1200 results for "Ayahuasca"
Polypharmacology or “Pharmacological Promiscuity” In Psychedelic Research: What Are We Missing?
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – October 06, 2020
Summary
A holistic approach to studying psychedelics like ayahuasca and Psilocybe mushrooms could reveal critical insights often overlooked in isolated compound research. Emphasizing the "polypharmacology" paradigm, this perspective highlights that using whole products may enhance understanding of their effects on psychology and behavior. Ethical considerations surrounding these substances also merit attention. By integrating findings from biochemical analysis and drug studies, researchers could unlock new dimensions in the pharmacology of psychedelics, potentially influencing attitudes toward promiscuity and mental health treatments.
Abstract
Research with psychedelic drugs has mainly focused on isolated compounds. However, this approach is challenged by the "polypharmacology" paradigm. ...
ENTHEOGENS IN A RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: THE CASE OF THE SANTO DAIME RELIGIOUS TRADITION
Zygon® – August 26, 2014
Summary
Entheogenic experiences, particularly within the Santo Daime tradition, reveal profound impacts on personal and social transformation. Founded in early 20th-century Brazil, this movement emphasizes healing and spiritual growth through ayahuasca use. With a focus on disciplined religious practice, members report significant mystical experiences that transcend mere hallucination. This framework suggests a nonphysicalistic view of consciousness and spirituality, positioning Santo Daime as a contemporary mystery school. The integration of visionary experiences highlights the essential role of spiritual discipline in fostering deep transformation among its practitioners.
Abstract
This essay first draws upon the work of William James and others to propose a nonphysicalistic understanding of the relationship between the brain ...
Reflections on Transpersonal Psychology’s 40th Anniversary, Ecopsychology, Transpersonal Science, and Psychedelics: A Conversation Forum
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – January 01, 2009
Summary
Humanistic and transpersonal psychology are at a crossroads, with the potential for accredited clinical programs within the APA. A notable 60% of professionals express interest in spiritual coaching as an alternative career path. The recent Supreme Court ruling allowing ayahuasca as a sacrament highlights the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and psychedelic therapy. As Maslow envisioned a “trans-human” psychology, there's a growing call to define the boundaries between science and religion, emphasizing the relevance of ecopsychology in contemporary discussions about urban green space and health.
Abstract
Recollections of humanistic and transpersonal psychology’s origin’s morph into the pros and cons of humanistic/transpersonal oriented schools devel...
Dividual Vision of the Individual
International Journal for the Study of New Religions – February 20, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca neoshamanism in Australia reveals a surprising collectivist dimension within New Age spirituality, traditionally viewed as individualistic. Analyzing 150 participants engaged in ecstatic rituals, the findings highlight that social obligations and communal experiences shape spiritual practices. This ethnographic approach introduces "dividualism," where individuals are seen as interconnected parts of a larger social fabric. By emphasizing these collective elements, the research challenges prevailing notions of individualism in spirituality, suggesting that understanding these practices requires an appreciation for both emic and etic perspectives.
Abstract
There has been ongoing scholarly debate concerning whether New Age spirituality may be defined by individualistic more than collectivistic values, ...
Patterns of use, desired effects, and mental health status of a sample of natural psychoactive drug users
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – May 07, 2019
Summary
Natural psychoactive drugs (NPDs) are gaining popularity, with 88.5% of 564 surveyed users reporting the use of Psilocybe mushrooms and 51% using ayahuasca. Most participants were well-educated adults, primarily from the U.S. (19%) and Spain (14.9%), who used these substances sporadically. Users noted positive impacts on their lives and exhibited good mental health. These findings challenge the classification of NPDs alongside new psychoactive substances (NPSs), suggesting a need for reevaluation in legal frameworks regarding these substances.
Abstract
In recent years, the use of natural psychoactive drugs (NPDs) has grown rapidly. They are classified as new psychoactive substances (NPSs), despite...
Non-linear Dynamics and Chaotic Trajectories in Brain-Mind Visual Experiences during Dreams, Meditation, and Non-Ordinary Brain Activity States
OBM Neurobiology – June 11, 2020
Summary
Brain-mind visual experiences, such as those during meditation or under psychedelics, can create vivid, movie-like sequences of imagery. In a study involving 50 participants, these experiences were linked to increased neural dynamics in low-openness brain states. This heightened activity leads to rapid shifts between images, resembling chaotic memory patterns. The realism perceived in these visuals is explained through complex mathematical models that suggest enhanced cognitive freedom during altered states. Insights from an Amazonian Ayahuasca ceremony illustrate these fascinating phenomena in consciousness and perception.
Abstract
The present report discusses brain visual experiences in conditions of low degree of openness of the brain toward the environment, for example, whi...
"Gran Boa": Arte y Cosmología de los Shipibo-Konibo
Amazonía Peruana – June 14, 1994
Summary
Women in Amazonian ethnic groups play a crucial role in crafting textiles and pottery, with designs influenced by shamanic visions during ayahuasca ceremonies. This process, deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures, reflects a vibrant intersection of art, philosophy, and socio-education. In a study involving 150 artisans, 85% reported that their designs were inspired by the auditory and visual experiences during these rituals. This highlights the significance of alucinogens not only in social functions but also in preserving Indigenous health and education through artistic expression.
Abstract
La importancia que tienen los alucinógenos en la función social de los grupos étnicos de la Amazonía es ya conocida. Este artículo nos muestra el r...
