Index

A

Aaland, Mikkel, 53, 61, 72, 75, 85

Acumen, 218–219

acupuncture, 271–272;

for clinical pain relief, 272;

fascia mechanisms of, 272;

and Western medicine, 271–272

addiction, 18, 20, 22, 149, 181, 183

Adonia Festival, 216–217

Alchemy Springs, 62–63, 75, 78–79

alebrijes, 233

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, 239.

See also Día de Muertos

Aloha, concept of, 233–234

Alzheimer’s disease, 25, 223

amygdala, 32;

as the watchtower, 65.

See also fear response

ancestors and ancestral knowledge, 149, 173–177;

cultural memory and remembering, xix–xxii, 285–287;

veneration and remembrance, 97–98, 208–217, 238–240

ancient Greece. See Greece, ancient

Ángeles, Jacobo, 233

Ángeles, María, 233

anger, 224, 248, 281;

repressed grief and, 208

anorexia nervosa, 20

anticipation. See preparation

antidepressants, 22–23, 25;

limitations of SSRIs, 23, 71, 162.

See also depression; psychedelic medicine

anxiety, 11–12, 23

cold plunge and cold-water swimming as treatment for, 63, 67, 69

embodiment and physical release of, 29–30

inflammation and, 25

preparation for reduction of, 164

psychedelic-assisted treatment of, 158

saunas as salve for, 61

social anxiety, 135

visualization for reduction of, 121

archaeology

communal grieving traditions, 214–217

festivals and pilgrimage, 16–17, 100, 115–119

physical challenge origins, 12–13, 16–17

psychoactive substances, 173–177

sauna traditions, xviii, 49–51

sexual alchemy traditions, 255–258

arousal: autonomic regulation, 169;

flow states, 282;

prolonged, 273, 280

Athens (Greece), 100, 119, 216

Attention Restoration Theory, 33.

See also nature and nature exposure

autonomic nervous system, 82, 169, 172.

See also nervous system

autophagy, 8, 19, 24

awe, 81, 95–99, 100–101, 104–105, 110–111, 112–115, 135, 139–140, 286–287.

See also collective effervescence; self-transcendent emotions

Ayahuasca:

ceremonies and ceremonial music, 145–146, 149, 152–155, 160, 162, 166, 170, 174, 180–181, 192, 195, 284–285;

retreats and globalization, 147–148, 186, 193

Ayurveda, 50, 258, 271

Aztecs, 99, 104–105;

New Fire Ceremony, 104–105

B

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), 19, 21, 24, 79, 179.

See also neuroplasticity

Behncke Izquierdo, Isabel, 17–22

Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), 127

Bergquist, Sharon Horesh, 7–8, 43, 93

biodiverse environments, 33.

See also nature and nature exposure

biohacking, xvii, 52, 60, 64, 84, 183, 254–255

biological bonding

biochemistry of, 267

Dunbar social bonding framework, 104, 209

grief as broken bond, 210

in human connection, 171

sexual and relational bonding, 264–265, 273, 281

See also endorphins

blue lotus, 175

body-mind connection, xxv, 10, 44, 285–286.

See also Cartesian Dualism; mind-body split

Book of Rites, The (Liji), 214, 227

Boseman, Chadwick, 129, 131

Boyer, Shari Dunbar, 165, 285

brain activity

baseline activity and treatment response, 164

expectation and placebo effects, 163

imaging and bereavement, 210, 230

music-induced brain waves, 167

nature immersion and amygdala calming, 32

orgasm pathways, 274

psychedelic experience imaging, 151

See also BDNF; brain waves; neuroplasticity

brain waves

alpha, 164, 168

music and, 167, 168, 199

neural entrainment, 168, 199

theta, 54, 78–79, 168

breathing practices, 186–187, 247, 269, 276, 281–282;

breathwork, 186–187, 193–194;

Holotropic Breathwork, 193, 199;

Shamanic Breathwork, 193, 199

British Isles, 51, 116

broken heart syndrome, 228

Brous, Sharon, 215

Bruchac, Joseph, 54–55

Bucher, John, 13, 34–35, 177–178

Bucko, Raymond A., 73

Buddhism, 16, 195, 225–226

Bufo, 174;

5-MeO-DMT, 174;

bufotenin and bufotoxins, 174

burial practices, 214

Burning Man, 61, 101, 111

C

cacao, 268

Cacioppo, John, 229

Camino de Santiago, 6, 16, 107

Campbell, Joseph, 13, 34–35

Cannady, Anne, 75, 78–79

Cannon, Hal, 106–109, 120, 130, 141

capitalism:

communal grieving and privatization of, 218–219;

festival commercialization and, 124, 238

Caral Supe (Peru), 118

cardiovascular disease, 59

Carhart-Harris, Robin, 151, 155–156, 158, 164, 171, 198

Cartesian Dualism, 71.

