Austin Gossett
Comm. IV
April 9, 2010
DMT: The Door to Understanding
In Latin and South American countries, many spiritual rituals are begun by insufflating or drinking teas containing what has been appropriately named the “spirit molecule.” This molecule allows not only ritualistic shamans but anyone who ingests the chemical dimethyltryptamine (DMT) to visualize, experience bodily sensations and auditory hallucinations beyond comprehension. Many have claimed to have sat before God, and to see fractals of energy and light all while possessing a complete understanding of themselves and the universe. Although it is the most hallucinogenic substance known to man and a Schedule I narcotic, DMT is found naturally in almost everything including wild grasses, trees, reptiles and most abundantly in the human brain. I will explain the importance of DMT as well as analyze the effects, neurological findings and potential uses.
In order to understand the importance of dimethyltrypatamine, one needs to understand the processes through which your brain goes through when having a spiritual and mystical experience, as well as the natural chemicals active and brain activity during the experience. A tryptamine is a monoamine alkaloid found in plants, fungi, and animals. It also refers to the group of compounds that include neurotransmitters and psychedelic drugs. Some of the most widely known are serotonin and melatonin. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland that is found in the center of the brain, often referred to by many religions as the third-eye. The melatonin signal forms part of the system that regulates the sleep-wake cycle by chemically causing drowsiness and lowering body temperature. (Lewis, Alan) Serotonin is often the target of many anxiety and depression medications, as well as social phobia disorders. Chemically, serotonin differs from dimethlytryptamine by only two carbon molecules. "At Johns Hopkins University, research suggests that chemicals that...