Re: DMT breathing.

Last night I started with 5 deep breaths and went straight into a breath-hold (on the in-breath), squeezed, and had visions of the "gears" I see during DMT trips. Accompanied by immediate euphoria and a loss of any tension/discomfort regarding the fact that I wasn't breathing. Warm and beautiful feelings, true to my past substance induced psychedelic experiences.

Usually I try DMT breaths at the end of a few WHM rounds, or at least 15 breaths. Those experiences tend to end with me blacking out, having weird face twitches and eye movements, going into some sort of Dream that I can never quite remember. Then I experience a sort of skipping-record sensation and get pulled back into my body. The feelings that follow are very intense and powerful but I struggle to remember what exactly was happening in my trip, as opposed to last night's 5-breath experiment.

Is there such thing as overdoing it when trying to access DMT? I feel like maybe I was pushing too hard by taking any more than 5 breaths as that seemed to be my clearest trip, and most true to a smoked-DMT experience. Curious to hear your thoughts.

I have been practicing OBE for around 2 years now, having read several books on the topic and frequenting a forum dedicated to the art.

For me, I have been able to achieve the state faster (less than 10 mins) in the post breathwork rounds meditation than any other method.

More than anything I just want to have deeper and more profound effects from the DMT technique. I see the OBE as a bench mark of ultimate success with the technique, as that is what you get with artificial DMT doses.

Pineal Gland Stimulation - DMT Production

Used to help see the stroboscopic lights and experience profound effects.
I
CAUTION: You may pass out when using this technique, lay down on a soft surface.

1. Perform the standard breathing and retention exercises
2. Take a full breath after retention and hold it
3. Force oxygenated blood into the brain.
a). See the brown fat technique
b). For this exercise it is more focused on the brain than the brown fat areas
4. Relax and allow blood to return to the body
5. Exhale and repeat steps 3 and 4 as suitable
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 for as many rounds as desired
a). Getting the full profound effects may take up to an hour

Fight/flight response is triggered by low O2 levels

Rick Strassman, an author and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, has theorised that the human pineal gland is capable of producing the hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) under certain circumstances.[58] In 2013 he and other researchers first reported DMT in the pineal gland microdialysate of rodents -Wikipedia

Abstract
Spiritual practices have been proposed to have many beneficial effects as far as mental health is concerned. The exact neural basis of these effects is slowly coming to light and different imaging techniques have elucidated the neural basis of meditative practices. The evidence though preliminary and based on studies replete with methodological constraints, points toward the involvement of the prefrontal and parietal cortices. The available data on meditation focus on activated frontal attentional network. Neuroimaging studies have shown that meditation results in an activation of the prefrontal cortex, activation of the thalamus and the inhibitory thalamic reticular nucleus and a resultant functional deafferentation of the parietal lobe.[/b] The neurochemical change as a result of meditative practices involves all the major neurotransmitter systems. The neurotransmitter changes contribute to the amelioration of anxiety and depressive symptomatology and in part explain the psychotogenic property of meditation. This overview highlights the involvement of multiple neural structures, the neurophysiological and neurochemical alterations observed in meditative practices.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih...pmc/articles/PMC3190564/

Where is DMT found?

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is abundant in the plant kingdom, countless plant species’ specimens have DMT in significant amount and ethnobotanists suppose that DMT is a very ancient compound in nature. A metabolite of DMT, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the most common, naturally-occurring, plant hormone of the auxin class. Animals can synthetise DMT under special circumstances (and pee out as IAA). Indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT) the synthesizing enzyme of DMT can be found with the highest levels in the lungs, thyroid, and adrenal gland. Intermediate levels are found in placenta, skeletal muscle, heart, small intestine, stomach, pancreas, and lymph nodes. Contrary to the commonly held view, it is not the pineal gland which can synthetise DMT in large amount. Nevertheless, the presence of DMT in the pineal gland was proved in 2013.

Perhaps there is a connection to the Holotropic Breathwork system of Stanislav Grof?

I think it's weird that this hasn't been more talked about, breathing exersices are seriously deep practices and anyone with any interest in psychedelics is likely to enjoy the exersices. I'm actually doing the 10 week course now of Wim's, great stuff. I've tried dmt breathing once a few weeks ago and it was an interesting experience though nothing like a breakthrough. I will try it out again tonight and I'll post what I experience. So far I can say that I get very very mild visual disturbances, the headspace is reminiscent of dmt in small doses. Thanks for starting this topic Bancopuma!

I think the reason why these breathing techniques are not discussed more may be because unless you have seen the results of these practices it's hard to take them seriously...

I read about holotropic breathwork, but it was not until I saw a wim hof and some of his students that I began to realize that "maybe there is something to all this"

-eg

DMT Making 101

Let’s keep this short and as sweet as possible.

Dimethyltryptamine also known as “DMT” has received much interest in recent times due to the documentary “DMT: The Spirit Molecule” as well as Dr. Rick Strassman’s book. In Strassman’s clinical trial, he would inject DMT into volunteers who would then have experiences they would later describe as “realer than real”.