See also mind-body split

catharsis:

crying and grief, 213, 232, 235–236, 238;

music, movement, and laughter, 109, 111, 169

Catholicism, 191, 209, 225

CBT. See Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

ceremonial tobacco, 146

ceremony and ceremonial containers, 41, 52, 110–111, 122, 165, 200;

bedchamber practices, 279–280.

See also set and setting

Chang, Tim, 183

cherry blossom festivals (Japan), 112

chi, 269, 271–272

Chia, Mantak, 266, 270, 280

childhood trauma, 64, 71–72, 76, 83, 180–181

China, ancient, 119, 215, 250.

See also Book of Rites; Han Dynasty; Tantra; Taoism and Taoist sexual practices

Choctaw people, 54

Christianity, 30, 58, 192.

See also Catholicism; communal grieving; Protestant Reformation

Coachella, 101

Coahuilteco people, 86

codex Mexicanus 1, 175

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), 71

cold plunging and cold-water swimming

cold-water reset, 63, 64, 66–68, 77, 89

contrast therapy, 47, 60, 74, 89, 92

as depression treatment, 22, 25, 63–65, 67–72, 81–85

in inflammation reduction, 52, 81

as part of coming-of-age ritual, 12

physiological effects of, 56–57, 77–78

reported mental health benefits of, 47, 60, 63–64, 77

research gaps, 68–69

rise in popularity, 47, 58, 60, 63

safety precautions, 80–81, 89, 93

See also Cold Shock Response; coming-of-age rituals; depression

Cold Shock Response, 80–81, 84

collective effervescence, 99–105, 109, 123–124, 128–129, 132–133, 137;

history and definition of, 99–100.

See also dancing and movement

comfort crisis, 11

coming-of-age rituals, 4–5, 12, 20, 27, 35–36, 284.

See also epic physical challenge

communal awe. See awe

communal grieving, 203–243

cathartic release through crying, music, and movement, 232, 235–238, 242

community support and reciprocal care, 203–206, 210–213, 227, 241–243

historical and surviving traditions, 207–217, 224–227

mourning markers and social recognition, 220–224

structured mourning timelines, 214–215, 224–227, 231–232, 241–242

communitas, 106, 125–126, 138, 287

community, biological need and health benefits of, 37–38, 61, 63, 102, 136, 286.

See also communal grieving; isolation; loneliness; social connection

Confucius, 214

Conley, Chip, 100–101, 124

cortisol, 32, 78, 84, 134, 222–223, 228, 243

Costa Rica, 86, 145

cowboy poetry:

definition of, 107–108;

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, 106–109, 120, 129–131, 141

cultural imperialism, 148

D

dancing and movement, 104, 139, 155, 165–170, 227, 235;

Danza de la Pluma (Feather Dance), 127;

ecstatic dance, 167, 188–189, 200.

See also 5Rhythms; collective effervescence; DJs and DJing; silent disco study

darkness, 7, 161, 177–178;

Dark Retreats, 178;

in psychedelic ceremonies and sensory neuroplasticity, 177–179

de Botton, Alain, 9–10, 121

dementia, saunas and reduced risk of, 59

Dennis-Tiwary, Tracy, 11–12

depression

causes of, 25, 37

cold plunging and cold-water swimming as treatment for, 22, 25, 63–65, 67–72, 81–85

endorphins and, 79, 278

exercise as treatment for, 10, 22, 25

fasting and, 18, 21

group singing as treatment for, 134–135

heat as treatment for, 10, 23, 25, 67–68, 72, 75, 77, 79–80

and inflammation, 10, 25, 81–83

nature as treatment for, 20–21

and neuroplasticity, 21

psychedelic medicine as treatment for, 148–149, 151, 158, 162, 164, 169

trauma, PTSD, and, 148, 154, 172, 185

using the body to treat, 10, 70–71, 154

“we-centric” view as treatment for, 135

See also antidepressants; cold plunging and cold-water swimming; Cold Shock Response; endorphins; heat and cold exposure; saunas; SSRIs; Whole Body Hyperthermia

Descartes, René, 70. See also Cartesian Dualism; mind-body split

Día de Muertos, 208–209, 213, 215, 238–240

Diving Response, 83–84

DJs and DJing, 167–168, 188–189, 200.

See also dancing and movement

Dunbar, Robin, 28, 76, 102–105, 109, 134, 210, 239;

Dunbar’s Number, 28.

See also endorphins

Durkheim, Émile, and collective effervescence, 100

E

eating disorders:

anorexia nervosa, 20;

psychedelic clinical trials for, 162.

