Access The altered state of consciousness and psychoactive plants

Access to the altered state of consciousness and psychoactive plants by Jose Luis Giménez In this paper we will try to explain and describe the operation of access to the altered state of consciousness, either through ritual or psychoactive plants, techniques used by the shamans of the Nahua peoples neo-shamans and urban, to the subtle world travel, astral or spirits, as they like to call the ancient shamans of the Nahua peoples. From the beginning of time, shamans used different techniques to access the altered state of consciousness that would allow them to travel the world of spirits. Among the best known techniques or rituals that have survived to this day we will highlight those who use psychoactive plants intake and other rituals whose base lies in the drumming and dances that go to produce the altered state that requires the shaman to travel astrally. Subsequently, other techniques or see more personal rituals according to the present time and what is known as neo-shamanism. Psychoactive plants: Already in the seventeenth century with the arrival of the Jesuits to America, it was discovered that the natives of the Amazon had been using a concoction made with a mixture of plants that gave them an amazing ability to experience feelings that the Jesuits cataloged of evil.

These feelings or extrasensory experiences are what we know today as "hallucinogenic trips" caused by psychoactive plants. To achieve this altered state of consciousness, the Indians of the Amazon, used two plants that used to be: Caapi, high in beta-carbolines and the famous Chakruna (Psychotria viridis) with high content of dimethyltryptamine (DMT). To this mixture is known in the area of ​​the Amazon with the name "Ayahuasca", while in other nearby areas is also used with some slight difference in composition, as well as in name, and in Peru and Ecuador known as "Caapi?, in Colombia" Yajé ", etc.. The Ayahuasca, the active ingredient is produced by entheogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT), whose effects are enhanced and activated by oral beta-carbolines, reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). But dimethyltryptamine (DMT) not only found in psychoactive plants since it is naturally in the human brain, as well as certain mammals, acting in it as a neurotransmitter. The dimethyltryptamine ( DMT), is further action psychedelic known and which in turn produces a greater visual impact. That is why scientists have studied this element thoroughly, finding a greater quantity and quality of DMT in other psychoactive plants are are currently using urban neo-shamans.

The effects of Ayahuasca in whom the outlet, can be described as the feeling of being immersed in a virtual world, where different type audio visual experiences, displayed interactively with the individual, reaching even further with the collective unconscious. THE NEO-URBAN SHAMANS As noted above, the current shaman, that is, the neo-shaman urban, has learned to use the ingredients of psychoactive plants to better advantage. Thus for the preparation of the Ayahuasca has been using other plants with larger and better absorption and DMT performance. As a piece of information Caapi say that the plant has been replaced by the seed of "Peganum harmala," which contains ten times the concentration of beta-carbolines plant and other plant "Chakruna" has been replaced by Jurema (Mimosa hostilis) , which comes to have a 0.57% DMT in root bark, which makes the plant the more concentration of DMT so far known. The practice and consumption of these potions is reserved to the expert neo-shaman and therefore we will not have to do here referring to the different forms that exist in their preparation, and on the other hand, the indiscriminate and careless use of a neophyte could lead to disturbances and alterations without the physical supervision of an expert, they can be very dangerous.

Therefore, we repeat that exposes only a guide for the individual student of shamanism. But say earlier, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), not only in drugs or entheogenic plants, also found in the human brain in a completely natural and that is where we will focus now. The ancient shamans besides the psychoactive plants also performed certain rituals that enabled them to enter the altered state of consciousness. One of these rituals was dancing and sound of drums or maracas during a given time and in a cadence that reach up to 180 strokes per minute. In this state, the brain activates natural production of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and therefore, though with less intensity, the shaman also access the desired altered state of consciousness that allows you to immerse yourself in the subtle world, virtual, interactive and audio visual.

Today there are other ways to enter altered states of consciousness. In this case, I refer to the relaxation and quieting exercises, of which I discuss below as an example: EXERCISE OF MEDITATION AND RELAXATION BREATHING THROUGH order to enter a state of total relaxation, ie, entering a state of complete physical and mental rest, necessary for access to meditation, it is essential to proper breathing. Breathing has to be natural and must be done without effort, and that any condition in the process of respiration, prevent proper relaxation. There are several types of breathing, each tailored to a particular circumstance, but for the case that concerns us (as to reach a relaxation), we will only focus on the natural method simpler and more practical. Although we think that the fact of breathing is done unconsciously and automatically, the only really vital process that we can manipulate or modify at will. By being able to alter the rhythm of breathing, we are also altering the composition of the blood, as when wearing this, greater or lesser amount of oxygen to the brain, we will be promoting different physical and psychological reactions.

Thus, as we shall see in the last chapter, you can get access to altered states of consciousness, but it is necessary to ingest a psychoactive drug or plant, in a totally natural and controlled.

