Beyond The Brain: Heart Activity May Shape Psychedelic Experiences, Study Finds
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology sheds new light on how DMT, a powerful psychedelic, could impact both mental and physical well-being. The study found that profound, mystical experiences often reported by DMT users are closely linked to specific patterns of heart activity during the psychedelic experience. As PsyPost reported, these findings suggest that the body’s autonomic nervous system, regulating stress and relaxation, may play a significant role in shaping the unique psychological effects of psychedelics.
The Role Of DMT And Autonomic Balance
DMT, or N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, naturally occurs in some plants and animals, including humans. Known for inducing brief but intense states of altered consciousness, DMT often triggers vivid hallucinations and feelings of unity with the universe, which can linger as lasting emotional insights and even improve mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Dr. Valérie Bonnelle, a cognitive neuroscience researcher and lead author of the study, first became interested in the connection between the heart and consciousness during a psilocybin …