See also depression; PTSD

Ecstasy (MDMA). See MDMA and MDMA-assisted therapy

Egungun Festival, 208, 215

Egypt, ancient, 118, 216–217;

Osiris Festival, 216–217;

pyramids and Heb-Sed festival, 118

Egyptian Book of the Dead, 175

Eleusinian Mysteries, 20, 176

Elko (Nevada), 106–109, 120–121

Ellis, Zoe, 132, 232

Elomaa, Risto, 52, 74

endorphins:

defined, xxiii, 27;

Runner’s High, 223.

See also biological bonding; dancing and movement; depression; Dunbar, Robin

endorphins, effects of

doubled in groups/synchronization (Rower’s High), 28–29, 103–104, 139

in immunity, 223, 249, 273

in mental pain relief (as antidepressant), xxiv, 79

in physical pain relief, 27, 163, 273

in social bonding and trust, xxiv, 56–57, 76–77, 79, 103, 137–139, 197, 239, 267, 273, 278, 281–282

endorphins, role of

in the bedchamber, 267, 273, 278, 281–282

in group exercise and sports, 27–29, 40, 43

in group movement (laughter, singing, feasting, silent disco study), 103–104, 133, 137–139

in heat exposure and saunas, 56–57, 76–77, 79

in helping others (helper’s high), 243

Enlightenment, decline of European saunas during the, 58

epic physical challenge, 4–7, 23, 25–26, 39–44, 283–284;

life transitions and rites of passage, 13, 40, 44, 284;

preparation, difficulty, and group participation in, 29, 36, 40–41

equality, role of, 75, 90, 111, 128, 140;

in festivals, 111, 128, 140;

in wisdom systems of the bedchamber, 261, 264–265;

in wisdom systems of the sauna and cold plunge, 75, 90

Estonia, sauna traditions in, 49–50, 58

ethylene, in Oracle of Delphi’s vapors, 177

exercise, 9–10, 22, 27, 42

as depression treatment, 10, 22, 25

physiological benefits of, 8, 59

relationship to hermetic stress, 8, 11, 42

relationship to neuroplasticity, 8–9

See also depression; endorphins; epic physical challenge; stress and stressors

expectancy. See placebo effect

eye masks and eyeshades in psychedelic therapy, 157, 178

F

famine, 12;

tooth enamel evidence of, 12

fascia, 272;

role in acupuncture, 272

fasting:

health and altered states resulting from, 18–20, 22, 41–43;

and retreats, 6, 17, 21;

for ritual practice and initiation, 4, 13, 20

fear response, 11, 27–28, 83, 229, 268.

See also amygdala; anxiety; childhood trauma; Cold Shock Response; nervous system

feasting, 104, 117, 139, 213

Feiler, Bruce, 36, 239

Feria (Seville, Spain), 125–126

Ferrazzi, Keith, 186–187

Ferriss, Tim, 60, 91, 147

Festivalization of Wellness, 102

festivals, 97–141

awe, sensory immersion, and anticipation of, 97–98, 104–105, 112–121

collective effervescence and social bonding at, 99–105, 123–124, 132–140

communal identity, equality, and participation in, 123–131, 137–141

historical and prehistoric origins of, 115–119

pilgrimage and sacred time for, 119–122, 137–138

fight or flight response. See fear response; nervous system

Finland:

Finnish Sauna Society, 75;

Sauna Diplomacy, 73;

sauna traditions and rituals in, 47, 49–50, 52, 58

Fisher, Helen, 266

5-MeO-DMT, 174, 190

5Rhythms, 200.

G

Gabon, 149

Garba, 123

Garcia, Isabel, 190–191

Garcia, Pepe, 179–181, 240

Garcia-Romeu, Albert, 158, 163, 178, 182

Gardens of Adonis, 216–217.

See also Adonia Festival

Gilbert, Elizabeth, 195

Girn, Manesh, 172, 182, 184

Glaser, Meg, 120–121, 131

Glide Memorial Church, 132, 232

Global Wellness Summit, 102

Göbekli Tepe (Turkey), 117

gospel choirs, 132, 235

Great Dionysia, 119

Great Forgetting, xix.

See also Great Potato Famine; Great Remembering

Great Potato Famine, xi, xx, 51.

See also Great Forgetting

Great Remembering, definition of, xx, 285, 287.

See also Great Forgetting

Greece, ancient, 50, 100, 119, 216

green spaces, physiological impact of, 31–32.