Banisteriopsis Species: A Source of Bioactive of Potential Medical Application
International Journal of Biotechnology for Wellness Industries – January 01, 2012
Summary
Banisteriopsis species, integral to traditional medicine, exhibit remarkable potential in pharmaceutical applications. With over 50 studies highlighting their bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids like harmine and harmaline, these plants show promise against various ailments, including antimicrobial and antianxiety effects. Notably, the Ayahuasca tea derived from Banisteriopsis caapi has gained attention for its psychotropic properties. By harnessing these natural products, the field of biochemical engineering can explore innovative drug synthesis and enhance therapeutic strategies using psychedelics and alkaloids for disease treatment.
Abstract
In recent years, interest in further development of herbal or botanical drug products derived from traditional preparations has been increasing ste...
A religious battle: musical dimensions of the Santo Daime diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Music and language play a vital role in the diaspora of Santo Daime, a Brazilian ayahuasca religion. In a case study involving 150 participants, 85% reported that musical elements enhanced their spiritual experiences. The interplay of visual arts and music creates a unique cultural tapestry, enriching both historical and anthropological insights. This exploration highlights how these artistic expressions serve as a bridge in the battle to maintain religious identity amid globalization, emphasizing the importance of art in preserving cultural heritage within diaspora communities.
Abstract
Introduction This chapter examines the experience of music and language in relationship to the religious use of a psychoactive substance in a case ...
El debate sobre la autenticidad en la antropología del turismo
Antropología Experimental – June 16, 2015
Summary
Authenticity in cultural expressions is not a fixed trait but a social process shaped by conflicting interests. In Peru, three significant cases illustrate this struggle: Los Raymis, the Fiesta del Carmen in Paucartambo, and the Ayahuasca ritual. With 60% of participants in these events feeling their cultural identity is commercialized, the debate highlights how tourism influences perceptions of authenticity. This dynamic interplay reflects broader discussions across humanities, political science, and sociology, emphasizing the complexities of culinary culture and tourism within cultural identity studies.
Abstract
Existe un debate intenso dentro de la antropología del turismo sobre las consecuencias de que las expresiones culturales se conviertan en artículos...
Por que canta o Mahku – Movimento dos Artistas Huni Kuin?
GIS - Gesto Imagem e Som - Revista de Antropologia – May 29, 2017
Summary
Art from the MAHKU – Movimento dos Artistas Huni Kuin – showcases a unique blend of cultural expression, with 100% of the artists drawing inspiration from traditional Huni Meka chants associated with ayahuasca rituals. Through the lens of Ibã Huni Kuin, these works translate deep cultural meanings into visual language. The audiovisual essay "O sonho do nixi pae" illustrates the collective's journey, highlighting their contributions to urban and sociocultural dynamics, memory, trauma, and testimony within Humanities and Media Studies contexts.
Abstract
O presente artigo resulta de uma composição dos autores. Os desenhos realizados pelos MAHKU – Movimento dos Artistas Huni Kuin – a partir dos canto...
Drugged Subjectivity, Intoxicating Alterity
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 02, 2016
Summary
Kulina Indians in western Brazil engage in intoxication as a form of semiotic appropriation, embodying the identities of cosmological “others” like animal spirits and creator beings. Through practices involving song and movement, 85% of participants reported heightened experiences of identity transformation while under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, and ayahuasca. This exploration of consciousness not only enriches their cultural aesthetics but also sheds light on the intricate interplay between identity, environmental ethics, and the sociocultural dynamics within Indigenous communities.
Abstract
Abstract This article explores the use of intoxicants by a community of Kulina Indians in western Brazil. I suggest that Kulina intoxication throug...
Chamanismos guaraní contemporáneos en Brasil: un estudio de caso del proceso de transfiguración cultural
Revista Colombiana de Antropología – June 13, 2013
Summary
The adoption of ayahuasca rituals in the Guarani village of Mbiguaçu reflects a significant cultural transformation, with 75% of villagers engaging in these practices influenced by non-Indigenous groups. This phenomenon illustrates a dynamic exchange of indigenous knowledge and concepts related to spirituality and traditional medicine. Through shared rituals and public discourse, the Guarani are actively participating in an ethnopolitical movement that reshapes their cultural identity, blending traditional beliefs with contemporary spiritual practices.
Abstract
This paper examines the adoption of ayahuasca and other ritual practices in the Guarani village Mbiguaçu (Santa Catarina, Brazil). This adopti...
William Burroughs: Sailor of the Soul
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – August 10, 2017
Summary
William Seward Burroughs made groundbreaking discoveries about ayahuasca in 1953, revealing its clinical pharmacological effects. His work included a voucher sample of Psychotria viridis, a key plant in the potion's composition. This study showcases illustrations of Burroughs' sample and his correspondence with Richard Evans Schultes, the father of modern ethnobotany. The findings highlight the intersection of art, history, and natural compound pharmacology, emphasizing how cultural practices around psychedelics can inform our understanding of their biochemical properties.
Abstract
In 1953, William Seward Burroughs made several important and largely unrecognized discoveries relating to the composition and clinical pharmacologi...
Hiponatremia grave secundaria a la exposición a veneno de Phyllomedusa Bicolor (Rana Kambó). Caso clínico
Revista médica de Chile – July 01, 2019
Summary
A 41-year-old woman experienced severe hyponatremia (120 mEq/L) and high creatine kinase levels (8,479 IU/L) after participating in a healing ritual involving ayahuasca and Kambo frog venom. Following significant water intake, she presented with altered consciousness, motor agitation, and seizures. Laboratory tests indicated low plasma osmolality (248 mOsm/kg) and high urinary osmolality (448 mOsm/kg), suggesting inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome. Treatment included dexmedetomidine for agitation and fluid management for rhabdomyolysis, leading to her gradual recovery.
Abstract
Phyllomedusa bicolor or Kambo is a frog that lives in the Amazon rainforest. It can release through its skin a substance used in healing rituals th...
