The realm of mind-altering substances and experiences has expanded beyond the familiar concept of psychedelics. While the term psychedelic traditionally refers to substances that induce transformative trips, it is important to recognize that our daily lives are filled with various mind-altering encounters. From the effects of botanicals, foods, and supplements to the impact of social interactions or even the sensory reactions to different smells, our experiences constantly shape our thoughts and actions. We consume caffeine to energize ourselves, some face the aftermath of excessive alcohol consumption, and encounter numerous other substances and events that influence our mental state. As we continue to refine our understanding of what qualifies as "psychedelic" and consider whether "mind-altering" should be defined by both short-term and long-term changes in neural activity, a new term is emerging: METACEUTICAL.
An inquiry with Chat GPT about metaceutical has yielded a very interesting response: “"Metaceutical" is a term coined by Dr. Deepak Chopra, referring to the potential therapeutic effects and mind-body interactions achieved through experiences like virtual reality. It relates to the idea of the mind overcoming physicality and physiology. However, its usage is not widely recognized or established in scientific or medical communities.” (chat.openai.com)
Dr. Deepak Chopra is known around the world for his profound exploration of spirituality and the capabilities of the human mind. During a rare appearance at the Inc. Founder's House during SXSW week in Austin, Dr. Chopra began to unravel the concept of "metaceutical." He shared intriguing examples, such as trials where burn victims immersed in a cold virtual reality environment experienced a cooling relief on their burns. These instances demonstrate the extraordinary ability of the human mind to transcend its physicality and influence physiological responses—a concept at the core of mind over matter.
Virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) has significant impact in neurorehabilitation and cognitive enhancement [1]. The FDA even approved a VR therapy for chronic pain relief [also see Reference 2]. These findings suggest that sensory experiences and perceptions can be altered within these immersive environments, potentially even influencing short-term plasticity of neuronal communication [3]. However, the question remains: Are these changes long-lasting? In the case of psilocybin, the effects of a single dose can persist for months, highlighting the potential for metadelic-like experiences to induce both acute and enduring physical transformations, along with lasting changes in neuronal synaptic plasticity. Comparing the therapeutic effects of metaceuticals to the well-known benefits of psilocybin therapy could provide valuable insights into their potential.
Understanding how VR and AR can exert lasting therapeutic effects holds immense promise, not only for the betterment of humanity but also for surpassing the technological achievements of visionaries like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Augmented reality, in addition to virtual reality, may also possess metaceutical or even metadelic influences on our perceptions and behaviors [3, 4]. Exploring and harnessing these possibilities could revolutionize fields such as medicine, psychology, and personal development.
While the term metaceutical is still in its nascent stages, the concept of mind-altering experiences that extend beyond traditional psychedelics opens up a realm of possibilities. As we delve deeper into the potential of metaceutical, we have the opportunity to uncover profound insights into the human mind and its capacity for transformation. By embracing this frontier, we can unlock new avenues for growth, healing, and understanding, ultimately enhancing the human experience and pushing the boundaries of what we once thought was possible.
REFERENCES:
Danko D. Georgiev et al. Brain Sci. (2021) PMID: 33670277
Qifan Guo et al. J Med Internet Res. (2023) Virtual Reality Intervention for Patients With Neck Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Chien-Yu Huang et al. BMC Neurol. (2022) Effects of virtual reality-based motor control training on inflammation, oxidative stress, neuroplasticity and upper limb motor function in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
Mangalam M. et al. J Neurophysiol. (2023) Investigating and acquiring motor expertise using virtual reality.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not constitute financial, medical, or professional advice. Open AI aided in composing this content.
Copyright Bluebonnet Wellness 2023 © by Adendox, LLC.