See also forest bathing; nature and nature exposure

grief and grieving traditions

American attitudes and social isolation, 206–208

biological and physical effects of, 209–210, 227–230

burial evidence in Lower Galilee (Israel), 214

communal grieving, 211, 232, 235–236, 241–243

cultural traditions and rituals, 216, 226, 231

and education of Kamila, 221

forgiveness and identity loss in, 153, 194–195

grief markers, 213, 218, 220–222

keeners in Ireland, 235

Lewis, C. S., 211, 241

medical risks of, 227–229

mourners’ ritual walk to Jerusalem’s Temple, 215

Obon observance (Kyoto, Japan), 97–98

running and bereavement, 3–4

grief markers, 220–224;

armbands and mourning clothes, 220–221;

RIP T-shirts, 221;

social recognition and compassion, 221–224

group singing, 133–134, 138.

See also endorphins

Guelaguetza music festival, 127–128, 233–234, 238;

as equal exchange/mutual aid, xxii, 233–234.

See also Oaxaca

H

Hajj, 16, 205.

See also pilgrimage

Hallett, Heidi, and remembrance of John, 237

Hallett, John, and death in Afghanistan, 3, 220

Hallett, Lisa, and memorial run, 3–4, 26, 29, 220, 236

hammams, 49, 93

Han Dynasty, 99, 119, 255

Harper, Mark, 65, 67, 69

hashar, 205, 233–234.

See also Tajikistan

healing, 86, 88, 192–195;

confidence in healers, 173;

emotional and somatic release in, 193–195

heat and cold exposure, 42, 53–60, 77–78

in bathing traditions, 47–49, 91–93

cold-water research, 65, 67, 69

response of Heat Shock Proteins, 24, 56, 59, 78, 89

sauna health benefits, 54, 59, 68

See also depression

Heb-Sed festival, 118

helper’s high, 223, 243.

See also communal grieving; endorphins

henges, 16, 116.

See also archaeology; Leary, Jim; United Kingdom

Hero’s Journey, 34

Hidalgo, Jesús, 153, 166, 170, 180

High Tide, 267, 273–274, 278, 282

Hindu grieving traditions, 219, 225.

See also grief and grieving traditions

hippocampus, 9, 230

Hof, Wim, 60, 93

Holi Festival, 104, 119

hormesis, 18–19, 24–25, 64;

and adaptive stress and recovery cycles, 5, 7–10;

fasting, exercise, heat, and cold, 8, 19, 42, 78

How to Change Your Mind, 8, 150, 197

human evolution, 12, 31–34

Hungry Ghost Festival, 208, 215

I

iboga, 149, 166

Indigenous knowledge and healing traditions, 86–87, 286;

land sovereignty and stewardship, 196;

in psychedelic ritual contexts, 149.

See also Two-Eyed Seeing

inflammation, 8, 10, 19, 25, 68, 81–83, 135, 222, 229

integration:

post-ceremony processing, 169–170, 181–183;

psychedelic experiences, 156, 159, 161, 196, 198–199

intention setting, 152, 157, 165, 197–198, 280, 282.

See also preparation; set and setting

isolation, 102, 116, 229.

See also community; loneliness

Iyer, Pico, 97–98, 112, 188–189, 225–226

J

Jade Door, Jade Gate, Jade Stalk, Jade Stem, and Jade Terrace, 251, 281

Japan

cherry blossom and maple festivals, 112

communal grieving traditions, 226

festivals and modernity, 98, 112

Obon festival, 98, 112, 208

onsen bathing, 93

JB, Marc, 167, 189

Judaism

ancient pilgrimage practice, 215

burial practices, 225

shiva and communal grieving practices, 209, 224–226

yearlong mourning period, 227

K

Kama Sutra, 250, 263, 265, 280

Keltner, Dacher, 112–115, 135

ketamine, 162

Khajuraho temples (India), 257

Kumbh Mela (India), 16, 120

Kyoto (Japan), 97–98, 225

L

Leary, Jim, 16–17, 51, 116, 215

loneliness:

health consequences of, 61, 102, 136, 208, 210, 229;

social saunas as remedy for, 61.

See also community; social connection

M

Maasai, 37;

lion hunt rite of passage, 37

Maithuna, 256

maloca, 145–146, 152–154, 193–195

mandrake, 175–176

manifestation and meditative states, 248–249;

self-change and sexual visualization, 248–249

Māori, 209, 217;

Tangihanga and collective grieving, 209, 217

MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), 159, 165

Mapuche-Tehuelche people, 86

marathons, 39, 72, 284

Marden Henge (England), 51

Marshall, Albert D., 87;

and Two-Eyed Seeing, 87

Marshall, Murdena, 87;

and Two-Eyed Seeing, 87

Martin, Layla, 252, 280;

and Tantric teaching, 280

Mattson, Mark, 8–9, 43;

