Widespread throughout the plant kingdom, DMT is a naturally occurring chemical that is structurally related to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) and the hormone melatonin. DMT is functionally analogous to other psychedelic tryptamines, including 5-MeO-DMT, bufotenin, psilocin and psilocybin, which are key components of ‘Magic’ Mushrooms, Ayahuasca, LSD and Mesculine. When ingested, DMT is able to cross the human blood-brain-barrier, allowing it to dramatically affect human consciousness. Depending on the dose and method of administration, its subjective effects can range from short-lived, milder psychedelic states to powerful immersive experiences, such as dreams. These are often described as a detachment from our ‘physical’ reality and an experience of encountering indescribable spiritual and/or extraterrestrial beings and realms.

Although the connection between DMT and the Pineal Gland has been thoroughly studied by many different cultures throughout history, modern science has only recently begun to understand and document this profound relationship. During the 1990’s, Dr. Rick Strassman of the University of New Mexico advanced the controversial hypothesis that a massive release of DMT from the Pineal Gland prior to death was the cause of the near death experience (NDE) phenomenon. During his research in the field of Psychiatry and the effects of psychedelic and hallucinogenic substances on the human mind, Dr. Strassman began to delve into unusual Near Death Experiences. In many cases, he found that patients were reporting vivid audio or visual hallucinations, with several participants reporting contact with ‘other beings’ described as extraterrestrial insectoid or reptilian in nature, in highly advanced technological environments. Basing his reasoning on his belief that all the enzymatic material needed to produce DMT is found in the Pineal Gland, and moreover in substantially greater concentrations than in any other part of the body, Dr. Strassman speculated that DMT is synthesized in the pineal gland and is the catalyst for these visions.

Despite modern science just beginning to delve into the interworkings of the Pineal Gland, practitioners of Hindiusm and Buddhism have been openly teaching about their experiences in this realm for thousands of years. Of great fascination for many who experiment with DMT is it’s seeming ability to transcend our current understanding of spacetime. This ability to traverse beyond the limits of time is frequently described in both Hindu and Buddhist teachings as precognition, remembering past lives or foretelling about future events. Even notable Western ‘seers,’ beyond the thousands of reputable Asian ones, such as the Oracles of Delphi, Edgar Cayce, Nostradums, and Indigineous Shamans, profess the ability to foretell of future events. Edgar Cayce even links this ability directly to the healthy functioning of the Pineal Gland. For a more in depth look into DMT, check out Rick Strassman’s book, DMT: The Spirit Molecule, which was later turned into a very fascinating documentary, as well as the Banned Ted Talk by Graham Hancock, DMT and the War on Concioness, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxvQusr9cwc.