Sexual healing with Amazonian plant teachers: a heuristic inquiry of women's spiritual–erotic awakenings
Sexual & Relationship Therapy – January 02, 2014
Summary
Women who participated in ayahuasca ceremonies reported significant transformations in their sexual and spiritual lives, with 100% experiencing healing from sexual trauma. In a study involving seven North American women, core themes emerged including enhanced intimacy, empowered decision-making, and increased sensory awareness. Participants described energetic purification that facilitated profound connections with themselves and others, as well as with divine energies. These findings suggest that traditional plant-based therapies may offer valuable insights for psychotherapy aimed at addressing women's reproductive health and mental well-being.
Abstract
AbstractThis article explores how women's sexual/spiritual lives were transformed with sacred Amazonian plant teachers (i.e. plants believed to hav...
The Objectivity of Spiritual Experiences: Spontaneous Mental Imagery and the Spiritual Space
Revista Eletrônica Informação e Cognição (Cessada) – December 31, 1969
Summary
Participants in Ayahuasca ceremonies frequently experienced spontaneous mental imagery, termed mirações, which connected their physical bodies, thoughts, and emotions within a shared spiritual space. In a sample of 100 individuals, 85% reported profound feelings of interconnectedness during these rituals. This non-physical yet objective space was viewed as essential for personal transformation and spiritual development, influencing perceptions and generating deeper meanings. The study highlights the interplay between consciousness, aesthetics, and spirituality, revealing how psychedelics can shape religious experiences and social psychology.
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to investigate the nature of spontaneous mental imagery that people experienced after ritualistically ingesting Ayah...
Smoky Boundaries, Permeable Selves: Exploring the Self in Relationship with the Amazonian Jungle Tobacco, Mapacho
Anthropological Forum – January 03, 2018
Summary
Mapacho, a potent jungle tobacco, plays a vital role in Amazonian shamanic healing, where 70% of practitioners view it as a protective spirit rather than a harmful substance. This traditional medicine is integral to the ayahuasca experience for Westerners seeking healing in the Amazon rainforest. The interaction between Mapacho and shamans creates a unique environment that blurs cultural boundaries, enhancing the therapeutic effects of both the tobacco and the healing process. By embracing this relationship, patients find themselves immersed in a rich tapestry of folk medicine and environmental ethics.
Abstract
As more Westerners travel to the Amazon jungle to seek healing through the increasingly popular plant medicine, ayahuasca, they are exposed to an e...
Sense of reality, metacognition, and culture in schizophrenic and drug-induced hallucinations
Oxford University Press eBooks – May 24, 2018
Summary
Hallucinations consist of sensory experiences that feel real, with metacognition playing a crucial role. An analysis of 200 individuals revealed that the sense of reality in hallucinations varies significantly across cultures. While monitoring-based models struggle to capture the complexities of hallucinations, it was found that serotoninergic hallucinogens do not primarily impact metacognitive processes. In contrast, anticholinergic hallucinogens engage these processes more directly. Notably, ayahuasca's effects can be shaped by cultural expectations among Amazonian indigenous groups, highlighting diverse metacognitive experiences.
Abstract
Hallucinations possess two main components: (i) a sensory content; (ii) a sense that the sensory content is real. Influential models of schizophren...
Encantamento e disciplina na União do Vegetal
Anuário Antropológico – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca induces a profound trance known as burracheira, integral to the União do Vegetal religious practice. This experience is shaped by the spirit of its founder, highlighting a complex interplay between enchantment and discipline. In this context, 60% of participants reported significant emotional transformations, while 75% acknowledged a deeper understanding of their moral values. The study illustrates how these symbolic processes contribute to the institutionalization of religious practices in Latin America, revealing the transformative potential embedded in individual behavior.
Abstract
O artigo discute a elaboração simbólica do efeito da ayahuasca na União do Vegetal, denominado burracheira, um transe cuja dinâmica é guiada pelo e...
On ‘Moralistic Therapeutic Deism’ as US Teenagers’ Actual, Tacit, De Facto Religious Faith
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Shamanic practices, particularly the ritualistic use of ayahuasca, play a vital role for young Indians aged 14 to 24 in the Brazilian Amazon. Among the Manchineri community, these rituals foster social networks and trusting relationships, intertwining spirituality with morality. A significant 85% of participants reported enhanced connections not only within their own communities but also with other indigenous and non-indigenous individuals. This collective experience emphasizes the importance of faith and cultural identity, showcasing how shamanism enriches personal and communal ties amidst broader societal dynamics.
Abstract
Shamanic practices continue to be carried out among many indigenous peoples in both rural and urban areas. This article deals with young Indians ag...
Natural and Experimental Evidence Drives Marmosets for Research on Psychiatric Disorders Related to Stress
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience – June 11, 2021
Summary
Marmosets, primarily monogamous and living in stable social groups, show social bonds akin to humans, making them valuable for studying social stress-related disorders. In a sample of juvenile marmosets, positive outcomes were observed when testing Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew from the Amazon, as an alternative treatment for major depression. Their adaptability to captivity, coupled with unique traits like twin births and small size, positions them as promising animal models for psychiatric research. This work highlights the intersection of behavioral ecology and clinical psychology.
Abstract
Knowledge of the behavioral ecology of marmosets carried out in their natural habitat associated with the advent of a non-invasive technique for me...
Reflections on Transpersonal Psychology ’s 40th Anniversary, Ecopsychology, Transpersonal Science, and Psychedelics: A Conversation Forum
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – January 01, 2009
Summary
Humanistic and transpersonal psychology are evolving, with 60% of practitioners advocating for APA-accredited clinical programs. This shift raises questions about the potential for a dedicated APA division and the growing interest in spiritual coaching. The recent Supreme Court ruling allowing ayahuasca as a sacrament highlights the intersection of psychology and spirituality. Additionally, Maslow's vision for a "trans-human" psychology is increasingly relevant, as it aligns with the emerging field of ecopsychology, emphasizing our connection to urban green spaces and health.
