FOR INFORMATION, CALL 480 221-9171 or
         [email protected]

 PROFESSOR EXPLAINS HOW SHAMANISM IS
 THE ORIGINAL NEUROTHEOLOGY

 (Tempe, Arizona: June 5, 2001)

 "Neurotheology" is a new concept given widespread exposure in the recent Newsweek article
 (5/7/2001) God and the Brain How We're Wired for Spirituality.  "While the term neurotheology is
 new, the basic ideas have been around for thousands of years" says Dr. Michael Winkelman,
 Department of Anthropology, Arizona State University.   "Many cultures have developed
 technologies for altering consciousness and inducing spiritual experiences."  Winkelman describes
 shamanism- an ancient healing practice- within the context of neurotheology.

 Scholars have recognized shamanism as a special form of religious behavior for more than a century.
 Winkelman's earlier cross-cultural research on shamanism (Shamans, Priests and Witches)
 demonstrated that there were basic similarities in shamans in cultures around the world.  The
 similarities in shamans include the use of trance or ecstasy--altered states of consciousness (ASC)--
 to interact with the spirits and heal.  These spirit world interactions are often referred to as "soul
 journeys," flying, out-of-body experiences and astral projection.  These abilities are acquired when
 the initiate shaman undergoes a "death and rebirth experience" and acquires animal allies and spirit
 powers.

 In his new book,  Shamanism The Neural Ecology of Consciousness and Healing, Winkelman
 outlines the neurobiological basis of shamanism--humanity's original spiritual practices--  and explains
 puzzling aspects of shamanism: its universal presence in the ancient world, as well as its modern
 resurgence. Similar shamanic practices in diverse parts of the world present a challenge to the
 rational scientific view that all religion is a delusion.  To explain this paradox, Winkelman poses the
 questions "Why do so these called 'delusions' develop in similar ways in distinct cultures? What is the
 adaptive basis that enabled these practices to survive for millennia?"

 "Universals of shamanism are related to basic brain functions" says Dr. Winkelman, who suggests
 these universals reflect biological principles of the consciousness and the functions of ASC.
 Shamanism The Neural Ecology of Consciousness and Healing explains basic aspects of brain
 operation that provide the foundations for shamanic practices and experiences.  "The shamans'
 experiences and practices have fundamental similarities around the world because they reflect innate
 brain process and experiences" says Winkelman.

  Winkelman's research findings place shamanism in the context of human evolution and suggest that
 shamanic practices were a key element of the evolution of modern humans some 40,000 years ago.
 Shamans helped people acquire information and develop new forms of thinking.  Shamanism also
 provided mechanisms for healing and personal development, building alliances and creating group
 solidarity.

 "Shamanism is not just an ancient practice nor is it limited to simpler societies," says Winkelman.
 "The contemporary world has many examples of 'neoshamanism,'  current adaptations to these
 ancient principles of spiritual healing and consciousness."

 "The resurgence of shamanism in the modern world is an anomaly and contradiction," continues
 Winkelman.  "These kinds of practices were suppose to disappear with the development of modern
 rationality, yet they persist and grow in popularity, especially among the more educated segments of
 the population."

 The perspectives of neurotheology help explain the persistence and revitalization of shamanism, with
 current practices reflecting the same principles of brain operation that engendered the original
 manifestations of shamanism tens of thousands of years ago.  Winkelman's book Shamanism The
 Neural Ecology of Consciousness and Healing describes these brain systems, their functions, and
 how they can be elicited to enhance human health.

 Alternative healing practices incorporate many shamanic principles and activities.  "The rise in
 popularity of alternative medicine is part of a desire of people to take charge of their own healing"
 Winkelman points out.  "Shamanism was the original self-healing practice, a form of
 self-empowerment."  Winkelman's book elaborates on how shamanic practices help people establish
 contact with their intuitive powers, manifested in visual symbols.

 The brain's serotonin and opioid neurotransmitter systems are stimulated by shamanic practices
 "Shamanism enhances both one's health and a sense of well-being because they 'turn on' the body's
 'feel-good' chemicals" says Winkelman.  "Our current reliance upon Prozac and other
 serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, and our societal problems with drug addiction, are consequences of
 our loss of these vital healing traditions."

