How can entheogens + meditation help heal pelvic pain, jaw tension and anxiety? with Allison Avalon

I'll be the first to admit that it irks me when people use the term "plant medicine" to refer to psychedelics, or what perhaps could be more properly termed "entheogens."First of all, half of those are isolated compounds that are created in labs (perhaps originally derived from plants, but not always) and others are derived from fungi or animal compounds. Like, they aren't even all sourced from plants. And I don't love the usurping of a name that I've been using for almost 2 decades to refer to my love of the practice of people's medicine, or herbal medicine.That said, I'll also openly acknowledge that psychedelics and entheogens have been a significant part of my path TO herbal medicine. And to healing arts overall.  And to nature connection before that. They are profound and powerful and I deeply respect them. I just think we need to be more precise about what we're talking about. Today's guest Allison Avalon shares about her relationship with entheogens and how, alongside silent meditation and foundational nutrition and lifestyle practices, they have had an immeasurable impact on healing her wombspace, jaw, and overall anxiety and depression. Her story starts in a place of deep suffering in a spiral of anxiety and depression, intense jaw clenching she'd bite into her cheeks and intense menstrual pain -- and while she was seeking answers she found powerful entheogens that changed her entire life, partly by facing death -- and what she calls "death practice."We talk about all of this and how free and relaxed the flow of energy is through her body. How she no longer has menstrual pain or jaw clenching AT ALL. It's really an inspiring and hopeful story full of so much wisdom. Listen to learn:what entheogens are and some possible ways they may support youhow "death practice" can actually help you LIVE more fullyways our wombs can support our healthy relationship with deathhow the pelvis and throat/jaw are connectedAllison's story of complete relief from her lifetime of her chronic jaw clenchingthe surprising way releasing jaw tension was mirrored in her pelvisthe power of intentional entheogenic practicehow silent meditation can support integrationan example of how the foundational pillars of health are essential in healing Resources:Today's shownotes: Links to the Entheogem retreats + Allison's offeringsEpisode 10: Traditional womb healing practices w Sondra HamiltonEpisode 27: Sex + Psychedelics with Juliana Rose GoldstoneEpisode 61: Pelvic wisdom + healing trauma w Dr Emily WilsonEpisode 77: Myofascial release for pelvic bowl w Lindsay CourcelleFree offering: Womb connection + clearing meditationIf you loved this episode, share it with a friend, or take a screenshot and share on social media and tag me @herbalwombwisdom.  And if you love this podcast, leave a rating & write a review! It's really helpful to get the show to more amazing humans like you.  ❤️DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personClick here to send me a quick message :)