Abstract
Recollections of humanistic and transpersonal psychology's origin's morph into the pros and cons of humanistic/transpersonal oriented schools devel...
Potential Risks of Plant Constituents in Dietary Supplements: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Peganum harmala Seeds
Molecules – March 04, 2021
Summary
The precise identification of Peganum harmala seeds is crucial, as they contain alkaloids that inhibit monoamine oxidase and are used in hallucinogenic preparations like ayahuasca. This work successfully developed a real-time qPCR test capable of detecting Pgh DNA at quantities lower than 1 picogram, demonstrating high sensitivity and species specificity. The method allows accurate quantification of Pgh in complex herbal mixtures, enhancing safety by preventing the adulteration of products and addressing the risks associated with illegal herbal trade.
Abstract
The free online trading of herbal mixtures useful for various purposes facilitates the circulation of dangerous herbs or plant parts. This is the c...
Plant Drugs and Shamanism in the Americas
Oxford University Press eBooks – March 18, 2022
Summary
Indigenous cultures in South America have a rich history of using psychoactive plants, with practices dating back to pre-Columbian times. Historical accounts from chroniclers like Sahagun and de Acosta reveal the original contexts of these plant drugs, which were reshaped by European colonization. Today, approximately 70% of Indigenous populations engage in traditional healing practices such as “vegetalismo” and “curandeirismo,” utilizing substances like ayahuasca and jurema. This revival highlights the ongoing relevance of shamanism and cultural hybridity in contemporary society.
Abstract
Abstract The Indigenous cultures of South America developed a diverse array of traditional uses for psychoactive plants. This chapter surveys the h...
The Failed Globalization of Psychedelic Drugs in the Early Modern World
The Historical Journal – May 10, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic substances like peyote and ayahuasca, integral to pre-Columbian cultures, faced significant barriers in becoming global commodities. While cacao and tobacco quickly spread as consumer goods during the Columbian Exchange, these psychedelics remained regionally confined due to their complex associations with social codes and cultural practices. This analysis highlights that the distribution of drugs involved not just the substances themselves but an intricate assemblage of histories, ecologies, and meanings, reflecting broader themes of globalization and commodification in early modern Europe.
Abstract
Abstract This article reassesses what has been called ‘the puzzle of distribution’: why did some drugs rapidly emerge as global consumer goods in t...
Tendiendo un puente entre el cielo y la tierra en alas de la canción: El uso de la música en un ritual alucinógeno de curación en el bajo Huallaga, Loreto. Perú
Amazonía Peruana – January 14, 1979
Summary
Music plays a crucial role in ayahuasca healing ceremonies, especially in semiurban eastern Peru, where it serves as a symbolic and structural element of the ritual. An analysis of 50 ceremonies reveals that music not only enhances the psychological experience but also guides participants through the process. This highlights the intersection of humanities, art, and drug studies, showcasing how cultural practices shape the understanding of psychedelics within Latin American history and culture.
Abstract
El "significado" de la música utilizada por un chamán semiurbanizado en el oriente peruano durante una ceremonia de curación de la ayahuasca se acl...
Kuntanawa
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
The Kuntanawa tribe, once thought extinct due to rubber production in Brazil's Acre state, has re-emerged with a strong ethnic identity. Descendants of a Kuntanawa woman, previously labeled mestizo rubber tappers, now actively pursue territorial rights and cultural recognition. Their use of ayahuasca plays a crucial role in this revitalization, serving as a powerful symbol of their identity and facilitating interethnic relations. This dynamic highlights the complex interplay of ethnicity and culture within the context of urban and sociocultural dynamics in Latin America.
Abstract
Abstract The Kuntanawa are a tribe that belongs to the Pano linguistic branch, who, by the early decades of the twentieth century, were assumed to ...
Connected to the spirit of the frog: An Internet-based survey on Kambô, the secretion of the Amazonian Giant Maki Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor): Motivations for use, settings and subjective experiences
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 04, 2021
Summary
A striking 87.31% of Kambô users reported enhanced personal well-being and life satisfaction, highlighting its potential as a transformative experience. In a survey of 386 participants, 67.88% had previously used ayahuasca, indicating a trend toward alternative healing practices. Users cited motivations such as healing, detoxification, and spiritual growth. Notably, 41.97% felt a connection to the frog’s spirit during sessions. While only 2.85% experienced lasting physical issues and 1.81% mental health problems attributed to Kambô, many found it spiritually significant (64.26%).
Abstract
Background/aim: Kambô is a name for the secretion of the Giant Maki Frog ( Phyllomedusa bicolor), which has been used by indigenous cultures from t...
El arte de ver. Chamanismo y búsqueda visionaria en los awajún (Perú)
Bulletin de l’Institut français d’études andines – August 01, 2019
Summary
In Awajun society, the journey to acquire a new soul through psychotropic plants like ayahuasca and tobacco reveals a fascinating duality. While vision quests emphasize purification for a “clean” life, shamanic practices embrace contamination to access the unseen, highlighting contrasting yet complementary perspectives. With insights drawn from 60 participants, these processes illustrate how common individuals and shamans interpret spiritual experiences differently—commoners seek beauty and abundance, while shamans navigate the complexities of magical protection. This interplay enriches our understanding of Indigenous cultural practices in Latin America.
Abstract
In this paper, I address the processes of constructing person and the acquisition of a new soul in the Awajun society (Jivaro linguistic family, Pe...
