Star Alchemy and Neuro-Genesis vs Psychedelics (Entheogens) vs Magnetic Catalyzation of Neural Stem Cell Development

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New Psilocybin Neurogenesis Study Begins at the University of South Florida

from: June 2008 Bulletin Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (http://www.maps.org/)

Researchers Juan Sanchez-Ramos PhD, MD and Briony Catlow MS at the University of South Florida in Tampa have just started an exciting new study to see if psilocybin can help promote the birth and development of new brain cells (neurogenesis) in an area of the adult brain called the hippocampus, which is associated with learning and memory.

The official title of the new study is “Effects of Psilocybin and other Selective Serotonin Agonists on Hippocampal-Dependent Learning and Neurogenesis.” It is based on the findings of several researchers who have shown that hippocampal-mediated learning and memory is related to the generation of new neurons in the adult brain. In experiments with laboratory animals, inhibition of neurogenesis with a toxic drug resulted in deficits in specific forms of memory. This provides evidence for the notion that promoting neurogenesis might improve some aspects of memory and cognition. The proposition that psilocybin impacts cognition, and stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis, is based on the evidence that psilocybin mimics the neurotransmitter serotonin, which–when acting on specific serotonin receptor subtypes (most likely the Serotonin 2A receptor)–is involved in the regulation of neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

also: from Yale University School of Medicine (and others)
Regulation of Adult Neurogenesis by Psychotropic Drugs and Stress

http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/299/2/401#SEC4

“Throughout the modern neurobiological era, it has been widely accepted that no new neurons are added to the adult brain. However, recent studies clearly demonstrate that neurogenesis can occur in the brain after development and even into old age. Adult neurogenesis has been documented in many different types of animals, including birds, rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans.

Proliferation and maturation of neurons has been demonstrated to occur at a significant rate in discrete regions of adult brain, including the hippocampus and subventricular zone. Moreover, adult neurogenesis is an extremely dynamic process that is regulated in both a positive and negative manner by neuronal activity and environmental factors. It has been suggested to play a role in several important neuronal functions, including learning, memory, and response to novelty. In addition, exposure to psychotropic drugs or stress regulates the rate of neurogenesis in adult brain, suggesting a possible role for neurogenesis in the pathophysiology and treatment of neurobiological illnesses such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and drug abuse. As the mechanisms that control adult neurogenesis continue to be identified, the exciting prospect of developing pharmacological agents that specifically regulate the proliferation and maturation of neurons in the adult brain could be fulfilled.”

Other Ongoing Projects also listed in the MAPS bulletin:

1. First (current) LSD-Assisted Psychotherapy Study Begins

8. Breakthrough PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder )Treatment Study with MDMA Nears Completion

10. Israeli MDMA/PTSD Study Moves Forward

11. New Study Design Finalized During Canadian MDMA/PTSD Protocol Meeting

also (other studies):

> LSD-assisted Psychotherapy Research in Switzerland
> LSD & Psilocybin Research for Cluster Headache Treatment
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vs.

5. Star Alchemy, or Sealing of the Five Senses.
from: http://www.healingdao.com/tao_alchemy_formulas.html

This unifies the five shen, the five streams of personal consciousness that operate through our senses, with the five forces of the collective Stellar Self. The body of our stellar mind can be viewed in the four quadrants of fixed stars in the night sky, originally symbolized by heraldic animals (Black Turtle, Red Phoenix, Green Dragon, White Tiger).

The fifth, the quintessence, is the Purple Pole Star in the center of the sky, with the Great Bear of the Big Dipper marking the progression of the seasons as its handles rotates like the arm of a cosmic clock. These personal and stellar essences are fused in the upper dantian, the cauldron in the head. This is the process of our Inner Sage attaining the stellar logos, celestial level of immortality.

The pure open space connecting the three cauldrons is integrated. This stabilizes the celestial axis and activates what Lao Tzu calls the “Great Tone”. Profound peace and different spiritual qualities continuously manifest from this activated core and radiate sonically into our physical becoming. Our soul pattern expands its conscious destiny to include dimensions of life beyond the physical plane.

B. Congress of Heaven and Earth (HE)
from: http://www.universal-tao.com/tao/course_it_i.html#SF

This formula is difficult to describe in words. It involves the incarnation of a male and a female entity within the body of the adept. These two entities have sexual intercourse within the body. It involves the mixing of the Yin and Yang powers on and about the crown of the head, being totally open to receive energy from above,

and the regrowth of the pineal gland to its fullest use. When the pineal gland has developed to its fullest potential, it will serve as a compass to tell us in which direction our aspirations can be found. Taoist Esotericism is a method of mastering the spirit, as described in Taoist Yoga. Without the body, the Tao cannot be attained, but with the body, truth can never be realized. The practitioner of Taoism should preserve his physical body with the same care as he would a precious diamond, because it can be used as a medium to achieve immortality. If, however, you do not abandon it when you reach your destination, you will not realize the truth.

This formula consists of:

1. Mingling (uniting) the body, soul, spirit, and the universe (cosmic orbit);
2. Fully developing the positive to eradicate the negative completely;
3. Returning the spirit to nothingness.

Related Resources:
Congress of Heaven & Earth (Winter retreat)

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vs:

Magnets ‘help regrow brain cells’ (2007)
from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6683757.stm

“Magnets may offer a way to boost mental performance, US research suggests.

Scientists in New York promoted the growth of new neurons in the brains of mice using a magnetic stimulus in the region associated with memory.”

(FYI: shifting gears here to Ribosome777)