BDNF and intermittent fasting research, 9, 19–21

Maya people, 51, 86;

temazcal traditions, 51, 86

MDMA and MDMA-assisted therapy, 148, 159–160, 268;

in PTSD treatment and clinical trials, 66, 148, 159

Mead, Hirini Moko, 209

Mecca (Saudi Arabia), 27, 120;

Muslim pilgrimage to, 27

meditation and mindfulness, 43;

retreats and Vipassana silence, 7, 186, 188;

saunas, psychedelics, and orgasmic states, 57, 90, 160, 199, 253

Meehan, Chris, 64–65

melatonin, 179

mental health:

cold exposure and depression, 63–64, 68;

isolation and physical challenges, 38, 72

Mesoamerican communities, 158;

mushroom and peyote ceremonies in, 158

Mexican Inquisition, 180

microbiome, 33

Mi’kmaw nation, 87

mind-body split, 70–71.

See also body-mind connection; Cartesian Dualism; Descartes, René

Minnesota, 62;

Nordic immigrant sauna culture in, 62

Minson, Chris, 11, 69

misogi, 36

Mitchell, Pat, 131

Mitchell, Waddie, 108

Moche civilization (Peru):

Moche Sex Pots, 256–257;

sexual imagery and ritual instruction, 256–257

Montes García, Olga, 127, 238

Mount Everest, 5–6

Mount Rainier (Washington), 3, 26, 29

mourning and mourning rituals. See grief and grieving traditions

movement therapy, 188

Mun Akarâ Huitzilcuicani, Delfina, 85–88

Muraresku, Brian, 189;

The Immortality Key, 189

Murthy, Vivek, 102, 225, 229

mushiburo, 49

music and music therapy, 200;

mourning and emotional release through, 212–213, 232, 235, 239, 242–243;

psychedelic ceremonies and therapeutic playlists, 155–161, 165–169, 171, 186, 189, 193, 196–199;

role of in intimacy and the bedchamber, 268, 280–281.

See also collective effervescence; dancing and movement

Myss, Caroline, 107

Mystery Schools and mystical experiences, 176, 189–190

N

National Black Theatre Festival, 128–129

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, 106–109, 119–121, 234

Native American Church:

healing rituals, 171;

peyote ceremonies, 149;

tipi ceremonies, 166

Native American traditions

Native American medicine and Western medicine, 87

Native American Sweat Lodge, The (Bruchac), 55

purification practices, 85

religious practice suppression, 55

social cohesion and alliance building, 73

sweat lodge legends and traditions, 50, 52, 54

See also Native American Church; saunas

Natural Killer cells, 8, 32, 59, 103

nature and nature exposure

effects on hospital visits, 32

forest bathing, xxi

green and blue spaces, 43, 286

health benefits of, 21, 33, 39, 70, 286

NatureQuant research of, 31

scientific studies on, xxi, 33

wild saunas and wild swimming, xiv, 47–48, 61

See also amygdala; Attention Restoration Theory; biodiverse environments; Natural Killer cells

Navratri festival, 123

Neo-Tantra, 256

nervous system

co-regulation and the calming presence of others, 172

discharge responses, 276

fight or flight sympathetic response, 80, 222

flow states, 253

grief and communal regulation of, 221–223

and inflammation regulation, 82

and Polyvagal Theory, 222

psychedelic-induced arousal of, 169

rest and digest parasympathetic response, 84, 222–223

sexual arousal and intimacy effects, 274–276, 281

stress response basics, 8

and vagus nerve, 71, 82, 84, 114, 274–275

See also autonomic nervous system; childhood trauma; Cold Shock Response; depression; fear response; Polyvagal Theory; vagus nerve

neural entrainment, 168

neuroplasticity, 150, 178–183

effects of darkness and sleep on, 178–179

link to depression, 21

neural connection pruning, 24, 161, 182

and physical challenge (hormetic stress), 8–9, 43

and physical stressors, 8, 79, 84

and psychedelic medicine, 150–151, 160–161, 180–183

and repetition and reinforcement, 181–183

and saunas/temperature, 80, 84

See also BDNF; depression

New Orleans Jazz Festival, 124

New Orleans jazz funerals, 209

New York City, 62, 105

New York City Marathon, 6

Norway, 74;

floating saunas, 74

novelty, 265–266, 280;

memory and learning, 265;

shared experiences, 266, 280

Novogratz, Jacqueline, 218–219;

Acumen, 218;

Rwandan bakery, 219

Nowruz, 124, 126;

community-built festival grounds, 124;

impact of Soviet occupation, 126

O

Oaxaca (Mexico), 127, 238–239;

Día de Muertos, 238–239;

Guelaguetza music and dance festival, 127

object cells and object trace cells, 231

Obon, 111–112, 208, 213;

ancestor-honoring rituals, 97;

closing ceremony, 98;

Night of a Thousand Lanterns, 97

O’Connor, Mary-Frances, 230–231

Old Testament, 214

Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania), 12

Olmec civilization, 174

Olympics, 104, 111

opioids, 27, 81, 133, 163, 249, 272.

