Psychedelics are gaining renewed scientific interest as breakthrough therapies for mental disorders, with ayahuasca and its active component DMT showing particular promise. DMT acts primarily as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor partial agonist, while 5-MeO-DMT has higher affinity for 5-HT1A receptors; both foster neuroplasticity and reorganize brain networks involved in perception, cognition, and mood. Current evidence offers an optimistic outlook for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, with four phase II studies of 5-MeO-DMT and one of DMT for TRD, plus two phase II studies of DMT fumarate for MDD. Evidence for other mental disorders remains preliminary.
A 12-week Qigong program for Italian university students was feasible and associated with improvements in mental health and well-being. Of 332 enrolled undergraduates, 114 completed the intervention, which combined static and dynamic Neidan Qigong exercises. Self-report measures showed consistent improvements across mindfulness, interoceptive ability, perceived stress, depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, alexithymia, and sleep quality. The findings are preliminary and uncontrolled, so further research with rigorous designs is needed to confirm stability over time and clarify the role of spontaneous movement.