Bridging western science with indigenous knowledge with Dr. Simon Ruffel
Update: 2025-10-08
Description
In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Simon Ruffell — psychiatrist, researcher, and co-founder of Onaya Sciences. Simon is known for bridging Western psychiatry and traditional Amazonian plant medicine, completing a PhD on the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca and training in Shipibo curanderismo in Peru.
We touch upon topics of:
- (00:47 ) Simon’s journey from psychiatry to the Amazon
- (08:33 ) How ayahuasca heals: neuroplasticity, epigenetics & spirit work
- (13:18 ) Indigenous perspectives on balance and illness
- (16:11 ) Designing research with shamans & translating indigenous knowledge
- (22:11 ) Safety concerns in Western psychedelic use without shamans
- (31:05 ) 80% PTSD remission and other research findings
- (35:23 ) Synchronicities and destiny on the healing path
- (44:18 ) Ego traps: rushing to become a shaman
- (50:36 ) Rethinking psychedelic education and training models
- (58:52 ) The story and spirit of Agua Florida & evolving traditions
If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com.
Find more about Dr. Simon Ruffell and Onaya Sciences at www.onaya.science and on Instagram @drsimonruffell.
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