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 disorders Ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors via NMDA receptors down the spinal cord, making it powerful for central sensitization The central nervous system and enteric nervous system share the same embryological origin (neuro crest), explaining the profound gut-brain connection Ketamine influences the gut microbiome, which in turn affects the central nervous system and mood Extended infusion protocols (80 minutes to 4 hours) are used for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia Ketamine reduces inflammatory markers including TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10, helping to "turn down the volume" on overactive immune systems Stellate 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 marathons Team-based care is essential, especially for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants - collaboration with rheumatologists and primary care is key Your struggle is real, your body is wise - if a provider doesn't listen, find one who will Chapters & Timestamps00:00 Introduction: Ketamine for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & Pain 00:30 The Autoimmune-Mental Health Link: Why 50-70% Experience Both 01:00 Central Sensitization: Resetting Hypersensitized Pain Receptors via NMDA 02:30 Ketamine Beyond the ER: Treating MCAS, POTS & Complex Autoimmune Conditions 03:00 The Gut-Brain Connection: Embryology of Central & Enteric Nervous Systems 04:00 Serotonin in Gut & Brain: Why "Trust Your Gut" Is Literally True 04:30 How Ketamine Influences the Gut Microbiome & Central Nervous System 06:00 Success Stories: Fibromyalgia & Extended Infusion Protocols 07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis: Visible Reduction in Joint Inflammation 07:30 Reducing Inflammatory Markers: TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10 08:30 Mind-Body Connection: Breaking the Cycle of Pain & Rumination 09:30 Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): Software vs Hardware Reset 11:00 Addressing Autoimmune Fatigue: Realistic Functional Improvements 12:00 The Power of 1%: Micro-Habits & 5-Minute Daily Walks 13:00 What to Expect: Consultations & Finding the Right Fit 14:00 Team-Based Care: Working with Rheumatologists on Biologics 14:30 Safety Protocols: Lab Monitoring & Continuous Vital Signs 16:00 Never Too Early or Late: Hope for Mental Health Struggles 16:30 Validation: Your Struggle Is Real, Trust Your Body 17:30 Finding Providers Who Listen & Building Your Support Team 18:00 Connect with Reset Ketamine & Final Thoughts This 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 Ketamine Credentials & Training: Board Certified in Emergency Medicine Medical school training in embryology and the biopsychosocial paradigm Extensive experience in IV ketamine administration in ER settings Specialized training in ketamine therapy for mental health and chronic pain Certified in Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) procedures Specializations: IV Ketamine therapy for autoimmune-related depression, anxiety, and PTSD Central sensitization and neuropathic pain syndromes Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis treatment MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) Treatment-resistant mental health conditions in autoimmune patients Stellate Ganglion Block for sympathetic nervous system reset Integrative approach to gut-brain-immune axis dysfunction Clinical 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.com Location: Palm Springs, California Social Media: Instagram: @resetketamine YouTube: Reset Ketamine (500+ educational videos) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samkomdmba TikTok: @resetketamine Twitter: @resetketamine Pinterest: Reset Ketamine About Your HostsDr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP Functional Medicine Practitioner & Co-Host of AutoImmune Alchemy Dr. 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 Mondala Co-Host of AutoImmune Alchemy Dr. 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 integrative and functional medicine to their community. About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala, the show features expert interviews, discusses cutting-edge treatments, and normalizes the very real symptoms that 50-70% of autoimmune patients experience, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and fatigue. Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy: Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/ Instagram: @myautoimmunemd Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD YouTube: @myautoimmunemd Email: [email protected] Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5-star review to help us reach more people in the autoimmune community!