Magic Mushrooms have long been used in ancient tribal ceremonies as means of healing, both mentally and physically.
A recent neuro-sceintific study of Psilocybin (a psychoactive ingredient found in “Magic Mushrooms”) named “Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin”, which was published in theProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers a glimpse into the relationship between our brain and reality and humbly introduces psychedelics back into mainstream cultural dialect.
Aldous Huxley the notorious writer of “Doors of Perception”, postulated that our brain is in fact a meditation device (or “reducing valve”), which normally allows us to be aware mainly of that which is necessary for our survival, and effectively blocks all other incoming information.
As 1790 poet William Blake wrote :
”if the doors of perception were cleansed, every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things through narrow chinks of his cavern.”
The study at hand although not 100% conclusive, points to this fact exactly-
“These results strongly imply that the subjective effects of psychedelic drugs are caused by decreased activity and connectivity in the brain’s key connector hubs, enabling a state of unconstrained cognition.”
This finding challenges the prior conception that hallucinogens increase brain function and allow a type of “hyper-consciousness”. Rather, they reduce brain “blockage” and introduce the “actual” (so to speak) structure of existence.
Considering this hypothesis is true, we may freely begin to extrapolate on how this “mediating” function evolved. In other words, on what basis was it chosen that a certain aspect of reality is indeed consistent with surviavalism, while other aspects are not. Furthermore, does this mean that every fragment of reality we are able to perceive is crucial to us as human beings?
References :
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2012/01/17/1119598109.full.pdf
"The doors of perception" - Aldous Leonard Huxley
Maybe not crucial, but lessons are surely to be learned by every fragment of reality we are able to perceive. To do so though, we must remain open; in a non-judgemental state. In a modern society that basis itself on the judgemental mindset and social status; this can be a difficult task to accomplish. Many of our predefined neurological processes, so to say our 'filtering mechanisms', fall under the barrier of the subconscious; so much so that consciously, we may think we don't view the world in any pre-defined manner.
Mushrooms bring you to this state of openness and mental clarity, humbling you to the world and indeed your own patterns of thought; and allow much more through your scope of perspective.. information you would otherwise not had access to. They are certainly a tool for healing on many levels.