Mushrooms for therapy? The 2 diagrams produced as part of a collaboration between the UK think tank the Beckley Foundation and Imperial College London, depicts increased interconnectivity of the brain under a high dose of psilocybin compared with a placebo, measured via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Under psilocybin, a brain network called the default mode network (DMN), which is a fundamental component of the neural basis of the ego, is relaxed and deactivated – which enables an increase in brain communication, and temporarily creates a more unified and interconnected brain.
As defined by The Psychedelic Society, psychedelics are substances that ‘induce a heightened state of consciousness by a hyperconnected brain state.’ Although there are many misleading stigmas surrounding the safety of psychedelics, research shows that they are not addictive substances and non-toxic.
Through their unique chemical properties, psychedelics allow the brain to experience a period of ‘mental flexibility’ in which new thoughts are created, which can inspire lifelong positive mental change. Psychedelics can treat various disorders, including depression, anxiety, addiction, OCD, and PTSD.
The Bekley Foundation, led by Amanda Feilding, have been pioneering research into psychoactive compounds and consciousness for over 20 years. Psychedelic integrationist Haya Al-Hejailan has been spearheading the use of psychedelics in Saudi Arabia as she sees the potential of psychedelics in medical treatment. This field of research is expanding all over the world, and much more resources need to be directed towards it, to make sure it is brought to the public with care
Check them out:
⌭ @beckleyresearch
⌭ @pragmatic.psychologist
⌭ @arabpsychedelicsociety
⌭ @psychedelicsuk
⌭ www.beckleyfoundation.org
⌭ 📸 © Beckley Foundation/Imperial College / Kichigin19 / Rob Waters / Shutterstock
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