Ketamine Therapy for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & Pain

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Dr. Sam Ko, board-certified emergency medicine physician and medical director at Reset Ketamine, to explore how ketamine therapy is helping the 50-70% of autoimmune patients struggling with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.They discuss how ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors, reduces inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, influences the gut-brain connection, and provides real hope for conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, MCAS, and POTS.Dr. Ko shares success stories, introduces Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as a complementary treatment, and reminds us that your struggle is real and there are evidence-based tools to help you reclaim functional living.Key Takeaways50-70% of autoimmune patients experience depression, anxiety, and central sensitization - there's a fascinating connection between autoimmune conditions and mood disordersKetamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors via NMDA receptors down the spinal cord, making it powerful for central sensitizationThe central nervous system and enteric nervous system share the same embryological origin (neuro crest), explaining the profound gut-brain connectionKetamine influences the gut microbiome, which in turn affects the central nervous system and moodExtended infusion protocols (80 minutes to 4 hours) are used for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgiaKetamine reduces inflammatory markers including TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10, helping to "turn down the volume" on overactive immune systemsStellate Ganglion Block (SGB) provides a "hardware reset" for the sympathetic nervous system, complementing ketamine's "software reset"Success is measured in functional improvements - getting out of bed, doing hobbies, walking 5 minutes daily - not running marathonsTeam-based care is essential, especially for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants - collaboration with rheumatologists and primary care is keyYour struggle is real, your body is wise - if a provider doesn't listen, find one who willChapters & Timestamps00:00 Introduction: Ketamine for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & Pain00:30 The Autoimmune-Mental Health Link: Why 50-70% Experience Both01:00 Central Sensitization: Resetting Hypersensitized Pain Receptors via NMDA02:30 Ketamine Beyond the ER: Treating MCAS, POTS & Complex Autoimmune Conditions03:00 The Gut-Brain Connection: Embryology of Central & Enteric Nervous Systems04:00 Serotonin in Gut & Brain: Why "Trust Your Gut" Is Literally True04:30 How Ketamine Influences the Gut Microbiome & Central Nervous System06:00 Success Stories: Fibromyalgia & Extended Infusion Protocols07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis: Visible Reduction in Joint Inflammation07:30 Reducing Inflammatory Markers: TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1008:30 Mind-Body Connection: Breaking the Cycle of Pain & Rumination09:30 Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): Software vs Hardware Reset11:00 Addressing Autoimmune Fatigue: Realistic Functional Improvements12:00 The Power of 1%: Micro-Habits & 5-Minute Daily Walks13:00 What to Expect: Consultations & Finding the Right Fit14:00 Team-Based Care: Working with Rheumatologists on Biologics14:30 Safety Protocols: Lab Monitoring & Continuous Vital Signs16:00 Never Too Early or Late: Hope for Mental Health Struggles16:30 Validation: Your Struggle Is Real, Trust Your Body17:30 Finding Providers Who Listen & Building Your Support Team18:00 Connect with Reset Ketamine & Final ThoughtsThis episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Individual results may vary.Guest DetailsDr. Sam Ko, MD Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician & Medical Director at Reset KetamineCredentials & Training:Board Certified in Emergency MedicineMedical school training in embryology and the biopsychosocial paradigmExtensive experience in IV ketamine administration in ER settingsSpecialized training in ketamine therapy for mental health and chronic painCertified in Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) proceduresSpecializations:IV Ketamine therapy for autoimmune-related depression, anxiety, and PTSDCentral sensitization and neuropathic pain syndromesFibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis treatmentMCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)Treatment-resistant mental health conditions in autoimmune patientsStellate Ganglion Block for sympathetic nervous system resetIntegrative approach to gut-brain-immune axis dysfunctionClinical Approach: Dr. Ko founded Reset Ketamine with the mission to provide evidence-based ketamine therapy specifically for patients with complex autoimmune conditions who experience overlapping mental health and pain symptoms. His approach recognizes the intimate mind-body connection and addresses both the "software" (neurological patterns through ketamine) and "hardware" (nervous system through SGB) aspects of healing. He emphasizes team-based care, working collaboratively with rheumatologists and primary care physicians to ensure safe, comprehensive treatment for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants. Dr. Ko works alongside his wife and partner, Dr. Kim, who handles social media and patient education, creating a family-centered practice dedicated to spreading knowledge about innovative treatment options.Connect with Dr. Sam Ko & Reset KetamineWebsite: www.resetketamine.comLocation: Palm Springs, CaliforniaSocial Media:Instagram: @resetketamineYouTube: Reset Ketamine (500+ educational videos)LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samkomdmbaTikTok: @resetketamineTwitter: @resetketaminePinterest: Reset KetamineAbout Your HostsDr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMPFunctional Medicine Practitioner & Co-Host of AutoImmune AlchemyDr. Micah Yu is a doctor of chiropractic and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune conditions. Alongside his wife Dr. Melissa Mondala, he co-hosts the AutoImmune Alchemy podcast where they blend science with soul to help patients navigate complex autoimmune journeys. Dr. Yu is passionate about integrative approaches to healing and bringing expert voices to the autoimmune community.Dr. Melissa MondalaCo-Host of AutoImmune AlchemyDr. Melissa Mondala co-hosts AutoImmune Alchemy with her husband Dr. Micah Yu, creating a dynamic duo dedicated to supporting patients and families dealing with autoimmune disease. Together, they work as a team to normalize symptoms, create safe spaces for healing, and bring experienced experts in...