Subtle Physiological Effects of Psychedelics

[RhythmSpring]

I feel that this is an oft-overlooked aspect of the psychedelic experience. Some common subtle physiological effects of many psychedelics include:

More freedom of breath
Relaxation of abdominal muscles, including the pelvic floor
Spine straightening (tryptamines, Iboga)
Stretching is encouraged
Shoulders pushed back (MDMA)
Sweaty body parts (Salvia, Iboga)
Eyebrows shaped differently (Cannabis)
Eyes squinted (Cannabis)
Slower breath (Cannabis)
Jaw position seems to be affected by many psychedelics


It is my observation that these subtle physical changes in behavior are associated with certain mental states, on or off psychedelic drugs. Posture, breathing patterns, jaw position, tongue movement, abdominal tension, and eye movement are all closely connected with how we are feeling and thinking.

Am I the only one seeing these connections?

 

[Achten]

I know what you mean. After lots of medium strength and a few extremely intense experiences I eventually learned about yoga, meditation, pranayama, ... .

I realized I was unconsciously doing these things already while high.

It makes me think psychedelics are a tool to study/love the Self.

I don't know what you mean about eyebrows, though?

 

[psood0nym]

Eyebrows shaped differently (Cannabis)

Physiological processes mediated by the [5HT2a] receptor include:

CNS: neuronal excitation, behavioural effects, learning, anxiety
smooth muscle: contraction (in gastrointestinal tract & bronchi)
vasoconstriction / vasodilation
platelets: aggregation
Activation of the 5-HT2A receptor with DOI produces potent anti-inflammatory effects in several tissues including cardiovascular and gut. Other 5-HT2A agonists like LSD also have potent anti-inflammatory effects against TNF-alpha-induced inflammation.[24][25]
Activation of the 5-HT2A receptor in hypothalamus causes increases in hormonal levels of oxytocin, prolactin, ACTH, corticosterone, and renin.[26][27]

Aside from the widely recognized pupil dilation and muscle tension producing physiological effects, I'll add excessive tear duct secretion and mucous production (particularly with ayahuasca, in my experience).

 

[Yeetbeat]

Aside from the widely recognized pupil dilation and muscle tension producing physiological effects, I'll add excessive tear duct secretion and mucous production (particularly with ayahuasca, in my experience).

I agree - my eyes always get teary on shrooms and DMT.

 

[.:Holy::Toast:.]

I definitely don't get the spine straightening bit, LSD can actually give me shit posture and cause back pain.

I agree - my eyes always get teary on shrooms and DMT.

I can add MDMA to this list, although my tear ducts normally over secrete, this happens a lot more on MDMA.
So many times I'll be chilling at a rave and people will come up to me "Oh god dude are you crying? What's wrong?"
Nawwwww mang I just yawned or sneezed or something

 

[RhythmSpring]

Oh yeah, the yawning on tryptamines.

As for eyebrow shape on cannabis. I notice mine and others' eyebrows tend to take on this shape: http://www.thomasmorecollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bach_col.jpg (and it sticks with frequent use) I know it seems silly. It's like a downward angle toward the center. See if you notice it too.

 

[Thanatos]

LSD produces profound muscle tension, especially in the mid-lower back.
Almost all psychs precipitate tachycardia, bruxism, and circulatory issues.

 

[Help?!?!]

Hmm I've always found it so variable its a bit hard to say in my experience. Usually phens will produce more of a "BL" along with like psood pointed out mucus production, sometimes increased salivation(happens with both phens/tryps), also with certain 5HT agonism like Atchen pointed out it can relax muscles making yoga very easy. Doubtful you'd be the only one to notice this, clearly like everything though its purpose is as it was meant to be inside the body but becomes a bit more "wacked" out, when things are taken outside. Comically though I have TMJ and have never had a problem with bruxism on any phen or tryp, admittedly it was nice to have some gum to chew on but I never noticed that portion of the side effects, as it stand though i'm amongst the pool that seems to get fairly lucky and not receive the majority of the side effects.