The “Brain Spa” at OWM Integrative Wellness

From meditation to coffee, we’re always looking for ways to reduce our stress and stay more alert during the day, right? Well, have you heard of adaptogens and nootropics? They can help too. I recently went to OWM Integrative Wellness at 891 Delaware Avenue and tried their Brain Spa, which contains adaptogenic and nootropic components, and afterwards I felt calm and focused.

Dr. Leonard Kaplan, DO, his wife Beth Kaplan, Dr. Kim Howes, ND, and their incredible team have invested heavily in this integrative wellness practice. The first thing I noticed when walking through the doors of OWM was how beautiful the space was. The historic Orin Foster House has a bright entryway filled with beautiful stonework and vibrant green plants, providing a spa-like atmosphere. OWM offers a wide selection of services including Naturopathic Medicine, Alternative Cancer Therapies, Yoga, IV Infusion Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy and many more, so the ambiance is one key element of the practice.

The Brain Spa, as its name explains, is a treatment focused on brain health using adaptogenic and nootropic elements. Let’s start with some basic information about these substances. Adaptogens are natural substances like herbs and mushrooms that help your body deal with stress, fatigue, and general imbalances. They work by regulating your body’s stress response and promoting a state of balance. Nootropics, for their part, are substances, natural or synthetic, which aim to improve cognitive functions. This can include improving memory, concentration, creativity and overall brain performance. The Brain Spa uses both of these elements for a calming and restorative experience – a so-called “brain rewiring therapy” that actually feels good. It can be considered a well-being tool, a bit like a massage, enjoyed regularly to improve cognitive functions and stress management.

I was taken to a treatment room and seated in a comfortable reclining, adjustable chair, where I awaited the treatment. The nurse brought me a hot cup of ceremonial cocoa to start, made with high quality cocoa and lion mushrooms (both nootropics), ashwagandha, reishi, cordyceps mushrooms (all adaptogens), d MCT coconut oil (source of energy for the brain), and organic maple syrup. Wow, just wow. The flavor was incredible. This drink was thick, creamy, earthy, chocolatey and sweet. I’ve never tasted anything like it, but it was absolutely delicious.

While enjoying my ceremonial cocoa, the nurse helped me put on compression leg sleeves that boost circulation and recovery. They compress your legs in set time increments and then release them (which turned out to be great because the day before was leg day at my gym). She then set up my IV. The first was Cerebrolysin, which improves the brain’s self-repair capacity by stimulating neuro-recovery. The second was a mixture of vitamins C, B and B 12, magnesium, zinc, taurine and proline. And the third was glutathione, which helps build and repair tissues as well as the functioning of the immune system. Overall, these teas are like a cocktail for your brain – with major health benefits.

As they began to flow through my veins, I was handed a virtual reality headset. Now, I had never used one before and I was a little tired because I tend to get motion sickness when any kind of screen moves, but it wasn’t at all like I imagined. Using these glasses, I chose a regulated breathing program and was transported to a natural scene with ancient monoliths and rocks, with elements that moved with each inhale and exhale. I felt like I was in a remote part of Ireland. I loved this as much as the cocoa. With soft meditative music, this breathing exercise brought me to a state of absolute calm. When it ended, I started a visual meditation with all kinds of colorful kaleidoscope-like images, and I got absorbed in the slow movements of the shapes, completely forgetting that I was in a treatment room .

Coming back to reality after this hour-long immersive experience, I reflected on how lucid and calm I felt. I had arrived late for my appointment due to annoying rush hour traffic, practically running away from my parking spot. But… the stress of the morning was completely behind me by the end of the Brain Spa. And while the nurse took off my IV, she told me about the Ketamine IV treatment (a synthetic nootropic) that OWM offers to patients suffering from severe depression or PTSD, and how they gradually come out of their shell, showing more of their personality with each brew. Ketamine stops their fight or flight response and allows the brain to repair itself. How amazing is this?

My ride home from the city that day and for the next few days was something truly remarkable: I wasn’t yelling at other drivers (yes, unfortunately, I occasionally experience road rage). I was unusually calm and collected. At home, I was able to work on whatever I needed to do, with less intrusive thoughts. My concentration was sharper and I handled distractions better. That night I slept deep and deep. These effects are still present today, and this is a week after Brian Spa.

You can of course order adaptogens and nootropics online, but Dr. Kaplan’s ceremonial cocoa tastes about 1 million times better. And at a brain spa, a professional has the right dosages and is aware of your personal needs from the moment you enter the office. I wholeheartedly recommend a Brain Spa to anyone curious about the world of adaptogens and nootropics.

And, as mentioned, OWM Integrative Wellness is much more than just a Brain Spa. Check out their website for everything they offer: owmintegrativewellness.com.