EP 1260
1260. MDMA Therapy Without the Drugs? How Vibration Hacks Your Brain for Neuroplasticity | Dave Rabin
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Dave Rabin, a pioneering neuroscientist and psychiatrist, to explore a mind-altering question: Can vibration mimic the therapeutic effects of psychedelics?
For years, MDMA therapy has shown promise in treating PTSD and enhancing neuroplasticity. But what if you could tap into those same benefits—without taking a single drug? Dr. Rabin reveals how the Apollo Neuro device uses vibration to stimulate deep states of relaxation, emotional resilience, and even heightened cognitive function.
Dave and Dr. Rabin break down the science of vibration and its profound impact on the nervous system, the unexpected connection between sound waves and neuroplasticity, and how wearable technology is revolutionizing mental health and peak performance. They also dive into the future of biohacking, AI-driven emotional regulation, and why heart rate variability may be the key to longevity.
If you’re looking for cutting-edge ways to upgrade your mind, body, and resilience, this episode will change the way you think about vibration, technology, and human potential.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
What do vibrations and the psychedelic experience have in common?
MDMA therapy is revolutionizing mental health treatment, helping people overcome PTSD, anxiety, and emotional trauma with unprecedented success. But what if you could tap into those same powerful benefits—without taking a single drug?
It turns out your brain responds to more than just chemistry. Vibration, frequency, and rhythm have been shaping human consciousness for millennia—from ancient chanting rituals to modern neuroscience breakthroughs. Could the right vibrations unlock the same neuroplasticity and healing pathways as psychedelics?
In this episode, Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Dave Rabin, a neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and psychedelic researcher, to explore how vibrations can rewire your brain, enhance neuroplasticity, and even mimic the effects of MDMA therapy. Dr. Rabin’s work led to the creation of Apollo Neuro, a wearable device that taps into your nervous system’s natural ability to regulate stress, boost focus, and accelerate recovery—without pharmaceuticals.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
- How specific vibrations trigger deep relaxation and neuroplasticity
- Why MDMA therapy works—and how vibration-based tech can simulate it
- The surprising science behind music, frequency, and altered states
- How Apollo Neuro enhances sleep, focus, and emotional resilience
- The overlooked role of heart rate variability in longevity and health
- Why stress is the biggest obstacle to healing—and how to override it
**Apollo Neuro | To get an Apollo wearable, go to https://apolloneuro.com/Dave and save 15%**
“The more harmonious our heart, lungs, and brain are—the more they sync with nature’s rhythm—the better we feel, the more present we become, and the more we feel like ourselves.”
Dave Rabin
00:00 Trailer
How sound waves and vibration mimic the therapeutic effects of MDMA.
00:40 Intro
Setting the stage for today’s exploration of vibration and neuroplasticity.
01:18 Exploring Vibration in Biohacking
Why frequency, rhythm, and vibration are the next frontier in optimizing the mind and body.
02:29 Introduction of Dr. Dave Rabin
Meet the neuroscientist and psychiatrist pushing the boundaries of vibration-based therapy.
02:53 Understanding Vibration and Its Impact
How vibrations influence everything from stress response to cognitive performance.
04:47 The Apollo Neuro Device
The wearable technology designed to regulate your nervous system through vibration.
08:44 Using Apollo for Different States
How Apollo can be used to enhance focus, relaxation, energy, and recovery.
11:41 Apollo in Psychedelic Therapy
Surprising ways vibration supports psychedelic experiences and integration.
24:32 Clinical Trials and Studies on Apollo
What the science says about Apollo’s effectiveness in stress reduction and neuroplasticity.
29:32 Heart Rate Variability and Biohacking
Why HRV is a key marker of longevity and how Apollo helps optimize it.
33:02 Revolutionizing Sleep with Apollo
How Apollo is improving sleep quality without the need for medication.
34:40 Apollo’s Long-Term Effects and Dependency
Does Apollo create reliance, or does it help users become more resilient over time?
37:16 Apollo’s Impact on ADHD and Psychiatric Disorders
The groundbreaking research on Apollo’s benefits for mental health.
45:22 The Importance of Human Connection and Simple Solutions
Why modern stressors make us disconnected—and how to reverse the trend.
49:56 Longevity, Healthspan, and Future Innovations
How vibration, HRV, and neuroplasticity could extend both lifespan and healthspan.
57:23 Final Thoughts and Discount Offer
Dave’s closing insights and where to get Apollo Neuro at a discount.
Resources:
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- Apollo Neuro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apolloneuro/?hl=en
- Apollo Neuro Website: https://apolloneuro.com/Dave
- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com
- Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com
- Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey
- Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
- Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com
- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com
- 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com
Enjoy the show!
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