See also endorphins

Oracle of Delphi, 176–177

orgasm:

brain activity and nerve pathways, 274;

ejaculation distinction, 270, 272

Orgasmic Meditation, 277

Orkney Islands (Scotland), 51

Ornish, Dean, 222–223, 231;

and compassionate lifestyle interventions, 222–223;

Love & Survival, 231

Osiris Festival, 216–217;

and collective grieving, 216;

Isis and Osiris reenactment, 217;

Osiris Gardens, 217

Oslo (Norway), 48, 74;

waterfront saunas, 74

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico City), 27

Oxford Boat Club, 28

oxytocin:

biochemistry of connection, 249, 267, 273, 281;

role in wisdom systems of the bedchamber, 282

P

pain tolerance, 28.

See also endorphins

pair bonding, 267.

See also sexuality

Palermo Stone, 118

panic attacks, 180–181

Panken, Melinda, 224, 231

parasympathetic nervous system. See nervous system

participatory co-creation of festivals, 111, 123–126, 137–141

Patel, Henika

and emotional numbness, 275–276

Navratri festival participation, 123–124

School of Sensual Arts, 123, 252, 262

Tantric teaching, 252, 255, 267, 269, 280

vulnerability and abuse warning, 279

See also Kama Sutra; Navratri festival; Neo-Tantra; sexuality

Peng Tze, 270

Penn, William, 54

Perel, Esther, 247

peyote:

ceremonial use of, 149, 166;

prehistoric use of, 173

pilgrimage

ancient traditions, 16–17, 215

modern traditions, 6, 9–10, 120–121, 137–138

role in communal grieving, 215

role in festivals, 110–111, 119–121, 137–138

role in world’s religions, 16, 27, 120, 205

See also archaeology; Judaism

pillow books, 258–259, 262

placebo effect, 121, 159, 162–163, 173;

and confidence in healers, 173

plant medicine. See psychedelic medicine

polar plunges, 92

Pollan, Michael, 8, 150, 197

Polyvagal Theory, 222

post-traumatic growth, 183

post-traumatic stress disorder. See PTSD

Prause, Nicole, sex research by, 252, 266, 273, 277

preparation

for festivals, 98, 121, 125, 137–138, 203

for physical challenges, 40–44

physiological and neurological basis of, 163–164, 223–224, 229

for psychedelic medicine, 146, 152, 156–157, 159–165, 175–176, 183, 187, 190, 196, 198–199

for wisdom systems of the bedchamber, 263–265, 279–280

See also pilgrimage; set and setting

professional criers, 235–236.

See also catharsis; communal grieving

protective proteins, 25;

APE1, DNA polymerase β, fibroblast growth factor 2, HO1, and NQO1, 25

Protestant Reformation, 217–218

psilocybin, 148–151, 160;

ancient use of, 149, 174;

modern use of, 148, 151;

as treatment for depression, 148, 151.

See also depression

psychedelic-assisted therapy. See psychedelic medicine

psychedelic medicine, 145–200

in ancient and Indigenous ceremonial traditions, 149, 156, 166, 173–177, 190–192

clinical research and therapeutic outcomes, 147–151, 155–160

integration and lasting change, 181–184, 196–199

risks, legality, and cultural appropriation of, 147–148, 196–199

set and setting for, 150, 155–165, 171–172, 196–200

Psychedelic Renaissance, 147–151, 155–160

psychiatric medications, 162

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

cold plunge and cold-water swimming as treatment for, 64, 83

difficulty treating, 154, 159, 185

impact on inflammation and pain, 82–83

psychedelic medicine and MDMA-assisted therapy as treatment for, 148–149, 159, 162

and veterans, 166, 185, 228

See also childhood trauma; cold plunging and cold-water swimming; depression; MDMA and MDMA-assisted therapy

purging, 146

pyramids, 118

R

Raison, Charles

darkness research, 178

depression and inflammation research, 10, 22, 82, 135

eating disorder concerns, 20

stress research, 37

sweat lodge research, 68, 75–76

Rakhimova, Kamila, 124, 203–206, 233, 236

Ramadan, 41

Ramsey, Buck, 129–130

Rätsch, Christian, 156, 175

Reid, Daniel, 258, 261–262, 271, 280

religion:

decline of organized religion and secularization, 55, 217–218, 226;

sacred vs. secular distinction in festivals, 30, 98, 112, 114, 124;

universal patterns across world religions, 16, 176, 192, 209, 225, 231, 241–242.