The Shamanic brew known as “Ayahuasca” has also received much attention recently as dozens of YouTube documentaries and videos describe the process of drinking the potion and it’s subsequent psychedelic effects. Some media outlets have even reported healing properties both mental and physical of this beverage. The catalyst for the spiritual journey when drinking Ayahusca is DMT.

It should also be noted that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists DMT as a schedule 1 drug alongside Heroin, Ecstasy, and LSD. In its “street form”, DMT is predominantly smoked or vaporized which leads to intense experiences lasting 20 to 30 minutes. The short duration of this altered state has led to the slang term of the “businessman’s trip” or the “businessman’s lunch”.

In 2013 in the scientific journal Biomedical Chromatography, Dr. Strassman published a paper outlining unequivocal evidence that DMT was found to naturally occur in the pineal gland of live rats. This supports his hypothesis that humans produce DMT naturally as well and likely in greater amounts during spiritual practices such as chanting, prayer, meditation, and even during the birth and death processes. This means that while the U.S. government might deem externally administered DMT as illegal, there is absolutely nothing illegal about consciously inducing the production of a naturally produced hormone found in potentially all animals.

When analyzing the differences between our active, waking conscious states compared to deep meditative states that can potentially lead to natural DMT induced experiences, there are 2 key biological factors that appear to be in play.

Higher than normal Melatonin levels.

Lower than normal Carbon Dioxide levels.

The generic consensus on how Melatonin is produced in the body is as follows: “In vertebrates, melatonin is produced in darkness, thus usually at night, by the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland located in the center of the brain but outside the blood–brain barrier.”

However, there also appears to be an association of increased Melatonin production during altered brain waves measured by EEG equipment from breathing exercises, meditation, quietness, and potentially hypnosis. Perhaps coupling these types of exercises in addition to complete darkness enhances one’s own Melatonin production ability.

As it pertains to Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels in the body, exercise tends to increase the levels as the muscles utilize oxygen and produce CO2 as a byproduct. The metabolism of food produces H2O (water) and CO2 as a byproduct. Respiration rate has a direct effect on CO2 levels with shallow, infrequent breaths leading to an increase in CO2 levels known as hypercapnia. It’s rather interesting that the spiritual exercises of prolonged stillness (muscle atonia), fasting of varying degrees, and rhythmic breathing all directly suppress CO2 levels.

(It’s interesting to note that while fasting can suppress CO2 levels, a 1992 study in the Journal of Pineal Research outlined that fasting also significantly increased Melatonin levels throughout the body particularly the stomach and brain.)

A 2003 study published in the journal Advanced Studies in Medicine, states the following as it pertains to rhythmic and/or deep breathing patterns - “In respiratory alkalosis, as blood carbon dioxide (CO2) decreases, intracellular CO2, which is readily diffusible across the cell membrane, moves into the plasma. The loss of CO2 from the cell causes the intracellular pH to rise.“

Being that the only difference between Melatonin (C13H16N2O2) and “The Spirit Molecule” DMT (C12H16N2) is one atom of Carbon and two atoms of Oxygen, it appears as though providing an environment both externally and internally that leads to increases in Melatonin production while simultaneously decreasing CO2 levels is the key to producing DMT internally. This is why we have devised what we believe to be the quickest, most straightforward method for inducing a natural DMT experience.

1. Provide the optimal environment to increase Melatonin production which would equate to complete darkness and complete quietness if possible. Unplugging electronics in the room including Wifi can additionally help as there are multiple studies outlining the effects of electromagnetic fields negatively affecting melatonin production and pineal gland performance.

2. Decrease CO2 levels in the body via stillness, fasting, and maintaining a consistent breathing pattern.

3. Utilize humming or chanting to physically vibrate the pineal gland, pituitary gland, and thalamus to increase stimulation and potentially secretion rates.

4. We have created the audio track titled “DMT Making 101” lasting slightly longer than 1 hour in order to provide an easy to follow guided format to induce deep relaxation and prime the body to make endogenous DMT. Here is a direct download link. There are two guided sections followed by a short chanting/humming session following them. Just relax the body but stay awake and don’t forget to breath and chant/hum with the out breath during the appropriate time.

Notes:

Optimal time to partake in this would be 3am if you were sleeping by 10pm. Set a gentle alarm and immediately begin the audio session. Let the body fall into deep relaxation while keeping the mind relaxed but awake.

Common symptoms are as follows: pressure in the middle of the head and behind the sinuses, flashes of light with eyes closed, the feeling of the body vibrating as if laying on top of train tracks, twitching of the limbs, and a feeling of heaviness of the body.

Timing of food consumption is key as Carbon Dioxide levels will remain elevated if you attempt to conduct this exercise directly after indulging in a substantial meal. Fasting is optimal but if it’s not possible, light meals prior to the session that do not cause digestive stress such as bloating/gas would work as well.