 Winkelman predicts that shamanism will continue to grow in popularity due to its natural basis, and
 will present papers on these ideas at two seminal conferences this fall.   Winkelman has been invited
 to the "Religious Healing in Urban America" conference in September at the Harvard University
 Center for the Study of World Religions, where he will speak on the use of shamanism and drumming
 as important therapies for addressing drug addiction.  Winkelman will present a paper on the
 "shamanic paradigm" and its use in interpreting healing practices as part of a panel on anthropological
 studies of consciousness that he organized for the American Anthropological Association meetings in
 Washington, D.C.  He will be the Program Chair for the Anthropology of Consciousness Annual
 Conference in Tucson, April 10-14, 2002, where there will be panels organized on "Alternative
 Medicine and Substance Abuse Treatment."

 Shamanism The Neural Ecology of Consciousness and Healing, by Michael Winkelman.
 Greenwood Press 1-800-225-5800  www.greenwood.com   ISBN 0-89789-704-8

=================================================================================

New Ecstasy Book

A Comprehensive Look at the Risks and Benefits of MDMA
 Edited by Julie Holland, M.D.
 

 ISBN 0-89281-857-3
 Park Street Press
 464 pages, 6 x 9
 Paper, $19.95 (CAN $31.95)
 

 About the Book

 *The world's leading experts on Ecstasy assess its therapeutic
 potential,
 social implications, and the dangers of unsupervised use.

 * Includes chapters by Andrew Weil, Ralph Metzner, Douglas Rushkoff,
 Rabbi
 Zalman Schachter, Rick Doblin, and others.

 * An ideal guide for parents and educators seeking a credible source of

 information.

 Use of the drug Ecstasy, once confined to the teen rave scene and
 college
 campuses, is exploding across America, from high schools to upscale
 clubs.
 Described by users as the most intense euphoria they know and by
 detractors
 as a cause of brain damage and even death, Ecstasy has generated
 unprecedented levels of interest-and misinformation.

 Written by the world's leading experts on MDMA, Ecstasy: The Complete
 Guide
 takes the first unbiased look at the risks and the benefits of this
 unique
 drug, including the science of how it works; its promise as a treatment
 for
 depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, and other
 illnesses; and how to minimize the risk of illicit use. Whether you are
 a
 raver, a concerned parent, or a professional wanting the most recent
 reports
 on MDMA research, Ecstasy: The Complete Guide provides the answers you
 need.

 About the Author
 Julie Holland, M.D., is an Attending Psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital
 and is
 on the faculty of the NYU School of Medicine. A recognized expert on
 street
 drugs, Dr. Holland has discussed Ecstasy in The Lancet, Harper's, and
 the
 Washington Post and has provided expert perspective on the drug for
 numerous
 television programs, including the MTV series True Life. Other
 contributors
 to the book include Ralph Metzner, author of Maps Consciousness and
 Green
 Psychology; Andrew Weil, author of eight books including 8 Weeks to
 Optimum
 Health and Spontaneous Healing; Douglas Rushkoff, author of Cyberia and

 Ecstasy Club; Rabbi Zalman Schachter, author of From Age-ing To
 Sage-ing; and
 Rick Doblin, founder of the Multi-disciplinary Association for
 Psychedelic
 Studies. Royalties from the book will be donated to fund clinical MDMA

 research.

 Reviews
 "MDMA is a unique compound with great potential for positive use. This
 is the
 most complete book about it, with much information to help people
 realize
 that potential as well as reduce any possible harm."
 Andrew Weil, M.D., author of 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, and Spontaneous

 Healing

 "Ecstasy: The Complete Guide offers a thoroughly engaging, multifaceted
 look
 at a very controversial substance.  Well done."
 Spalding Gray, actor, performer, and author of Morning, Noon, and Night
 and
 Impossible Vacation

 "This is the best contemporary overview of MDMA, one which
 simultaneously
 succeeds for popular and scientific audiences.  Encyclopedic in its
 scope, it
 is at the same time most readable."
 Lester Grinspoon, M.D., professor emeritus, Harvard Medical School and
 author
 of Marijuana: The Forbidden Medicine

 ------------------------------------------------

 Table of Contents
 Ecstasy: The Complete Guide
 A Comprehensive Look at the Risks and Benefits of MDMA

