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 Takeaways

1. 50-70% of autoimmune patients experience depression, anxiety, and central sensitization - there's a fascinating connection between autoimmune conditions and mood disorders
2. Ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors via NMDA receptors down the spinal cord, making it powerful for central sensitization
3. The central nervous system and enteric nervous system share the same embryological origin (neuro crest), explaining the profound gut-brain connection
4. Ketamine influences the gut microbiome, which in turn affects the central nervous system and mood
5. Extended infusion protocols (80 minutes to 4 hours) are used for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia
6. Ketamine reduces inflammatory markers including TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10, helping to "turn down the volume" on overactive immune systems
7. Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) provides a "hardware reset" for the sympathetic nervous system, complementing ketamine's "software reset"
8. Success is measured in functional improvements - getting out of bed, doing hobbies, walking 5 minutes daily - not running marathons
9. Team-based care is essential, especially for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants - collaboration with rheumatologists and primary care is key
10. Your struggle is real, your body is wise - if a provider doesn't listen, find one who will

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 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 Details

Dr. Sam Ko, MD Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician & Medical Director at Reset Ketamine

Credentials & Training:

1. Board Certified in Emergency Medicine
2. Medical school training in embryology and the biopsychosocial paradigm
3. Extensive experience in IV ketamine administration in ER settings
4. Specialized training in ketamine therapy for mental health and chronic pain
5. Certified in Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) procedures

Specializations:

1. IV Ketamine therapy for autoimmune-related depression, anxiety, and PTSD
2. Central sensitization and neuropathic pain syndromes
3. Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis treatment
4. MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
5. Treatment-resistant mental health conditions in autoimmune patients
6. Stellate Ganglion Block for sympathetic nervous system reset
7. 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 Ketamine

Website: www.resetketamine.com

Location: Palm Springs, California

Social Media:

1. Instagram: @resetketamine
2. YouTube: Reset Ketamine (500+ educational videos)
3. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samkomdmba
4. TikTok: @resetketamine
5. Twitter: @resetketamine
6. Pinterest: Reset Ketamine

About Your Hosts

Dr. 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...