Look at the mechanics (breath rate/melatonin secretion) and timing (2am-4am) of REM sleep as it pertains to dreaming. The only difference between this active induction of DMT production and sleep/dreaming is the conscious/unsconscious state of experience.

Sensory deprivation float tanks can be excellent for inducing natural DMT experiences. The complete darkness, quietness, and weightlessness of the experience allows for a primed environment.

Dark-room retreats in which the subject spends prolonged periods of time (general minimum of 72 hours) in 100% darkness have produced very positive results as it pertains to natural DMT experiences.

A supplement list of the following can potentially provide an initial boost to producing DMT internally: L-Tryptophan & Melatonin.

A 1986 paper in the journal Hormone and Metabolic Research documented a study of THC’s (Marijuana) effect on Melatonin secretion in Men. The study found that 120 minutes after ingesting THC in the form of a 1 gram Marijuana cigarette, Melatonin levels were measured at an average of 4,333% higher than the original baseline and 3,000% higher than placebo. Utilize the information as you will as it pertains to synthesizing endogenous DMT.

For a more extensive look at the potential effects of DMT synthesis within the body and how they correlate with externalized and internalized experiences read "Measuring DMT Formation in Humans”, 6-part Series on DMT & Gamma Waves as well as the “Wild Theories” series.

I'm also intrigued by mr hof's techniques. But i wonder, could it be that what he's actually doing is simply boosting the human metabolism? And if that's so, could that mean that the price you would have to pay for greater tolerance to extreme temperatures and a stronger immune system, is that you age faster?

Healthy volunteers practicing the learned techniques exhibited profound increases in the release of epinephrine, which in turn led to increased production of anti-inflammatory mediators and subsequent dampening of the proinflammatory cytokine response elicited by intravenous administration of bacterial endotoxin.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih...pmc/articles/PMC4034215/

Significance

Hitherto, both the autonomic nervous system and innate immune system were regarded as systems that cannot be voluntarily influenced. The present study demonstrates that, through practicing techniques learned in a short-term training program, the sympathetic nervous system and immune system can indeed be voluntarily influenced. Healthy volunteers practicing the learned techniques exhibited profound increases in the release of epinephrine, which in turn led to increased production of anti-inflammatory mediators and subsequent dampening of the proinflammatory cytokine response elicited by intravenous administration of bacterial endotoxin. This study could have important implications for the treatment of a variety of conditions associated with excessive or persistent inflammation, especially autoimmune diseases in which therapies that antagonize proinflammatory cytokines have shown great benefit.
Abstract

Excessive or persistent proinflammatory cytokine production plays a central role in autoimmune diseases. Acute activation of the sympathetic nervous system attenuates the innate immune response. However, both the autonomic nervous system and innate immune system are regarded as systems that cannot be voluntarily influenced. Herein, we evaluated the effects of a training program on the autonomic nervous system and innate immune response. Healthy volunteers were randomized to either the intervention (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). Subjects in the intervention group were trained for 10 d in meditation (third eye meditation), breathing techniques (i.a., cyclic hyperventilation followed by breath retention), and exposure to cold (i.a., immersions in ice cold water). The control group was not trained. Subsequently, all subjects underwent experimental endotoxemia (i.v. administration of 2 ng/kg Escherichia coli endotoxin). In the intervention group, practicing the learned techniques resulted in intermittent respiratory alkalosis and hypoxia resulting in profoundly increased plasma epinephrine levels. In the intervention group, plasma levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased more rapidly after endotoxin administration, correlated strongly with preceding epinephrine levels, and were higher. Levels of proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 were lower in the intervention group and correlated negatively with IL-10 levels. Finally, flu-like symptoms were lower in the intervention group. In conclusion, we demonstrate that voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system results in epinephrine release and subsequent suppression of the innate immune response in humans in vivo. These results could have important implications for the treatment of conditions associated with excessive or persistent inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases.
http://www.pnas.org/content/111/20/7379

The researchers demonstrated that, in the trained volunteers, endotoxin injection results in the voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system — the trained volunteers produced much higher levels of epinephrine than the untrained ones. Epinephrine is a stress hormone that is released during increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and suppresses the immune response. The researchers found that, in the trained volunteers, the release of inflammatory proteins was attenuated, resulting in the decrease of symptoms such as fever and headache. In conclusion, results from the study show that “voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system results in epinephrine release and subsequent suppression of the innate immune response in humans.”
http://theglobalfool.com...une-system-goes-with-it/

An article here that is relevant to this topic, it lays out a hypothetical framework for increasing endogenous DMT levels (the usual caveats apply...take with a pinch of salt, but do feel free to experiment), focussed on lowering CO2 levels while increasing melatonin levels.

http://q4lt.com/dmt-making-101

A 1986 paper in the journal Hormone and Metabolic Research documented a study of THC’s (Marijuana) effect on Melatonin secretion in Men. The study found that 120 minutes after ingesting THC in the form of a 1 gram Marijuana cigarette, Melatonin levels were measured at an average of 4,333% higher than the original baseline and 3,000% higher than placebo.