Skip to content

Joachim Keppler

Department of Consciousness Research, DIWISS, Roth, Germany.

3 papers in the library · 72 citations · publishing 2018-2022

Papers

N,N‐dimethyltryptamine and Amazonian ayahuasca plant medicine

Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental February 17, 2022 Edward James, Joachim Keppler, Ben Sessa et al. 41 citations

Ayahuasca and its active compound DMT show potential for treating depression, addictions, PTSD, anxiety, and certain immune system conditions. These substances bind to multiple brain receptors, including serotonergic, glutaminergic, and sigma-1 receptors, and affect BDNF expression and the dopamine system. Subjective effects correspond to increased delta and theta brain waves in the amygdala and hippocampus, decreased alpha waves in the default mode network, and activation of visual brain regions. Although biological and consciousness-based models attempt to explain these effects, evidence remains insufficient for firm conclusions. More research is needed to clarify mechanisms and develop accessible treatments, with recommended collaboration between healthcare researchers and Amazonian practitioners.

DOI: 10.1002/hup.2835 Ayahuasca Neuroscience Hallucinogen Psychology +2

The Role of the Brain in Conscious Processes: A New Way of Looking at the Neural Correlates of Consciousness

Frontiers in Psychology August 3, 2018 Joachim Keppler 31 citations

Consciousness arises from the brain's interaction with a universal background field, the zero-point field (ZPF), according to a theoretical framework grounded in stochastic electrodynamics. In the extroverted, stimulus-oriented mode, the brain writes persistent information states into the ZPF during theta cycles to produce streams of consciousness. In the introspective mode, linked to default mode network activity, the brain reads and filters ZPF information states during alpha cycles, enabling the sense of self and memory retrieval. Meditative practices and psychedelics detune this filter, preventing self-referential states and dissolving the ego, while allowing access to a wider spectrum of ZPF modes and expanded consciousness.

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01346 Default mode network Consciousness Cognitive science Introspection +2