Ketamine, discovered in 1962, is one of the most used anesthetics for many surgical procedures. It is even used in children due to its safety profile. A few people know ketamine to be “special K”, a recreational street drug or used in veterinary medicine as a tranquilizer.  Even though Ketamine is used in all these situations, its primary purpose is anesthetic for humans. Ketamine has been included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, highlighting its significance as a treatment option for a variety of medical conditions.

In recent times, there have been many factors contributing to increased depression across wide populations. There are several medications  available for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders which involve daily administration of a medication aimed at correction of  neurochemical imbalances via action at specific brain receptors (e.g. serotonin, dopamine, mu opioid).

Ketamine is a medication that works on the NMDA receptor in the brain, which plays a key role in the perception of pain and regulation of mood. Through blocking the NMDA receptor, Ketamine can relieve chronic pain and improve symptoms of mental health disorders. Furthermore, ketamine increases the levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which can repair damaged neural connections and promote the growth of new ones, ultimately reducing symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders. With effects lasting for weeks or even months after treatment.

Apart from the neurological processes, the infusion experience also involves crucial mental experiences. Ketamine's dissociative effects often result in significant positive shifts in patients' psyche and consciousness. The infusion experience is unique to each individual and is instrumental in their healing, with many patients reporting a sense of connection to something greater, closure towards past traumas, and self-compassion.  Many patients experience this after their first session.

We believe this experiential component or “journey” holds great therapeutic value in conjunction with the medication's neurological effects. Several factors, such as the patient's mindset, treatment environment, administration route, infusion rate and total dose, contribute to the infusion experience's variability.

Ketamine infusion therapy is highly effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. It often results in a rapid and significant improvement, particularly for those who have not responded well to other forms of treatment. Additionally, ketamine infusion therapy may be a viable option for those who are unable to take traditional antidepressants due to side effects or other contraindications, as it has none of the short-term side effects commonly associated with other medications.

Unlike conventional treatments, Ketamine is reported to improve the quality of relief by increasing empathy and restoring the ability to experience pleasure, thus making it an appealing alternative for individuals who prefer a more natural treatment approach or do not want to take medication daily.