But as already said, now we are interested in a simple, easy and natural to allow a safe access to a state of total relaxation. For this we will use the breathing method known as "abdominal breathing" in which we will include some minor variations. In abdominal breathing, see how to inspire, while the diaphragm descends, the abdomen will swell, leaving the base of the lungs filled with air, while gentle massage on the abdomen, caused by the movement of the diaphragm, favors the functioning of their organs. As in the breathing methods used by yogis and Hindu, the most important part of breathing lies in exhaling, the time spent in the evacuation of air from the lungs, as to fill the lungs fully, first must be emptied completely and the more air into the lungs, more oxygen gets into your bloodstream and therefore to the brain. As an example case study will discuss abdominal breathing with some approximate times in each sequence. 1 - Breathe (try to inspire slowly and deeply to completely fill the lungs and abdomen, this sequence can be performed in a time of 4 to 6 seconds, according to the size or capacity of each cage).

2 - Keep the air in the lungs (It is recommended to retain the air naturally, if possible 4 seconds, without entailing an effort) 3 º - Exhale (This is the most important part of the cycle, should try to release the air very slowly, as slow as possible without imposing strain. A minimum of 8 seconds or until you have completely emptied the lungs and abdomen). 4 - Time out, before returning to inspire. (It is recommended 4 seconds). With this simple method will get access to a relaxation, if the pace is not made so uncomfortable for us, so it is advisable in the first few times until you get the ideal pace, making breathing at a pace that our body can done without any effort or discomfort. In this first exercise, practice breathing then we will, together with other techniques, to get into the subtle world of the shaman. As seen, the breathing is essential to achieve an altered state of consciousness and in this case to enter a state of total relaxation. Through relaxation, we agree to perform the exercise of meditation.

MEDITATION. What is meditation? There are different definitions to explain what is meditation, but here we try to explain it so that it is easy to understand. In the area in question, (shamanism) think would be tantamount to "quiet down" and in this case an accurate description would be that when we meditate or "quieting", what we do is that our emotions and mind silent, ie , be still, in order to "hear" the voice of our inner being, the voice of the Soul. So we say that through meditation or after "quieting", we can access that state of consciousness that can be contacted through the soul with the universal source of wisdom, with the vital energy with the universal force with God. Once we have gained access to that state, where our soul is the vehicle, we will be noticing how our life acquires a different meaning with more consciousness, where the contact is the key to many if not all the answers that life presents us . To make a meditation exercise, as the current spiritual, religious, iodic or any other trend, it is necessary to practice a series of physical postures or asanas to ensure the results of different modalities.

In this case, I support technician do it loosely, ie, must reach the state of meditation as relaxed as possible, regardless of which particular technique is more or less acceptance for others as we ourselves who we'll have to experiment according to our abilities. Therefore, I suggest that we simply have the most convenient way that allows us to feel our mind "blank", ie, not thoughts, not feelings. As mentioned earlier, one way to reach this altered state of consciousness is through breathing exercise already mentioned, so it advisable to perform as often as necessary, until you have reached a state of total physical and mental stillness. Enter the dilemma of whether to stay seated on the floor, back straight, in the lotus position, or whether to remain lying on the ground or on a bed, to name just a few examples, is a question left the choice of everyone, because as I said, it is important to achieve a state of total physical and mental stillness, no matter which method is followed. Instead, as we shall see, in the next, if there are certain physical positions that will be required to take physical and mental sensations through altered state of consciousness.

Notwithstanding the above, if someone believes meditation required by a traditional method, then pass on to detail one of the most accepted. First, take the following position: Sitting on the floor with your back straight, legs crossed (Indian style), whenever possible, with knees touching the ground. The abdomen should stay relaxed and slightly excelled. Hands folded in her lap, thumbs in contact, or if you prefer resting on one leg each. The shoulders gently pulled back and the chest open, elbows detached from the body. The chin (the chin) and head straight put and balanced, without falling forward or backward. Eyes half open, staring at the floor resting, oblivious. Between open lips, the tongue to the palate, so relaxed.

All these positions should be conducted in a relaxed way, without any tension. Once we become aware of the position generally, we will relax one by one, the key points: mouth, jaw, hands, shoulders, neck and abdomen. From here, we will implement the breathing system already mentioned in the previous talk. (Abdominal Breathing) In addition to the goals we have marked, meditation also get many benefits both physical and psychological type. As an example we can say that thanks to the realization of how assiduous meditation profit from strengthening the immune system, harmonizing and synchronizing all the organic functions, and regulating the balance of the internal environment, body-mind relaxation neuronal , stabilization of blood pressure, greater agility, flexibility and physical vitality, which results in increased longevity. On a psychic level results in increased mental balance, clarity of thought and increased memory and intelligence, higher level of self confidence and above all a pleasant feeling of inner peace. To that end through the breath, incense, incense and music appropriate to the time you get to access the altered state of consciousness which, along with the production which naturally makes the brain of the DMT, we will immerse ourselves in the nahual world and benefit from the knowledge they have access.

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