AbstractBackgroundThere is a need to systemically diversify psychedelic clinical trials, considering the growing interest in in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics within Black, Indigenous, and Peoples of Color (BIPOC) and queer communities. Doing so contributes to a more inclusive foundation of evidence-based research and addresses ethical considerations surrounding anticipated demand...
Abstract Musico-healing practices play a key role in indigenous and mestizo traditional medicine in the Amazon. The curative songs or icaros used by the curanderos (traditional healers) of the Peruvian Upper Amazon are administered alongside the psychoactive plant decoction ayahuasca in ritual settings. This Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis examines musical experiences of 6 participants...
The exploration of consciousness and the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying general anesthesia are two intertwined endeavors that have significantly advanced our understanding of the neural correlates of awareness. Both fields converge on the neural systems that regulate consciousness. Frontoparietal networks, known for their involvement in executive functions, attention, and cognitive...
While current arousal level assessments in patients with disorders of consciousness discriminate altered states of consciousness, there are significant limitations in characterizing the transition from one state to another or quantifying the frequent arousal level fluctuations observed in a patient. Here, we identified a repeated, temporally discrete, dynamical pattern evident in the recovery...
This article explores potential intersections between the religious-mystical system of Thelema, founded by Aleister Crowley, and archaic shamanic practices. The analysis focuses on altered states of consciousness, techniques of achieving ecstasy, astral travel, spirit communication, and the role of the practitioner as a mediator between worlds. Key theoretical sources from both traditions are...
Psychedelics have re-emerged as promising treatments for mood disorders. The current model provides a moderate-to-high dose of a psychedelic agent (e.g., psilocybin) to reliably induce an altered state of consciousness. Unfortunately, the hallucinatory effects limit the treatment's potential scalability given patients' vulnerability and extensive monitoring costs, leading to growing interest in...
The recent resurgence of classical psychedelic compounds, specifically 5-HT2A receptor agonists, as potential therapeutics has led to numerous initiatives aimed at better understanding the mechanisms underlying their effects. Psychedelic compounds are commonly known as hallucinogens. One of the major outstanding questions in the field is whether altered states of consciousness-the...
Current models of psychedelic action in the brain propose changes along the dorsal-ventral and anterior-posterior axes but neglect to address the lateral axis. This article proposes a novel model of psychedelic action called HEALS (Hemispheric Annealing and Lateralization Under Psychedelics) which involves the reversal of the typical hierarchical relationship between the two hemispheres of the...
This chapter guides readers through identifying and cultivating the personal resources and strengths that will support them during the integration process after a psychedelic or Non-Ordinary State of Consciousness (NOSC) experience. The chapter emphasizes the importance of developing daily routines, practicing breathwork, and utilizing Art Therapy to build resilience and foster emotional...
This chapter explores the profound effects that non-ordinary states, particularly those induced by psychedelics, have on the brain. It highlights how psychedelics influence neural pathways, rerouting them to foster personal growth and address conditions like addiction and depression. Key mechanisms, such as the suppression of the default mode network (DMN), increased brain connectivity, and...