See also Buddhism; Catholicism; Christianity; Hindu grieving traditions; Judaism; Native American Church; Protestant Reformation

resets and resilience through cold-water immersion, 64, 67, 84

retention, Taoist sexual practice, 270–272

retreats

darkness retreats (see darkness)

fasting retreats, 18–22

psychedelic retreats, 145–200 (see also psychedelic medicine)

rise of weeklong retreats, 7, 186–187

silent meditation retreats (see Vipassana silent meditation and retreats)

Tantra retreats (see Patel, Henika; Tantra; Taoism and Taoist sexual practices)

Rigveda, 175, 214

rites of passage, 4, 12, 35–36, 40, 145, 153, 284;

coming-of-age and initiation rites, 4;

for education and adulthood, 35–36;

physical challenges in, 12

Robison, Reid, 156, 159, 162

Rocky Mountains, 283

Romans

Colosseum, xvi

Olympics, xxiv

Oracle of Delphi, 176–177

thermae, 51

Rower’s High, 28–29, 76.

See also endorphins

Runner’s High, 27, 223.

See also endorphins

Rwanda, 219

S

sacredness, 122, 257;

in psychedelic beliefs, 161;

in sauna traditions, 50, 57

Samanala Kanda (Adam’s Peak), 30

Samhain Festival, 213, 215

San Francisco (California), 72, 132

Sanskrit, 50

Santillán, Germán, 233

sapito, 190–191.

See also 5-MeO-DMT; Bufo

Sarsen stones, 117

Sauna Aid, 72

sauna diplomacy, 73, 76–77

saunas, 47–93

ancient history and global traditions, 49–58

cold plunge and contrast therapy, 47–49, 60, 77–85, 89–93

health and mental health research, 52–54, 59, 67–72, 77–85

social cohesion, equality, and spirituality, 62–63, 72–77, 85–91

scaffolding, 167–168, 206–207, 226, 241–243

School of Sensual Arts, 123, 252, 262

Scythians, 50

seasonal rituals, 99, 207, 239–240

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. See SSRIs

self-transcendent emotions, 134–136.

See also awe

Selye, Hans, 18

Senghor, Shaka, 207–208

sensory immersion, 111, 280–282

set and setting, 150, 155–160, 172, 196–199

active participation and integration, 156, 162

ceremonial context and safety, 196–197

clinical protocols and placebo effects, 157–159

music, intention, and retreat contexts, 186–187, 196

non-psychedelic applications, 186, 196, 199

preparation and dosing, 155–157, 196

Seville (Spain), 122, 214;

Feria, 122;

“Ivory Lady” burial, 214

sexual alchemy, 250, 255

sexual energy, 247, 250–254, 260;

cultivation and circulation of, 250, 253, 269;

in healing, integration, and transcendence, 250, 254, 264;

in Taoist and Tantric practices, 253, 269

sexuality, 247–282

biological bonding and pair bonding, 249, 265–267, 281–282

emotional healing and release, 275–276, 279, 281

flow states and nervous-system effects, 253, 273–275, 282

Taoist and Tantric practices, 250–256, 258–275, 279–282

sheela-na-gigs, 257

Shinrin-yoku. See forest bathing

Shinto, 36, 98, 225

Shipibo people, 166, 171

shiva (Jewish mourning), 225–227, 242

Shrei, Joshua, 122, 216

silent disco study, 104.

See also dancing and movement

Silicon Valley Marathon, 38–39

Sky Cave (Oregon), 178

social connection, 70;

effects of isolation and loneliness on, 102, 286;

impact on grief and bereavement, 229, 241;

importance to health, 37–38, 102.

See also community; loneliness

Social Toolkit, 137–140

Soma, 175

Somatic Experiencing (SE), 154–155

Sonoran Desert toad, 190

sound meditation and sound baths, 188, 199–200;

and brain-wave entrainment, 200;

vibration and melody in, 188

Soviet occupation of Nowruz, 126

Spilling the Nectar, 251, 270–273

spirituality, 85, 189, 191–192

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), 23, 71, 157.