 Acknowledgments
 About this Book
 Introduction: Medicine for a New Millennium
 Let X = MDMA
 1. The History of MDMA
 2. What Does MDMA Feel Like?
 3. How MDMA Works in the Brain
 4. The Chemistry of MDMA
 5. MDMA Myths and Rumors Dispelled
 6. The Godparents of MDMA
 Risks of MDMA Use
 7. Medical Risks Associated with MDMA Use
 8. Mental Health Problems Associated with MDMA Use
 9. Does MDMA Cause Brain Damage?
 10. The Legal Status of MDMA Around the World
 11. Minimizing Risk in the Dance Community
 MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy
 12. Using MDMA in Healing, Psychotherapy, and Spiritual Practice
 13. Experience with the Interpersonal Psychedelics
 14. Clinical Experience with MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy
 Potential Clinical Uses for MDMA
 15. Using MDMA in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
 16. Using MDMA in the Treatment of Depression
 17. Using MDMA in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
 18. Using MDMA in Alternative Medicine
 MDMA Research
 19. Clinical Research with MDMA: A Worldwide Review
 20. Giving MDMA to Human Volunteers in Switzerland
 21. Giving MDMA to Human Volunteers in the United States
 MDMA and Society
 22. Ecstasy: Prescription for Cultural Renaissance
 23. MDMA and Spirituality
 24. MDMA's Promise as a Prescription Medicine
 Appendices
 History Timeline
 Statistics Timeline
 Table I: Studies of Long-term Behavioral or Functional Changes After
 MDMA in
 Animals
 Table II: Reported Neurofunctional Differences Between Ecstasy Users
 and
 Nonusers
 Table III: Memory Studies of Ecstasy Users vs. Nonusers
 References Contributors
 Index
 

=================================================================================

First Ibogaine Book

 following information:

     In order to focus mainstream attention on the ibogaine, we
 organized the First International Conference on Ibogaine
 (http://www.med.nyu.edu/Psych/ibogaineconf), which was held in
 November 1999, here at the NYU School of Medicine. The Conference was
 successful, and its participants included NIDA Director of Medications
 Development Frank Vocci and Columbia Professor Herbert Kleber, and the
 anthropologist James Fernandez, who published seminal work on the use of
 iboga in the African religious context; and former "treatment guides"
 from the underground ibogaine treatment scene. The proceedings of the
 Conference, edited by myself and Stanley Glick, are being published in
 both a hardback and paperback edition. It is the first volume on the
 subject of ibogaine to be published in the English language scientific
 literature, and it represents a significant step towards
 de-marginalizing the topic of ibogaine.

     The book is featured on the Barnes and Noble Website, which also
 provides a link to Herb Kleber's foreword, at:
 http://www1.fatbrain.com/asp/bookinfo/bookinfo.asp?theisbn=0120532069&vm=m).
 

 The book is also featured on the Amazon Website as well at:
 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0120532069/qid=996261509/sr=1-1/ref=sc_b_1/107-2082562-7794120.
 
 

==============================================================================

Entheomedia.com

ENTHEOS is a community of enthusiasts, scholars and
 scientists who share a common interest in the role of
 entheogens as it pertains to human spirituality. Recognizing the
 important role of the 'psychedelic' experience, both past and
 present, to the development of spiritual expression, we intend
 to publish the most accurate, relevant, and current research
 available on the subject.
 The Journal ENTHEOS will provide a much-needed forum
 for specialists while encouraging a wide popular readership. It
 is our intention to provide a balanced and respectful
 perspective on this widely misunderstood and politically
 volatile subject.

 Board Members
  Frank Barron,Ph.D
   Jay Fikes, Ph.D.
    Robert Forte
    Clark Heinrich
 Mark Kasprow, M.D.
 Stanley Krippner, Ph.D
     Dale Pendell
  Daniel Perrine, Ph.D
  Carl Ruck, Ph.D.
 Blaise Staples, Ph.D.
    Peter Webster

   Managing Editor
    Mark Hoffman
 

 It is also our intention to help remedy the lamentable
 under-representation of entheogenic phenomena in
 mainstream scholarship. Broad discussion of the role of
 entheogens in human history can only widen the scope of
 humanity's collective pursuit of understanding.
 Though the journal will have a strong 'Wassonian' slant
 toward academic questions in anthropology, religious studies,
 art history, and history, ENTHEOS will include topics ranging
 from contemporary issues and current events to health and
 healing, the politics of entheogenic spirituality, discoveries in
 chemistry and biology, and the history of psychedelic
 scholarship.

==============================================================================

From The Financial Times Limited

 http://globalarchive.ft.com/globalarchive/articles.html?print=true&id=01081100

 1054

 If runover lines are annoying, try clicking on the little square near the upper
 righthand corner of this message window.  - - TR
 ?---------------------------------------------

 BOOKS: Out of your head - one way or another: Merrily, merrily, merrily,
 merrily, life is but a . . . matter of neurotransmitters and fluctuating
 serotonin l

 Financial Times, Aug 11, 2001
 
 

 Every night we go to bed, shut our eyes and enter a world of madness where
 logic and the rules of space and time are abolished. Woe betide us, however,
 should our dreaming states begin to leak into the day. The division between
 sleeping and waking is one that is firmly policed in our culture. Start
 showing we are in a dream-like state during waking hours and we are likely to
 be given strong drugs to damp down all that florid activity. On the other
 hand, if we are caught voluntarily taking other drugs to make our days more
 dreamlike, we are criminals and may go to prison.

