Although no one has ever succeeded in identifying the source or function of DMT in the human body, a number of interesting theories have emerged over the years. In most cases, it is believed that the pineal gland is the so-called DMT factory in our body. Psychonauts and pseudoscientists also view this gland as the body’s third eye.
It was Dr. Rick Strassman who, through books and documentaries, popularized the idea that the brain releases large amounts of DMT when we dream, but also when we die. That so-called “white light” you see when you’re about to die? Perhaps that comes from the DMT in your body.
The white light
During one of the largest conferences on psychedelic science held two years ago, scientists attempted to unravel the mystery behind endogenous DMT. Dr. Ede Frecska spoke about the fact that DMT binds to the so-called sigma-1 receptor in the body. This receptor plays a key role in protecting cells from death when oxygen levels in the body are low. This might explain why DMT is released in large quantities during death: it could be a last-ditch effort to keep cells alive.
At the same time, you could link this fact to the fact that many people report mystical experiences when they are on the border between life and death. Such a near-death experience might be accompanied by a large amount of DMT in the brain, which in turn is associated with psychedelic visions.
The pineal gland
But what about the pineal gland? One of the functions of the pineal gland is the production of melatonin. The pineal gland and melatonin help regulate sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythms). Melatonin production by the pineal gland is stimulated by the absence of light and inhibited by light. But why do some scientists think that DMT is produced by this same gland? The answer: rats. Recent research has shown that DMT is present in the same gland in rats. This could support the idea that endogenous DMT is also produced in our pineal gland, but no scientific evidence has ever been found to support this.
It seems that—even after all the research—we have more questions than answers when it comes to DMT in the human body. But that DMT is a mysterious and very special substance is clear. Recent studies, for example, suggest that DMT might be the secret behind the treatment of depression and anxiety. For instance, a single DMT session—in this case involving the smoking of a toad’s DMT-containing secretion—was reported to cause various short- and long-term improvements. Participants The participants reported positive results in terms of life satisfaction, depression, anxiety, and stress.
Interested in DMT and want to learn more about it? Then check out the documentary below: DMT: The Spirit Molecule (2010).
