Managing body load: techniques that actually help
167 replies · Harm Reduction
'Body load' — the physical discomfort that can accompany psilocybin experiences — seems to vary a lot between individuals and even between sessions for the same person. What actually helps with this beyond just 'fasting beforehand'?
Fasting 4-6 hours before dosing is the most reliable and most documented approach. An empty stomach means faster absorption with less gastrointestinal disturbance. Some people do better with a small amount of ginger tea 30 minutes before. Lemon tek (converting psilocybin to psilocin before ingestion) may reduce GI body load.
Body position during the experience matters more than people expect. Lying down significantly reduces nausea compared to sitting or moving around. If you need to be comfortable and horizontal, be horizontal when you take it and plan to stay that way for the first two hours.
Residual body load at the tail end (hours 5-8): often reduced by walking outdoors, stretching gently, or eating a small amount of something with magnesium (nuts, seeds). The end-of-experience muscle tension and slight headache respond to the same things as regular muscle tension.
164 more replies — forum posting coming soon.