Ketamine Therapy for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & Pain

by MYAutoimmuneMD | Podcast

In this episode, I sit 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.

We 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

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

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

Specializations:

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

• Instagram: @resetketamine
• YouTube: Reset Ketamine (500+ educational videos)
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samkomdmba
• TikTok: @resetketamine
• Twitter: @resetketamine
• Pinterest: Reset Ketamine

 About Your Hosts:

Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP
Dr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.

Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM
Dr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women’s wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.

About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala, the show features expert interviews, discusses cutting-edge treatments, and normalizes the very real symptoms that 50-70% of autoimmune patients experience, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and fatigue.

Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:

• Website: https://myautoimmunemd.com/
• Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
• Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
• YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
• Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5-star review to help us reach more people in the autoimmune community!

Consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Individual results may vary.

For more information, please visit https://myautoimmunemd.com.