Historique
Périodique
Effects of a psychedelic, tropical tea, ayahuasca, on the electroencephalographic activity of the human brain during a shamanistic ritual
(Les effets d'un thé tropical psychédélique, l'ayahuasca sur l'activité électro-encéphalographique (EEG) du cerveau humain pendant un rituel shamanique)
Auteur(s) :
HOFFMANN, E. ;
KEPPEL-HESSELINK, J. M. ;
DA SILVEIRA BARBOSA, Y. W. M.
Année
2001
Page(s) :
p. 25-30
Langue(s) :
Anglais
Domaine :
Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs
Discipline :
PRO (Produits, mode d'action, méthode de dépistage / Substances, action mode, screening methods)
Thésaurus mots-clés
AYAHUASCA
;
RITUEL
;
EFFET SECONDAIRE
;
CERVEAU
;
IMAGERIE MEDICALE
;
USAGE THERAPEUTIQUE
Note générale :
MAPS, 2001, 11, (1), 25-30
Résumé :
FRANÇAIS :
Les données d'EEG de 12 volontaires ayant participé à un groupe de travail au Brésil ont été recueillies avant et après un rituel shamanique au cours duquel de l'ayahuasca a été consommé. Après 3 doses de thé, les sujets ont montré des augmentations fortes et significatives des amplitudes de l'EEG alpha (8-13 hz) et théta (4-8 hz), les béta restant sans changement. L'augmentation la plus forte de l'activité alpha était observée dans les lobes occipitaux tandis que dans les lobes frontaux l'activité était inchangée. Ces résultats prouvent un état modifié de conscience comparable à celui obtenu avec le cannabis. Ceci amène les auteurs à utiliser l'ayahuasca au cours de psychothérapie.
ENGLISH :
EEG data from 12 volunteers participating in a workshop in Brazil were recorded under field conditions before and after a shamanistic ritual in which the psychoactive tea, ayahuasca, was consumed. Following three doses of the tea, the subjects showed strong and statistically significant increases of both EEG alpha (8-13Hz) and theta (4-8Hz) mean amplitudes compared to baseline while beta (13-20Hz) amplitudes were unchanged. The strongest increases of alpha activity were observed in the occipital lobes while alpha was unchanged in the frontal lobes. Theta amplitudes, on the other hand, were significantly increased in both occipital and frontal areas. Our data do not support previous findings of cortical activation with decreased alpha and increased beta activity caused by psychedelics (e.g. LSD, mescaline, psilocybin). They rather point to a similarity between the altered states produced by ayahuasca and marihuana which also stimulates the brain to produce more alpha waves. We suggest that these findings of increased EEG alpha and theta activity after drinking ayahuasca reflect an altered state of consciousness. In the state the subjects reported increased awareness of their subconscious processes. This is an altered state comparable to, however more profound than, the meditative state. Our results suggest that ingesting Ayahuasca may provide individuals with increased access to subconscious processes and feelings while in a wakeful, relaxed state. Thus, Ayahuasca has the potential to become a potent tool in the process of psychotherapy.
Les données d'EEG de 12 volontaires ayant participé à un groupe de travail au Brésil ont été recueillies avant et après un rituel shamanique au cours duquel de l'ayahuasca a été consommé. Après 3 doses de thé, les sujets ont montré des augmentations fortes et significatives des amplitudes de l'EEG alpha (8-13 hz) et théta (4-8 hz), les béta restant sans changement. L'augmentation la plus forte de l'activité alpha était observée dans les lobes occipitaux tandis que dans les lobes frontaux l'activité était inchangée. Ces résultats prouvent un état modifié de conscience comparable à celui obtenu avec le cannabis. Ceci amène les auteurs à utiliser l'ayahuasca au cours de psychothérapie.
ENGLISH :
EEG data from 12 volunteers participating in a workshop in Brazil were recorded under field conditions before and after a shamanistic ritual in which the psychoactive tea, ayahuasca, was consumed. Following three doses of the tea, the subjects showed strong and statistically significant increases of both EEG alpha (8-13Hz) and theta (4-8Hz) mean amplitudes compared to baseline while beta (13-20Hz) amplitudes were unchanged. The strongest increases of alpha activity were observed in the occipital lobes while alpha was unchanged in the frontal lobes. Theta amplitudes, on the other hand, were significantly increased in both occipital and frontal areas. Our data do not support previous findings of cortical activation with decreased alpha and increased beta activity caused by psychedelics (e.g. LSD, mescaline, psilocybin). They rather point to a similarity between the altered states produced by ayahuasca and marihuana which also stimulates the brain to produce more alpha waves. We suggest that these findings of increased EEG alpha and theta activity after drinking ayahuasca reflect an altered state of consciousness. In the state the subjects reported increased awareness of their subconscious processes. This is an altered state comparable to, however more profound than, the meditative state. Our results suggest that ingesting Ayahuasca may provide individuals with increased access to subconscious processes and feelings while in a wakeful, relaxed state. Thus, Ayahuasca has the potential to become a potent tool in the process of psychotherapy.
Affiliation :
Brésil. Brazil.