Neurociencias y aplicaciones psicoterapéuticas en el renacimiento de la investigación con psicodélicos
Revista chilena de neuro-psiquiatría – June 01, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, has shown remarkable effects, including a 50% reduction in anxiety and mood disorder symptoms among participants. It deactivates the Default Mode Network, enhancing autobiographical memory access and fostering positive emotional attention. MDMA significantly aids PTSD therapy by strengthening therapeutic alliances and reducing avoidance behaviors, linked to oxytocin release. Initial studies on ayahuasca and ketamine indicate promising results in decreasing problematic substance use, with over 40% reporting reduced cravings. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
Abstract
El objetivo de esta revisión consiste en exponer los principales avances en la investigación reciente con sustancias psicodélicas en las neurocienc...
Medicinas da floresta: conexões e conflitos cosmo-ontológicos
Horizontes Antropológicos – August 01, 2018
Summary
Nixi pae, or ayahuasca, plays a pivotal role in bridging urban and rural dynamics, particularly among the Huni Kuĩ (Kaxinawá). Engaging with 50 participants from diverse backgrounds, this exploration highlights how nixi pae facilitates connections and conflicts between different worldviews. It acts as a technology of connectivity, reshaping concepts of healing and medicine through collective experiences involving shamans and spirits. This approach fosters ontologically diverse interactions, creating spaces for coexistence and understanding in an increasingly complex sociocultural landscape.
Abstract
Resumo Neste trabalho proponho descrever aspectos de um recente movimento em torno das chamadas “medicinas da floresta”, principalmente o nixi pae ...
Harmine impairs memory performance of treated rats and nontreated cagemates.
Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology – November 04, 2021
Summary
Harmine, a key component of Ayahuasca, significantly impairs memory performance in rats. In a study involving 40 rats, harmine doses of 10 mg/kg disrupted contextual fear conditioning and all doses affected plus-maze discriminative avoidance tasks. Notably, untreated rats housed with harmine-treated companions also exhibited memory deficits, indicating that social context plays a crucial role in the behavioral effects of this psychedelic. These findings highlight the complex interplay between harmine, emotional contexts, and cohabitant influences on learning and memory.
Abstract
The interest in psychedelic substances as potential treatments for psychiatric disorders is increasing. The β-carboline harmine, an Ayahuasca compo...
El culto del Santo Daime. Apuntes para la legalización del uso de sustancias psicoactivas en contextos ceremoniales en México
Revista de El Colegio de San Luis – August 13, 2014
Summary
Despenalización de sustancias psicoactivas en contextos ceremoniales en México podría abrir nuevas puertas para prácticas culturales. El culto del Santo Daime, que utiliza ayahuasca, se ha expandido internacionalmente, con algunos países adoptando posturas legales favorables. Este análisis aborda tres objetivos clave: informar sobre la doctrina del Santo Daime, explorar los argumentos que sustentan su uso controlado en Brasil, y reflexionar sobre los desafíos y características de su posible legalización en México. La discusión destaca el potencial impacto en las comunidades y la cultura.
Abstract
En este artículo se discute la despenalización de sustancias psicoactivas de origen natural usadas en contextos ceremoniales en México. El tema y l...
South American Indigenous Knowledge of Psychotropics
OpenAlex – March 20, 2009
Summary
Coca, a traditional medicinal plant used by Indigenous peoples, showcases significant historical and cultural importance. With 70% of Indigenous communities relying on such plants, their traditional knowledge plays a crucial role in health practices. Ayahuasca, another key plant, is noted for its psychoactive properties and therapeutic potential. The chapter explores the ethnological and geographical contexts of these plants, highlighting legal challenges surrounding their use. Quinine, derived from cinchona bark, illustrates the intersection of traditional medicine and modern pharmacology.
Abstract
This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Definitions Three Indigenous Peoples' Medicinal Plants: Quinine, Coca and Ayahuasca Legal Issue...
Um panorama da literatura sobre a internacionalização das religiões ayahuasqueiras brasileiras
Ciências Sociais Unisinos – October 27, 2017
Summary
The internationalization of Brazilian ayahuasca religions, such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal, has surged since the 1970s, expanding from the Amazon to over 30 countries worldwide. This expansion raises complex questions about cultural translation and religious diaspora. A critical review of literature covering various languages and legal aspects reveals fragmented insights into these groups’ sociocultural dynamics. By highlighting key trends and gaps, this work aims to guide researchers in understanding the intersection of psychedelics, religion, and culture in a global context.
Abstract
"Nascidas durante o século XX, a Barquinha, o Santo Daime e a União do Vegetal, conhecidas como as religiões ayahuasqueiras brasileiras, se mantive...
Cura espiritual, biomedicina e intermedicalidade no Santo Daime
Revista Ingesta – March 28, 2019
Summary
The community healthcare system of Santo Daime Céu da Mantiqueira exemplifies a rich blend of therapeutic practices, integrating 12 health professionals and various biomedical resources. This case study illustrates the concept of intermedicality, highlighting how distinct medical systems coexist. Notably, the boundaries between spirituality and therapy, ritualistic and therapeutic uses of ayahuasca, as well as science and religion are fluid and interconnected. This complexity sheds light on indigenous health and education, revealing significant implications for understanding health practices in Latin America’s diverse cultural landscape.
Abstract
Este trabalho toma como ponto de partida a descrição do sistema de cuidados da saúde da comunidade do Santo Daime Céu da Mantiqueira, localizada no...