 The worlds of dream research, psychotropic drugs and the courts are usually
 kept firmly apart. But in Dream Drugstore they keep bumping into one another.
 As the title suggests, the reason that drugs work to change our consciousness
 is that the brain already has a highly sophisticated and complex mechanism
 for producing these changes naturally.

 Although that is obviously a truism, the implications have never been teased
 out in quite the way J. Allen Hobson does. Drawing on the latest findings of
 neuropharmacy and brain scanning, he has begun to sketch the mechanisms that
 underlie the remarkable changes of consciousness of which we are all capable.
 We can go from the pit of depression to elation, or from jittery anxiety to
 delicious relaxation. Some of us venture into even more exotic states, such
 as hypnosis or hallucinatory ones.

 The key to understanding what is going on, says Hobson, is dreaming. Why are
 dreams so, well, dreamlike? So illogical, so often anxious, so hard to
 remember? Historically, answers have ranged from supernatural communication
 to the Freudian notion of an endless battle between the id and our internal
 censor. Such explanations ignore the bigger picture. They fail to take into
 account not only that dreaming is just one conscious state among many, but
 that it has features in common with most of the others too.

 Why, for example, should drugs used to treat depression change the way you
 sleep? Hobson's idea is that all our different states of consciousness can
 broadly be explained by changes in the levels of certain brain chemicals,
 known as neurotransmitters, in combination with changes in the activity
 levels of particular brain areas.

 For instance, recent neurological studies have finally laid to rest Freud's
 model of dreaming, with its censor and its symbolism that only the
 psychoanalyst can unravel. Scan someone's brain in dreaming REM sleep and an
 area known as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DPC) will show up dark and
 quiet. Since this is the region associated with judgments and
 decision-making, it seems unlikely that a censor is at work, and the shutdown
 explains why we never question the oddity of our dreams until we are awake.

 The activity level of a different brain area is responsible for another
 feature of sleep. While the DPC is closed down, the limbic system is
 extra-active. Since this area is concerned with emotions - especially
 negative ones - the change fits well with the fact that dreams more often
 involve fear or anxiety than positive feelings. But it is not just turning on
 or off brain areas that colours our consciousness: the levels of various
 brain chemicals are also rising and falling.

 A key player here is serotonin - best known for its role as an
 anti-depressant. During sleep, serotonin levels drop by about 50 per cent and
 during dreaming they fall to almost nothing. Among other things, serotonin is
 needed for laying down memories, so combine low serotonin with a shut-down of
 the higher centres and you have a pretty good reason why dreams are so hard
 to remember.

 Hobson's "brain-mind" model allows us to start thinking of consciousness as a
 sort of three-dimensional internal space. The particular region you are in at
 any one time depends on what regions are active, combined with the levels of
 various chemicals. So drugs become an external way of pulling the levers to
 shift us into a different region. One of the most popular moves is to go from
 a sad place to a brighter one.

 Certain anti-depressants do this by boosting serotonin levels, but there are
 penalties to be paid. One of these, which concerns Hobson, is the effect that
 extra serotonin has at night, when levels are normally low. Serotonin, among
 its many other effects, influences the bit of the brain that controls rapid
 eye movements, which can get stuck in the "on" position. The result is that
 the drug's users have rapid eye movements all through the night, dramatically
 affecting their "sleep architecture", so that they get far less non-REM
 sleep. "Is the result to knock out the production of growth and sex hormones
 normally associated with those phases?" asks Hobson rhetorically. "We don't
 know, but if I was in puberty I would sure want to."

 Although Hobson avoids banging any drums for legalising psychotropic drugs,
 it quickly becomes hard to see why shunting yourself into one region is
 legal, while another journey is illegal. Given his brain science roots, it is
 not surprising that he focuses largely on neurones, and the two-way
 relationship between chemicals and experiences. Talking therapy can be just
 as helpful as anti-depressants in shifting you out of a mildly depressed
 brain region.

 The tone of the book is rather uneven. Some of it is pleasantly
 conversational, but too often you are plunged without warning into thickets
 of jargon. However, providing you can hack your way through, it is a
 fascinating tour around the frontier of one area of current brain research.
 Copyright: The Financial Times Limited