Do entheogen-induced mystical experiences boost the immune system? Psychedelics, peak experiences, and wellness.
Advances in mind-body medicine January 1, 1999 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1054/ambm.1999.0069 via PubMed
Summary
Entheogen-induced mystical experiences may influence the immune system, as suggested by the Emxis hypothesis. Daily events that enhance immune function, spontaneous remissions, and mystical experiences share a similar set of psychological and emotional traits. The article explores whether these psychedelic experiences could lead to stronger immune responses and more frequent occurrences of spontaneous remission.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The article proposes that entheogen-induced mystical experiences may strengthen the immune system. |
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Abstract
Daily events that boost the immune system (as indicated by levels of salivary immunoglobulin A), some instances of spontaneous remission, and mystical experiences seem to share a similar cluster of thoughts, feelings, moods, perceptions, and behaviors. Entheogens--psychedelic drugs used in a religious context--can also produce mystical experiences (peak experiences, states of unitive consciousness, intense primary religious experiences) with the same cluster of effects. When this happens, is it also possible that such entheogen-induced mystical experiences strengthen the immune system? Might spontaneous remissions occur more frequently under such conditions? This article advances the so called "Emxis hypothesis"--that entheogen-induced mystical experiences influence the immune system.