Journal of Psychedelic Studies
August 13, 2025
Michael J. Winkelman
This paper examines possible future evolution through knowledge of how past human evolution constrains possibilities for the future. Uniquely human evolution-brain, ultrasociality, and cultural niche development-are examined to see what these suggest about future adaptations. Rapid brain evolution involves neuroplasticity, a re-use and rewiring of neural networks. Psychedelics are extraordinary...
June 16, 2025
Michael J. Winkelman
1 citation
This chapter provides a summary analysis of the diverse entheogenic traditions examined here, considering the model of the evolved psychology of ritual healing presented in Chapter 22. Key elements of this framework involve: Collective ritual involving a night-time group reunification Preparation through sexual abstinence and diet Performances of singing, drumming, and music Visions from...
June 16, 2025
Bénédicte Mannix, F. Leron Shults, Michael J. Winkelman
This chapter describes a psychedelic healing protocol developed by Bénédicte Mannix for treating childhood trauma, explaining its therapeutic approaches and the philosophical and psychological traditions that inform her healing practices. The motivation for the development of this protocol has been to harness the power of psilocybin to heal human minds, bodies, and souls from psychological...
Religion, Brain & Behavior
November 24, 2023
Ari Brouwer, Michael J. Winkelman, C. Raison
6 citations
ABSTRACT The cross-cultural practice of shamanism reflects an innate capacity for altered states of consciousness (ASC’s) that are elicited by stress, deliberately sought in shamanic rituals, and associated with psychopathology. Shamanic sickness, animal transformation, and death-rebirth experiences specifically resemble psychotic experiences. The triggers of shamanic and psychotic experiences...
J Neural Transm (Vienna)
April 26, 2013
Ede Frecska, Attila Szabo, Michael J. Winkelman et al.
107 citations
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is classified as a naturally occurring serotonergic hallucinogen of plant origin. It has also been found in animal tissues and regarded as an endogenous trace amine transmitter. The vast majority of research on DMT has targeted its psychotropic/psychedelic properties with less focus on its effects beyond the nervous system. The recent discovery that DMT is an...