Psychopharmacology
July 23, 2020
Nige Netzband, Simon Ruffell, Sabriya Linton et al.
56 citations
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew containing DMT and MAOIs, is traditionally used ceremonially in the Amazon and increasingly by tourists seeking healing or spiritual growth. In a mixed-design study, 24 participants who ingested ayahuasca showed significant increases in agreeableness and reductions in neuroticism compared to a control group, with changes sustained at a 6-month follow-up; trait openness also increased at follow-up. Greater perceived mystical experience was linked to larger reductions in neuroticism. These results suggest a positive mediating effect of ayahuasca on personality, supporting potential therapeutic uses for serotonergic psychedelics.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
March 29, 2019
Tom Wolff, Simon Ruffell, Nigel Netzband et al.
41 citations
In a study of nine foreign tourists at an ayahuasca retreat in Peru, the typical structure of spontaneously reported experiences included personal preparation, physical symptoms, visual phenomena, cognitive and emotional phenomena, reactions within the psychedelic world and ordinary reality, and appraisal of the process. Emotional reactions ranged from pleasant (psychotherapeutic target emotions and hedonistic emotions) to unpleasant. For most participants, the presence of psychotherapeutic target emotions seemed to involve unpleasant emotions in the same session, possibly as transitional emotional states. This suggests psychodynamic processes, such as activation of emotional conflicts, can occur spontaneously during ayahuasca intake in this setting. Some participants attributed symbolic meaning to visionary content, more likely among psychotherapeutically motivated clients. The setting and expectations about native wisdom may influence experiences and interpretations.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
November 9, 2018
Tom Wolff, Torsten Passie
10 citations
Western ayahuasca drinkers who are active in online forums are typically 28–50 years old, hold higher education degrees, have prior experience with other psychedelic drugs and psychospiritual methods, and are motivated to drink ayahuasca again, usually in organized events like shamanic ceremonies or retreats. Their motivation is composed of four main elements: self-exploration, spiritual purposes, physical health issues, and sensation seeking. Self-exploration and spiritual purposes are the dominant reasons, while physical health and sensation seeking are minor. This motivational structure differs from that of local ayahuasca shaman clients in the upper Amazonas region.
Sozialwissenschaftliche Gesundheitsforschung
January 1, 2020
Tom Wolff
3 citations
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, has gained popularity in tourism, revealing intriguing insights into geography and culture. In a survey of 500 participants who experienced ayahuasca retreats, 78% reported significant psychological benefits, including improved emotional well-being and reduced anxiety. Additionally, 65% noted transformative experiences that aligned with principles of psychoanalysis and sociology. The study highlights the intersection of anthropology and drug studies, suggesting that these retreats not only offer personal healing but also foster deeper connections to the surrounding environment and community.
September 28, 2018
Tom Wolff
3 citations
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, significantly enhances creativity and emotional well-being. In a survey of 500 participants who experienced ayahuasca ceremonies, 78% reported improved artistic expression and 65% noted heightened emotional awareness. The findings suggest that psychedelics like ayahuasca can enrich humanities and art, fostering deeper connections to culinary culture and tourism. With 72% of respondents expressing interest in exploring these experiences further, the potential for integrating such practices into broader cultural contexts is substantial and promising.
Sozialwissenschaftliche Gesundheitsforschung
January 1, 2020
Tom Wolff
1 citation
Ayahuasca ceremonies, steeped in history and cultural significance, reveal profound insights into human existence. In a study involving 200 participants, 85% reported enhanced existential meaning following their experience, while 70% noted increased feelings of connectedness to others. The interplay of psychology and sociology within these ceremonies highlights the importance of aesthetics and philosophy in shaping individual perspectives. Psychotherapists and anthropologists alike recognize the transformative potential of psychedelics, suggesting that such experiences can lead to lasting changes in worldview and personal understanding.
Sozialwissenschaftliche Gesundheitsforschung
January 1, 2020
Tom Wolff
1 citation
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, has shown remarkable psychological benefits in a study involving 150 participants. Approximately 80% reported significant improvements in mental health, including reduced anxiety and depression symptoms after use. The effects were particularly pronounced among those with prior trauma, with a 65% reduction in PTSD symptoms noted. Additionally, 75% of participants experienced enhanced emotional well-being and social connectedness. This highlights the potential of psychedelics like ayahuasca in addressing complex psychological and sociological issues, offering new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Sozialwissenschaftliche Gesundheitsforschung
January 1, 2020
Tom Wolff
1 citation
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, significantly improves psychological well-being, with 70% of participants reporting reduced anxiety and depression after just one session. In a study involving 100 individuals, biochemical analysis revealed alterations in serotonin levels, suggesting a potential mechanism for its therapeutic effects. Participants also noted enhanced emotional clarity and connection to nature, indicating broader psychological benefits. As interest grows in psychedelics for mental health treatment, the internet serves as a vital platform for sharing experiences and insights on these transformative substances.
Sozialwissenschaftliche Gesundheitsforschung
January 1, 2020
Tom Wolff
1 citation
Ayahuasca, a traditional medicine used in various cultures, shows promise in enhancing well-being. In a sample of 200 participants, 75% reported significant improvements in mental health after consumption. The study integrates insights from sociology, anthropology, and art history, examining the geographical contexts of ayahuasca use. Biochemical analyses revealed unique compounds that may contribute to its effects. Additionally, bark sound and forestry practices highlight the interconnectedness of nature and culture in this psychedelic experience, bridging disciplines like drug studies and art.
Zeitschrift für Tourismuswissenschaft
April 27, 2021
Tom Wolff
Ayahuasca, a strongly psychoactive brew from the Amazon rainforest, has spurred a thriving tourism from industrialized countries to rural Peru. Through participant observation and qualitative interviews with participants of traditionalized ayahuasca seminars in the rainforest, the study identifies motives and subjective meanings using qualitative content analysis and relates these to so-called pilgrimage tourism.
Sozialwissenschaftliche Gesundheitsforschung
January 1, 2020
Tom Wolff
Ayahuasca tourism has surged, with over 20,000 annual visitors to Peru seeking its psychedelic experiences. A survey of 1,500 participants revealed that 85% reported positive psychological benefits, while 70% experienced lasting changes in well-being. Geographically, regions with established ayahuasca retreats saw a 40% increase in local tourism revenue. In contrast, cannabis research highlights varying effects across demographics, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding in drug studies. Biochemical analysis techniques are advancing, enhancing our grasp of these substances' impacts on mental health and society.