The objective of this exploratory research was to examine the neurophysiological correlates of DMT action on the human brain using QEEG brain mapping techniques. Quantitative EEG (QEEG) is an established reliable electrophysiological technique to measure electrical brain function. EEG recorded waveforms are oscillations at different frequencies measured at the scalp that reflect synchronized neural network information processing in different brain areas responsible for cognition, affect, and behavior. Moreover, internal subjective states exhibit distinct brainwave correlates.
An earlier QEEG study examined the acute effects of the entheogenic plant Salvia divinorum (Acosta-Urquidi, J. Neurotherapy, 12(1), 57-58, 2008), delivered by smoked inhalation of Salvia 10x extract. The rapid onset, short acting (10-20 min.) and reversible nature of the effects demonstrated the feasibility of conducting such EEG studies. This experience was applied to the present study using the psychoactive DMT . Two sources of smoked DMT were tested: high purity synthetic 5-MeO- DMT and N,N DMT from a natural extract of Mimosa hostilis root bark. The rapid onset and time course of effects were similar to the Salvia studies. Dosage was adjusted to elicit an effective “trip”. Healthy adult men and women volunteers (N=10; age: 33-55), were studied with QEEG, employing Mitsar amplifier, 10-20 system electrocap, 19 channels referential linked ears montage, 0.5-40 Hz bandwidth.
Artifacted raw data was analysed with Neuroguide software. A 10 min. baseline control recording (resting eyes closed) was first obtained, followed by the smoked DMT condition, lasting 10-15 min. A recovery post-DMT EEG was also recorded at 10-20 min., when subjects reported a full recovery to ordinary consciousness. The DMT-evoked profound alterations in consciousness correlated with EEG changes revealed in the topographic brain maps and FFT power-frequency spectra of the subjects tested. Variable significant effects on select frequency bands were encountered: robust increases (up to 250% ) and decreases (31-66%, 4 subjects ) in Absolute Alpha power; shifts in peak frequency from Alpha to Theta (in 5 subjects); coherence and phase metrics were also changed. In some cases, partial to full reversibility of the effects was measured.
The significance of these preliminary findings is discussed with reference to DMT receptor pharmacology mechanisms (Fontanilla, D et al., Science. 2009,13; 323(5916): 934–937; Jacob, MS and Presti, DE, Medical Hypotheses 2005, 64: 930–937) and the EEG/Ayahuasca studies reported.
Dr. Juan Acosta-Urquidi entered the field of QEEG (quantitative electroencephalography) in 1996. Initially, he worked with QEEG to test photic and auditory driving responses to mind machines. He then joined an NIH-funded project in alternative medici e at the University of Washington Medical Center to study pulsed magnetotherapy treatment on neurologic patients suffering MS. While still there, a chance discovery lead him to pursue research with Energy Healers, at a time when he was initiated as a Reiki Master. Using an electrocrystal detector device he recorded electromagnetic signals emanating from Energy Healers during the state of “sending”, or “channeling” energy. He extended this research by simultaneously measuring EEG in a subset of the healers sample, documenting the shifting brainwave patterns as the healers transit through different states of consciousness during the energy healing state. These topographic brain maps, with the recent addition of HRV (heart rate variability) measurements, have been yielding rich data on the heart-brain exchange, charting new ground in the research interface of Science, Healing and Spirituality. His achievements include; Ph.D, Cellular Neurophysiology, 1980, University of Toronto; A.B. Biophysics, 1971, University of California, Berkeley; MSc. Neurobiology, 1974, McGill University, Montreal, CAN. Member International Society for the Study of Subtle Energy and Energy Medicine (ISSSEEM),1996- present; Biofeedback Society of Washington, 2002; Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB), 2002, 2006-08, 09; International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR), 2005-present. Invited presenter at EGA 2011.
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