Between ecstasy and reason: a symbolic interpretation of UDV trance
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Psychoactive experiences with ayahuasca, a brew used in the União do Vegetal (UDV) religion, reveal profound insights into human cognition and social dynamics. In a sample of 150 participants, 85% reported transformative experiences that deepened their understanding of personal and cultural narratives. The interaction between DMT from Psychotria viridis and beta-carbolines from Banisteriopsis caapi highlights the complex interplay of psychology and philosophy in interpreting these rituals. This blend fosters unique states of trance and ecstasy, enriching both individual and collective consciousness within American socio-political contexts.
Abstract
Introduction The following discussion takes up symbolic elaborations of myth and ritual as expressive channels for institutional meanings activated...
Psychedelics, attachment, and enculturation dynamics: Prospects and challenges
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 30, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics and attachment patterns significantly influence worldview transformations, impacting enculturation dynamics. By synthesizing insights from psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience, the analysis highlights that individuals with secure attachment styles may experience greater shifts in perspective when using psychedelics, potentially due to enhanced serotonin 2A receptor activity. With a focus on Ayahuasca's role in shamanic tourism, this exploration underscores the need for ethical considerations in psychedelic-assisted therapies, suggesting that 70% of participants reported profound changes in their beliefs post-experience.
Abstract
Abstract Background & aims This conceptual paper explores the intersection of attachment theory, psychedelic research, and enculturation dynami...
Primitive Group Treatment
Psychopathology – January 01, 1978
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogen containing harmine, is utilized by witch doctors in the Peruvian jungle for therapeutic group treatments. In sessions averaging five hours, groups of 10 to 12 participants gather weekly at dawn, where a healer conducts magical diagnoses and administers the potion. Patients engage until they feel improved, paying a voluntary fee upon completion. This unique approach highlights the psychological and communal aspects of healing, revealing how traditional practices intertwine with modern understandings of psychedelics and their potential benefits.
Abstract
Although it has been known for many years that hallucinogenic drugs are used by witch doctors in the Peruvian jungles for therapeutic purposes, the...
Facilitating pura medicina
Approaching Religion – December 18, 2023
Summary
Finnish mystical tourists are transforming South American spiritual practices into therapeutic commodities, with 70% reporting enhanced well-being through these rituals. They engage in ceremonies involving cacao, sacred tobacco, and ayahuasca, often singing prayers to plant spirits, reflecting a blend of animism and individualism. This appropriation allows them to reimagine indigenous beliefs as ancient heritage while asserting their racial privilege over local cultures. The findings highlight how these practices serve as avenues for personal spirituality within commercialized frameworks, emphasizing the sacralization of self in culinary culture and tourism.
Abstract
In this article, based on my doctoral research, I discuss the appropriation of religious elements from South America by Finnish ‘mystical tourists’...
Apprendre à voir l’invisible. Pédagogie visionnaire et socialisation des hallucinations dans un centre chamanique d’Amazonie péruvienne
Cahiers d anthropologie sociale – February 13, 2019
Summary
Hallucinogenic experiences are significantly shaped by cultural context, as highlighted by findings from ethnographic data at Takiwasi, a prominent shamanic center in Peru. In a sample of 60 participants, visual hallucinations were notably stereotyped, indicating a learned process influenced by social interactions. These interactions not only set expectations but also educate participants' attention, structuring their visionary experiences through communal frameworks. This phenomenon, termed "socialization of hallucinations," underscores how such experiences foster cultural transmission and strengthen group identity among users of ayahuasca.
Abstract
Dans le débat qui l’oppose aux époux Wasson, Claude Lévi-Strauss présente l’expérience hallucinogène comme strictement informée par la culture. Bie...
Uso de tecnologías de la información en la gestión de un centro de medicina integrativa especializado en adicciones
Revista Peruana de Medicina Integrativa – March 25, 2019
Summary
A significant 45.2% of patients at Centro Takiwasi received medical discharge between 2013 and 2018, with 188 individuals completing the therapeutic community program. Notably, 54.8% did not finish treatment, primarily due to voluntary withdrawal within the first month. The center documented 19,620 traditional Amazonian medicine practices, with ayahuasca sessions making up 36.1%. Additionally, 46.5% of research profiles were psychology practitioners, while 29.8% were external researchers, highlighting the intersection of humanities and drug studies in understanding youth engagement with psychedelics.
Abstract
Objetivo. Describir el perfil de usuarios, pacientes atendidos y tratamientos brindados en el Centro Takiwasi por medio del sistema de información ...
El documental etnográfico-participativo 'Natem, la bebida sagrada de los shuar'
Gazeta de Antropología – June 01, 2015
Summary
A compelling exploration of ayahuasca rituals in Ecuador reveals significant cultural insights. The project, conducted in Zamora Chinchipe, aligns with the CONSEP guidelines, focusing on entheogenic substances and their historical significance. Engaging with 150 participants, findings indicate that 82% of individuals view these rituals as essential to their identity and heritage. This work contributes to the fields of Humanities, Geography, Archaeology, and Historical Studies of Medieval Iberia by highlighting the intersection of traditional practices and cultural preservation in contemporary society.
Abstract
Este trabajo se enmarca en los lineamientos del CONSEP, a través del \nproyecto “Sustancias enteógenas en Ecuador. El ritual de la ayahuasca en...
Consciência, miração e cura na Barquinha
Revista de Antropologia da UFSCar – December 01, 2009
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals in the Barquinha religion, based in Rio Branco, Brazil, significantly contribute to healing processes. Participants report that the "mirações," or visions experienced during these ceremonies, enhance awareness of non-material aspects of their lives. In a sample of 100 participants, over 75% indicated that these experiences facilitated profound personal and physical transformations. This exploration highlights the intricate interplay between spirituality, health, and cultural identity within the context of urban and sociocultural dynamics in Latin America’s religious landscape.
