Researchers have verified through their results in animals that one of the natural components of ayahuasca -dimethyltryptamine (DMT)- promotes the formation of neurons and is also capable of inducing the formation of other brain cells.
The healers or shamans are the ones who administer the ayahuasca and guide the ceremonies. These shamans collect the chacruna and ayahuasca while singing and praying, also bless with tobacco or mapacho smoke.
Then they crush the bark and boil it anywhere from two to several hours. While the process lasts, they continue with the prayers and songs. They finally obtain the “essence” of the boil, which is a brown watery liquid, this is the what is called the brew. When taking it, its consumers report experiences where the body falls asleep and has a sensation of dizziness. Visions, shapes and colors can be seen at this time. A sensation of cold or heat can also be experienced. The senses are greatly augmented and consciousness expands. Some people may vomit or even have a bowel movement due to the purgative properties of one of its plants. It also can increase alertness, visual, auditory and tactile abilities. These sensations can last up to 6 hours. It is in this timeframe where the plant is believed to heal, where the spirit of nature or the gods speak to you and advise you.
However, what does science say about it?
There is a scientific correlation that explains some of the effects produced by ayahuasca at the brain level.
Although the psychoactive effects of ayahuasca have been associated with a direct effect on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, the molecular target of most classic psychedelics, this has yet to be scientifically proven. This receptor has been implicated in mental disorders with complex etiologies that are not yet clearly understood, in processes such as learning, memory, and depression. This is how a group of researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain, led by Jordi Riva, studied the contribution of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor to the neurophysiological and psychological effects of ayahuasca in humans. This is where the induced changes were measured by drugs via brain oscillations measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG). Brain oscillations reflect the electrical activity of groups of neurons in different regions of the brain, which present different rhythms or frequencies known as brain waves. Five types of brain waves are known: gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta waves. Gamma waves are the fastest in frequency (40-100Hz) and are associated with sudden introspection. Beta waves (14-40Hz) are produced when the brain is awake and involved in intense mental activities. Alpha waves (7.5-14Hz) are slower waves, they represent a state of low brain activity and deep relaxation. Theta waves (4-7.5Hz) are reached under a state of intense calm. Delta waves (0.5-4Hz) are the slowest in frequency and are generated in a state of deep sleep.
In addition, subjective effects were measured through a series of questionnaires that reflected somatic effects: perception, cognition, derealization, and fear of ego dissolution, among others. A placebo was also utilized, which included oral administration of ayahuasca plus ketanserin, which is a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. An antagonist is a drug that acts against and opposite to receptor activation.
Twelve healthy participants who had already experimented with psychedelics previously partook in the study. They participated in four experimental sessions in which they received the following drug combinations: placebo + placebo, placebo + ayahuasca, ketanserin + placebo and ketanserin + ayahuasca. In the group that received placebo plus ayahuasca, it was observed that ayahuasca decreased the power in the delta, theta and alpha frequency bands of the EEG. This decrease in the alpha band frequencies was inversely correlated with the intensity of the visual images induced by ayahuasca. In simpler words, a decrease in alpha oscillations caused by ayahuasca increases the visual effects. However, when the investigators pre-treated patients with ketanserin, neurophysiological changes were inhibited. The correlation between alpha and visual effects was reduced, and the intensity of subjective experience was attenuated.
The findings suggest that despite the chemical complexity of ayahuasca, 5-HT2A receptor activation plays a key role in the neurophysiological and visual effects of ayahuasca in humans. Therefore, according to the observed results, the serotonin receptor could be involved in the spiritual effects that have been associated for years with the miracles and healing of ayahuasca. From a spiritual point of view, activating this receptor could be your inner god, who could trigger your deepest fears, criticize your lifestyle, or even heal your downcast spirit. However, we must be careful not to overstimulate this receptor, since it could cause a dissociation with reality if we are not careful with the doses ingested and with individual susceptibilities. In these cases, it is important that the consumption of ayahuasca be under the supervision of a specialized guide such as a shamans o maestro healer curanderos.
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