Dr Juan
EEG Studies of Salvia divinorum and DMT Entheogens.
As a trained Neuroscientist interested in the interface of Science and Spirituality, I have been exploring Shamanic practices for over two decades. This talk will present an overview of my investigations over the past few years. I have conducted quantitative EEG (QEEG) research on the acute effects of smoked Salvia d. potentiated extracts (Acosta-Urquidi, J.,2008, J. Neurotherapy. Vol.12(1), p.57). I have also explored the EEG effects of oral intake of Ayahuasca preparations and the acute effects of smoked DMT (N’,N’ and some MeO). For over a year now, I have been working with an analogue of Ayahuasca, derived from a Mimosa hostilis (Acacia family) tree. The DMT is extracted from the root bark and prepared as a tincture of known dosage. The prior ingestion of a capsule containing potentiated Peganum harmala (Syrian rue) is necessary to make the tincture orally active. A smokable Mimosa extract also delivers a powerful DMT experience, lasting 5-15 min., and its effects on the EEG are presently being studied. These EEG studies are feasible and yield important clues towards understanding the psychophysiological spectrum of the altered mindstates induced by these potent entheogens.
Dr Juan Acosta-Urquidi, PhD, Cellular Neurophysiology, 1980, University of Toronto, Canada, has worked with a variety of clients over the last 30 years, including: ADD/ADHD children, adolescents and adults, closed-head injury patients, depression and anxiety disorders, CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. He has also worked extensively with relaxation and stress management techniques. He conducted research at the University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA. in energy medicine alternative treatment for MS, multiple sclerosis patients with pulsed magnetotherapy. Since 1997,he has done pioneering research with energetic healers, mapping brainwaves (EEG) and heartwaves (HRV analisis) during energy healing sessions and during altered states of consciousness (ASC). He gained clinical experience (1997-2010) as a Research Scientist at University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), Seattle, WA undertaking a QEEG brainmapping component for a NIH funded study of pulsed magnetotherapy for Ms patients. Dr Juan has been offering QEEG brainmapping services since 2004 in private practice.