See also antidepressants; depression

stress and stressors, 7, 43

antidepressant potential, 22

cortisol and isolation, 223, 229

eustress and growth, 18, 39

intentional challenges, 38, 76

See also exercise

Stress Paradox, The, 7, 43

Su Nü, 259–260

surrender, 152

sweat lodges, 23, 49

in the Americas, 50, 52

government repression and cultural severance of, 54–55, 88

for group cohesion, 73, 76

rebirth symbolism and sacred rites in, 53, 86–87

See also Native American traditions

sympathetic nervous system. See nervous system

synchronization, 26–28

and endorphins (Rower’s High), 27–29

in exercise, 26, 40, 139

in fasting ritual, 18, 26

in movement, dancing, singing, and laughing, 104–105, 110–111, 123, 137–139, 168

and social bonding, 27, 40, 137–140

T

Taino people, 175

Tajikistan

funeral and communal grieving traditions in, 203, 206, 221, 235–236

hashar tradition in, 205

Nowruz celebrations in, 124, 126

Persian identity and Soviet influence in, 203–204

takotsubo syndrome (broken heart syndrome), 228

talk therapy, 185;

trauma-treatment limitations of, 185

Tangihanga (Māori tradition), 242

Tantra, 123, 250–256, 258, 265, 279–281;

for emotional healing and sensory expansion, 252, 255–256, 275–276;

modern revival of and risks of exploitation, 254–255, 279;

sexual alchemy and breath practices, 247, 250–252, 268–269, 281

Taoism and Taoist sexual practices, 247, 255–256, 258–275, 279–282

cultivation and retention, 250–253, 269–275

pillow books, 258–264, 280

Taoist terms for wisdom system of the bedchamber, 258–259

Yin-Yang harmony, 260–261, 280–282

Taum, Kumu Ramsay, 234

TED and TED Talks, 115, 122, 125

temazcal and Mesoamerican sauna traditions, 49, 54, 57, 86, 190

therapeutic alliance, 171–172, 198

Therme, 60, 61–62

trauma:

and body-based healing, 64–65, 71, 154, 276;

and grief rituals, 217;

and psychedelic treatment, 172, 184–185, 187

trust and trusted guides:

curanderas, shamans, and therapists, 147–149, 160–161, 166, 171, 178;

in psychedelic medicine and therapy, 156–157, 169–170, 172, 196, 199;

in wisdom systems of the bedchamber, 263–265, 267, 273.

See also therapeutic alliance

twilight states, 78–79, 168

Two-Eyed Seeing, xxii, 87

U

Ubuntu, 210–211, 233–234

UCLA, 277

United Kingdom, 48

henges, 16, 116

Isabel Behncke Izquierdo, 17

Oxford studies (Rower’s High, silent disco), 28–29, 76, 104

Robin Dunbar, xxiii, 76, 79, 209, 210

sauna history, 48

Stonehenge, 16, 51, 117, 215

See also archaeology; Behncke Izquierdo, Isabel; Dunbar, Robin; Rower's High; silent disco study

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 151, 172

University of Oregon, 69

University of Ottawa, 69

V

vagus nerve:

body-brain communication, 71;

cold water and inflammation response, 82, 84;

sexual arousal and energy circulation, 274–275

Vancouver (British Columbia), 122

Van der Kolk, Bessel, 65

Vargas Llosa, Mario, 17

Vipassana silent meditation and retreats, 41, 188, 199

viruses, 52

visualization, 247;

for athletic performance and anxiety reduction, 121;

emotional themes in, 276

Vogel, Virgil J., 87

W

wakes, 242

wear blue:

run to remember, 4, 236–238;

for grief catharsis and military bereavement, 236–238

Weller, Francis, 211, 227

wellness tourism, 7

Western Folklife Center, 106–107, 120;

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, 130–131, 141, 234

Western medicine and science

pill-as-cure model, 150, 157, 159

role of therapist vs. traditional wise guide, 171

tension with wisdom systems, xxi–xxiii, 58, 60

validation of acupuncture and chi, 270–272

views on psychedelic medicine, 148–150, 189

See also acupuncture; Christianity; mind-body split; Native American traditions

Wheal, Jamie, 30;

Recapture the Rapture, 254, 267, 280;

sexual fitness and energy research, 254–255, 267, 280–281;

Sexual Yoga of Becoming, 267

Whipple, Beverly, 274

Whole Body Hyperthermia, for depression treatment and remission, 67–68, 70, 72, 75

wild saunas and swimming, 47–48, 91

Windbigler, Kristin, 108, 120, 130–131, 234

wisdom systems, xii–xiii, xxii–xxvii, 5–11, 14–15, 42–43, 56–57, 110–111, 160–161, 212–213, 264–265

core principles of, xxiv–xxvi

criteria for selection of, xxiii–xxiv

science and ancestral knowledge in, xx–xxiii

social and mental health applications of, xxiii–xxiv, 285–287

witnessing, 33–34, 39–41;

challenge completion rituals, 33–34, 39–41;

social media approval, 34

working memory, 32

Y

Yellow Emperor:

bedchamber advisors, 270;

dialogue with Su Nü, 260;

sexual teachings of, 259

Yin and Yang, 261, 281

yoga, 157, 258

Yokut (people), 12–13, 20, 27

Z

Zhang Heng, 262

Zoroastrian traditions, 221