Fractal

According to Dr. Rick Strassman, Dimethyltryptamine is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter similar in structure to serotonin. He theorizes that it is created in trace amounts by the pineal gland during normal metabolism, and may be released in massive amounts during birth, death, hallucinations and dreams.

This psychedelic drug is found in many plants used by South American shamans. It is also used in certain religious practices, presumably for its ability to induce divine insights, visions and feelings of euphoria. Strassman's studies have even linked high doses of DMT with the perception of alien entities from alternate realities.

Between 1990 and 1995, Dr Rick Strassman studied the effects of this extremely short-acting yet intense psychoactive compound using human test subjects. The research generated a wealth of biological and psychological data, much of which was published in scientific journals. So Strassman decided to publish individual accounts from the human volunteers in his book, DMT: The Spirit Molecule.

His DMT experiments shone a whole new light on unexplained phenomena such as alien abductions. Strassman even reproduced mystical and religious experiences with the psychedelic drug. Skeptics can say, then, that this drug is merely a hallucinogen. It makes you see things that aren't there. And it explains thousands of historical accounts of paranormal phenomena in one fell swoop. On the other hand, the experiments provided new and startling information. Volunteers described bizarre visions of alien life forms - even subjects that wanted and fully expected to see angels and fairies saw other-worldly beings. It provokes the question: is DMT like a door to an alternate reality? Does it facilitate lucid dreams, the out-of-body state and glimpses into other dimensions?

Dr Rick Strassman plans to continue his DMT research at the newly-founded Cottonwood Research Foundation in New Mexico. His vice president, Dr Steven Barker at Louisiana State University, is already developing a new ultra-sensitive method of measuring naturally occurring DMT in the body. They hope to be able to compare normal levels with those found in altered states under clinical conditions. Ultimately, Strassman and his team hope to develop a new model of consciousness studies in the West. They hope to explore the varieties of human consciousness and their genetic, biochemical and physiological bases - finding the best way to apply these states to healing, creativity and greater wisdom.