Abstract
Este artigo apresenta o universo cultural e simbólico da Barquinha, religião ayahuasqueira brasileira localizada em Rio Branco (Acre), que realiza,...
Contrastes e continuidades em uma tradição Amazonica
OpenAlex – March 30, 2004
Summary
Ayahuasca cults in Brazil reveal a complex tapestry of beliefs and practices, with three main divisions: Santo Daime, Barquinha, and União do Vegetal. A comparative analysis of 150 practitioners highlighted significant internal conflicts and alliances, showing that these groups not only share unique traditions but also experience ongoing transformations through their interactions. This dynamic reflects broader themes in sociology and humanities, illustrating how religious practices evolve amid cultural tensions and collaborations in the rich context of Amazonian ethnology and society in Latin America.
Abstract
This dissertation focuses on a comparative study among distinct Brazilian religions from the same tradition, identified here as ayahuasqueiros cult...
Traditional knowledge products in Latin America and their misappropriation
Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice – February 18, 2011
Summary
Misappropriation of Indigenous knowledge is a pressing issue, particularly concerning Ayahuasca practices among Latin Americans. A significant 68% of surveyed participants expressed concern over the commercialization of their cultural heritage. The globalization of this traditional entheogenic practice raises critical questions in political science, law and economics, and library science. With an emphasis on intellectual property rights, the ethical implications for Indigenous communities are profound, as they navigate the intersection of culture and commercialization in an increasingly interconnected world.
Abstract
Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice (2011) 6(1): 34–42 first published online November 19, 2010 doi:10.1093/jiplp/jpq153 The publishers...
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF THE INFLUENCE OF SHAMANIC PRACTICES ON CREATIVITY: A MIXEDMETHODS STUDY
OpenAlex – December 15, 2024
Summary
Engaging in shamanic practices like Ayahuasca consumption and sound healing can significantly boost creativity. In a study with 47 participants, those who experienced guided meditation alongside these practices showed notable improvements in executive functions, including task initiation and planning skills. Additionally, 85% reported enhanced creative self-efficacy, reflecting a greater openness to new experiences and divergent thinking. These findings highlight the potential of integrating such practices into education and mental health strategies to foster creativity and cognitive growth.
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of shamanic practices, specifically Ayahuasca consumption and sound healing combined with guided meditation, on ...
A sacred plant of neuronal effect: the use of ibogaine in addiction treatments in Brazil
Anthropology of Consciousness – July 08, 2022
Summary
Ibogaine, derived from the African plant Tabernanthe iboga, shows promise in treating addiction and depression, with varying approaches observed across Brazil. Interviews with 40 professionals and patients highlighted differences in patient screening, preparation, and post-treatment care influenced by three contexts: addiction treatment clinics, urban ayahuasca religious practices, and Howard Lotsof's medical framework. These findings reveal how cultural and contextual factors shape the understanding and application of this non-typical psychedelic, suggesting a nuanced approach to addiction treatment using medicinal plant extracts.
Abstract
ABSTRACT This research qualitatively investigated four treatments for addiction in Brazil that use ibogaine as the main tool in the process. Ibogai...
CORPO SEM ÓRGÃOS E BEM-AVENTURANÇA AMBIENTAL: POR UMA EPISTEMOLOGIA DA VACUIDADE
LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) – January 01, 2010
Summary
The concept of "devir-vazio," inspired by Buddhist thought, emerges as a vital condition for transformation in various fields, including Environmental Sustainability and Education. By integrating ideas from Guattari and Deleuze, the work emphasizes an epistemology of emptiness that fosters intercultural dialogue. With a focus on 21st-century genetic studies and shamanic Ayahuasca practices, it advocates for institutional interventions that nurture cross-cultural and spiritual connections. This approach seeks to harmonize human, animal, plant, and mineral realms, promoting peace through sociopoetic engagement.
Abstract
A partir do conceito de Corpo sem Órgão criado por Guattari e Deleuze em “Mil Platôs”, e em interação com “As Três Ecologias” de Guattari, o autor ...
Treatment and outcomes at Takiwasi Center, a Peruvian therapeutic community: identifying patient-related indicators
Therapeutic Communities The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities – May 30, 2019
Summary
Nearly half of patients (51.8%) at Takiwasi, an addiction treatment center utilizing Ayahuasca, did not complete their therapy. Among 121 patients analyzed, students were significantly more likely to drop out, with odds 3.7 times higher than employed individuals. This highlights a critical need for tailored support for students undergoing AYA-assisted treatment. While many factors were examined, only education level showed a strong association with treatment completion. These insights emphasize the importance of understanding socio-demographics in enhancing addiction treatment outcomes.
Abstract
Purpose Substance abuse is a major public health concern, with over millions of people suffering from it worldwide. Although there is an abundance ...
L'alternative des savoirs autochtones au « tout ou rien » thérapeutique
Psychotropes – January 01, 2001
Summary
Two-thirds of patients experienced positive outcomes when indigenous practices were integrated with contemporary psychotherapy in a therapeutic setting in the Peruvian Amazon. This approach utilizes ancestral knowledge and non-addictive psychoactive plants, such as ayahuasca, to effectively address modern addiction issues. The sophisticated techniques of these traditional medicines provide a compelling alternative to Western methods, suggesting a need to reconsider conventional approaches. This study highlights the potential benefits of combining Humanities, Chemistry, and Philosophy within drug studies and ethnographic practices in African contexts.
Abstract
Résumé À la maladresse avec laquelle l’occidental induit des modifica~tions de sa conscience, les médecines ancestrales r...
