Interview with Alexcis Lopez of A Transformative Touch Wellness Center

My interview with Alexcis Lopez took us on a deep dive into the world of ancient plant medicine, why that medicine became controversial, and what the future may hold for a more natural approach to healing trauma. Enjoy!

1. One of the reasons I enjoy doing this podcast is that I’m really fascinated by what other people do and what they’re passionate about. I’ve been eager to have you on the show because, of all the businesses I know, yours is probably the most unique. What compelled you to study plant medicine like Ayahausca? And did you have any concerns about bringing something some people feel is controversial out of the shadows?
   
2. I think most people struggle with the demands of the modern world and recognize the toll that it can take on our well being. I also think that many of us readily admit that being in nature makes us feel better, and there’s certainly a ton of evidence to back that up. And yet, there has been tremendous suspicion around plants as medicine. Why do you think this topic became so controversial?
   
3. Given the trends in states like Colorado and California, as well as numerous studies that are coming out about alternatives to pharmacological medicine, what is the data really bearing out? Depending on a person’s symptoms, are ancient plant medicines working as effectively as modern prescription meds?
   
4. One of the groups that you’d like to reach out to are veterans. The VA reports that there were more than 6,000 veteran suicides per year between 2008 and 2016, and that up to 30% of Vietnam veterans experience PTSD during their lifetime. How does plant medicine help to heal trauma in ways where maybe other treatments haven’t been successful?
   
5. Regardless of the profession, I think it’s safe to say that there are people who conduct themselves with integrity and there are those who do not. I imagine this is all the more of a challenge for a profession like yours, where you’re having to overcome the stigma that plant medicine is only practiced by crackpots. If people wanted to open themselves to the possibility of using plant medicine as part of their self care, what do they need to know? What do they look for? SEE LIST BELOW*
   
6. So we’ve covered a lot of ways in which plant medicine has been made to seem outside the norm or controversial. Let’s look at something that seems to be popping up everywhere, and that’s CBD. Why do you think CBD oil in particular is so popular? Does it really have the effect that it’s advertising, or is it just one of those things in the Zeitgeist that feels anti-authoritarian and therefore appealing?
   
7. I’d like to end this part of our interview by inviting you to talk more about the concept of self-centered living. Not unlike the types of healing we’ve discussed today, the idea of being “self centered” brings up very specific connotations for people. What do you mean by self-centeredness and how does living that way positively impact ourselves and those around us?

*Interested in experiencing plant medicine as part of your self-care or self-discovery? Alexcis recommends the following:

• Do your research – remember this is not for everyone.
• Make sure that whoever is leading the ceremony or therapy has the experience and training appropriate to the plant/psychedelic medicine you will be using. They should know how to keep you safe physically and spiritually. Remember this is the person or people who you will need to trust if anything goes sideways.
• Know what you are taking.
• Make sure you are medically/physically safe to participate. There can be medications and physical ailments that can be dangerous with different psychedelics.
• Choose an environment that is supportive and comfortable. For example: don’t do something outside if nature scares you.
• Know how many people will be involved. Will the group be big or small? Will you get the attention you need if you need it? Are there enough assistants to cover the group?
• Aftercare – is there any integration process offered afterwards? Integration is 50% of the process and will help you translate your experience into long-lasting change in your everyday life.

For more information about Alexcis and the scope of her practice, please visit her website at https://www.alexcislopez.com/.