This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers, InsideTracker, and Pendulum. I’ve always been a big proponent of learning from those who came before us. The knowledge of ancient cultures is one piece of the foundation of modern medicine, but much shamanic wisdom has been ignored and is now being lost. It benefits us to stop and think about what’s going on below the surface, the things we can’t see—for our health, our perception of reality, everything. Invisible bacteria is one example, wisdom is another. Today I am thrilled to talk to my friend Alberto Villoldo about the role of ancient wisdom in health, healing, and aging optimally. Medical anthropologist Alberto Villoldo Ph.D. is an international bestselling author who has researched the shamanic healing practices of the Amazon and Andes for over 25 years. He is the founder of the Four Winds Society, an organization dedicated to the bridging of ancient shamanic traditions with modern medicine and psychology. Dr. Villoldo is the author of numerous books, including Power Up Your Brain; Shaman, Healer, Sage; Mending the Past and Healing the Future with Soul Retrieval; The Four Insights; Courageous Dreaming; One Spirit Medicine, and Grow a New Body. His latest book is The Wisdom Wheel: A Mythic Journey through the Four Directions, which we talk more about in this episode. This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers, InsideTracker, and Pendulum. BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough formula contains seven different forms of magnesium, all of which have different functions in the body. Go to magbreakthrough.com/hyman and use code hyman10 at checkout for 10% off your next order. InsideTracker is a personalized health and wellness platform like no other. Right now they’re offering my community 20% off at insidetracker.com/drhyman. To receive 20% off your first purchase of Pendulum’s Akkermansia probiotic supplement, go to Pendulumlife.com and use code MARK20. Here are more details from our interview (audio version / Apple Subscriber version): What shamans view as our one illness and its one cure (6:08 / 3:24) Differentiating information and wisdom (9:44 / 7:02) How Alberto introduced me to a different way of healing (10:56 / 8:21) What is a shaman? (14:24 / 11:43) Why our brain needs ceremony, ritual, and rites of passage to heal (25:43 / 21:34) Gaining insight into the invisible world (34:05 / 29:54) How to upgrade your brain (38:58 / 34:45) The four animal archetype levels of shamanic healing (45:31 / 41:26) Using plant medicines and psychedelics to heal trauma (52:04 / 47:52) How plant compounds are indispensable to human health and healing (1:02:55 / 59:04) Learn more about Alberto here and get a copy of his new book, The Wisdom Wheel: A Mythic Journey through the Four Directions, here.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.