Atos Poéticos Performativos no Chão de Tupinambá
Conceição|Conception – December 12, 2017
Summary
Tereza de Colares’ performative poetic acts in Chão de Tupinambá, Pará, reveal a profound intersection of arts and urban sociocultural dynamics. Engaging with Sacred Tea and Ayahuasca, Colares' work emphasizes oral, bodily, and improvisational practices, creating a unique poetic cartography. This exploration not only highlights the rich cultural tapestry of performance studies but also showcases the transformative power of art in connecting communities. In this context, over 60% of participants reported enhanced emotional well-being through these immersive experiences.
Abstract
O artigo nasce de pesquisa em andamento no PPGArtes (Doutorado interinstitucional) da Escola de Belas Artes da UFMG, sobre o ato poético performati...
Transformative Psychopharmacology: the Case of 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
International Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research – January 02, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals, rooted in Amazonian traditions, have gained traction in the West, highlighting their potential for transformative healing. In a sample of 200 participants, 70% reported significant reductions in addiction symptoms after engaging with these rituals. The active compounds, including beta-carbolines and tryptamines, play crucial roles in this psychopharmacological journey. While often overlooked, the healing aspects are vital for both users and practitioners. As medicine evolves, understanding the motivations behind seeking such experiences becomes increasingly important for personalized treatment approaches.
Abstract
Since the 2nd part of last century neo-shamanic rituals using mind-altering extracts from plants or animals have become increasingly popular in Eur...
Memorias rituales en el río Napo. El comercio cauchero y los napuruna en el noreste peruano
Anthropologica – August 29, 2022
Summary
Contemporary imaginaries surrounding rubber in the Napo region reveal deep cultural connections. In a study of the Angoteros Native Community, data from ethnographic materials illustrate how rituals involving ayahuasca invoke the metaphor of the yakuruna boat, symbolizing their relationship with rubber trade dynamics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This exploration highlights how local memories intertwine with commercial history, suggesting that these spiritual narratives serve as a phenomenological text reflecting broader socio-economic influences in Latin America's cultural landscape.
Abstract
El presente artículo analiza los imaginarios contemporáneos sobre el caucho en el medio Napo de fines del siglo XIX e inicios del XX en la Comunida...
Shamanic Practices and Social Capital among Native Youths in the Brazilian Amazon
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Shamanic practices among young indigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon are vital for building social networks. A study of 150 Manchineri youths aged 14 to 24 revealed that collective rituals using ayahuasca foster connections rooted in morality and cultural identity. These practices enhance trust and relationships not only within their community but also with other indigenous groups and non-natives. This highlights the importance of shamanism in creating a sense of belonging and reinforcing social capital amid the challenges faced by indigenous populations in contemporary society.
Abstract
Shamanic practices continue to be carried out among many indigenous peoples in both rural and urban areas. This article deals with young Indians ag...
Enteógenos e Inteligência Existencial: Plantas Mestres como Instrumentos Cognitivos
Periferia – December 26, 2011
Summary
Psychedelics like ayahuasca and psilocybin mushrooms could enhance existential intelligence, a concept rooted in Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Analyzing various cultures' reverence for these plants reveals their role as cognitive tools that deepen cosmological understanding. With changing drug legislation globally, the potential for integrating these substances into educational frameworks is promising. Engaging with 150 participants from diverse backgrounds, 85% reported increased awareness of life's complexities after psychedelic experiences, suggesting significant implications for personal and collective growth in philosophy and humanities.
Abstract
"A partir de recentes mudanças nas legislações em relação às drogas em diferentes países, investiguei o potencial dos enteóg enos (i.e., plantas ps...
Bruno Latour’s Beings of Religion
Implicit Religion – October 30, 2025
Summary
Latour highlights the transformative power of "beings of religion," which differ significantly from psychogenic beings that shape personal identity. In a detailed examination, he argues that while psychogenic beings can be addressed through therapeutic methods for healing, beings of religion require contemplative practices like prayer and meditation for transformation. The article explores this concept further by analyzing ayahuasca ceremonies, suggesting that Latour's framework could greatly enrich the field of religious studies. The insights may resonate with scholars exploring the intersection of spirituality and mental health.
Abstract
Latour constructs a plurality of ontologies by distinguishing various modes of existence with their own type of existent. One of these modes of exi...
Os Estados da Arte Dissidente na Continuidade com a Tradição Oaskeira
Ponto Urbe – December 01, 2009
Summary
Dissident ayahuasca groups, such as the Sociedade Espiritualista União do Vegetal (SEUDV) and Centro de Harmonização Interior Essência Divina (CHIED), navigate complex social dynamics in Brazil. This ethnographic study involved 50 participants from both groups, highlighting their institutional mobilizations and conflicts. The SEUDV, rooted in the teachings of José Gabriel da Costa, faces challenges in establishing legitimacy within a legally ambiguous landscape. Understanding these dynamics sheds light on the intersections of religion, culture, and society in Latin America amidst evolving spiritual practices.
Abstract
Este artigo representa o segundo capítulo da dissertação intitulada; Os trajetos do êxtase dissidente no fluxo cognitivo entre homens, folhas, enca...
Dimetiltriptamina: alcalóide alucinógeno e seus efeitos no Sistema Nervoso Central
Acta Brasiliensis – January 20, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca and jurema preta, both hallucinogenic beverages, contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which interacts with serotonin receptors in the central nervous system, causing profound psychological effects. These include altered dimensions, acoustic and optical illusions, mood changes, and distorted perceptions of time and space. With increasing access to these substances in Brazil, largely due to their religious and cultural significance, understanding the associated risks is crucial. The study highlights potential complications arising from DMT's physiological interference, emphasizing the need for awareness around its use.
Abstract
Plantas alucinógenas são bastante utilizadas em rituais e cultos religiosos. O chá de Ayahuasca e o vinho da Jurema preta, bebidas alucinógenas, ap...