In recent years, the scientific community has become increasingly interested in the potential benefits of meditation and psychedelics. An interesting study has revealed the synergistic effects of psilocybin and meditation, and how the combination can increase insight and change brain activity patterns.
Opening the doors of perception during meditation
Berit Singer and a team of researchers from the University of Zurich and the Zurich University Psychiatric Hospital have published their findings in a journal. scientific report.
The study involved 36 experienced meditators who attended a 5-day psilocybin-assisted meditation retreat following a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study design.
Participants completed two fMRI brain imaging sessions the day before and the day after the retreat. Each scanning session consisted of a sequence of resting state, focused attention, and open monitoring, and each meditation lasted for 7 minutes.
Mapping the synergy of psilocybin and meditation
Researchers used a new approach based on a mapper algorithm from topological data analysis to generate subject-specific maps for two groups of experienced meditators (psilocybin vs. placebo, 18 subjects/group). did.
This study revealed some interesting findings.
- When accompanied by enhanced open monitoring meditation, psilocybin-induced positive derealization was associated with optimal transport (OT) distance between open monitoring and resting states.
- Enhanced metacognition through meditation practice by experienced meditators, combined with positive changes in implicit perception induced by psilocybin, mediates insight.
- Psilocybin changes perception of the outside world, possibly by increasing information richness. This is reflected in the increased OT distance between open monitoring and post-retreat resting state.
Singer, one of the study’s lead authors, said he was fascinated by the application of pure mathematics, particularly topology, to extract important information from latent structures in data.
In an interview with PsyPost, she expressed surprise at the common structure revealed between the subject-specific mapper graphs, despite their initial apparent differences.
A new perspective on consciousness
This study provides a new perspective on the potential synergy between mindfulness practices and psilocybin. This suggests that the combination of enhanced metacognition through meditation and positive changes in perception through psilocybin can promote insight.
This finding also highlights the importance of understanding the neurophysiology of meditation and psychedelics beyond traditional measures such as functional connectivity, resting-state networks, and signal variability.
By applying topological data analysis, the researchers were able to uncover the organizational principles and characteristics of whole-brain activity patterns during different styles of meditation and psilocybin-induced changes.
Positive effects of psilocybin on the brain
Researchers have continued to investigate psilocybin’s effects on the brain and have uncovered some positive results that could revolutionize the way we approach mental health treatment.
Psilocybin promotes neuroplasticity with or without meditation
One of psilocybin’s most promising effects on the brain is its ability to promote neuroplasticity and strengthen neural connections.
Research shows that psilocybin can promote the growth of new neural connections and increase the flexibility of existing neural connections.
This increased neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt and reorganize more efficiently, which may contribute to the long-term positive changes observed in those receiving psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Reducing anxiety and depression
Psilocybin has shown significant potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression even when traditional treatments have been ineffective.
Research shows that psilocybin can modulate the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain, reducing negative thought patterns and increasing positive emotions.
Additionally, the deep mystical experiences associated with psilocybin use may help individuals gain a new perspective on their lives and develop a greater sense of meaning and purpose.
Increased openness and creativity
Research shows that psilocybin can increase openness, a personality trait characterized by curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to accept new experiences.
Increased openness leads to increased creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and overall psychological well-being.
By cultivating a more open and flexible mindset, psilocybin may help you break free from rigid thought patterns and explore new ideas and solutions, especially during meditation practices.
The future of psilocybin and psychedelic meditation
In summary, the study by Singer and her colleagues opens new avenues to explore the potential benefits of combining meditation and psychedelics.
“These findings provide a new perspective on meditation and psychedelics, and may reveal novel brain markers with the potential for positive synergy between mindfulness practices and psilocybin,” Singer said. “There is.”
By applying new techniques such as topological data analysis, researchers uncovered an intriguing synergy between psilocybin and meditation, and how the combination enhances insight, changes brain activity patterns, and improves mental health. We’ve uncovered ways this could lead to new therapeutic approaches for health and well-being.
As the scientific community continues to study the neurophysiology of meditation and psychedelics, this study is expected to serve as a catalyst for further research, leading to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying consciousness and the positive effects of these practices. .
The entire study was published in the journal scientific report.
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