

• Recommended: Take some action to symbolically represent the opening of the journey (e.g., light a candle, ring a bell or singing bowl, or simply place a hand over your heart and take 3 grounding breaths).

• Speak your intention out loud into the Ketamine tablets in the form of a request (e.g., “Please show me the next right step,” “Please help me meet my fear with courage”).

• Place your eye mask on your forehead and put on headphones (if using).

• Place the Ketamine tablets under your tongue. Let them dissolve without chewing, typically for 10-15 minutes. Many people prefer to lower their eye masks, lie down, and play music during this time.

• Spit the Ketamine and saliva into your cup.

During the journey

• Settle in and let the experience unfold. Expect to feel the onset in around 10-20 minutes, the peak experience during minutes 30-50, and a descent for another 30-60 minutes after that.

• If you need to use the restroom, call for your support person even if you don’t think you need help. Allow them to help you walk steadily.

• If anxiety spikes, lengthen your exhale by pursing your lips and breathing out like you’re blowing through a straw. You can also place a hand on your heart/belly or ask your support person to hold your hand.

Closing ritual

• Thank (the medicine, life, spirit, the universe, creator, etc.) in your own words.

• Speak a simple commitment you’re willing to carry into the week in light of your journey (e.g. “I’ll take a 10-minute walk each morning,” “I’ll call my sister”).

• Jot a few lines or images into your journal. Don’t try to capture everything.

• Recommended: Take some action to symbolically represent the closing of the journey (e.g., blow out the candle, ring a bell or singing bowl, or simply place a hand over your heart and take 3 grounding breaths).

Post-session integration

• Rest! Ideally take the remainder of the day for rest and integration.

• Don’t schedule any social, work, or travel-related activities for the rest of the day.

• Minimize exposure to news, social media, electronics, large groups or events, traffic, and triggering situations/people.

• Process through journaling, art, and/or movement.

• Stretch, take a bath, listen to music, be gentle with yourself.