A Pilot Clinical Study of the Effects of AtmaSatsang («Digital Ayahuasca») on Physiological and Psycho-Emotional State and Cognitive Functions

Ph.D. Eva Ishchenko, Igor Ishchenko, and Ph.D. Nataliya Storozhylova.
The responsible researcher is the director of MuLabs, Ph.D. Francisco Marques Teixeira.
The customer is the International Academy of Atmalogiya OÜ.

The Authors of the Method

ЕVA (Eva Ishchenko)

◻️ Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
◻️ Founder and leading atmologist of the International Academy of Atmalogiya
◻️ President of the Atmalogiya Association
◻️ The author of Atmalogiya — an applied field of knowledge about human Essence
◻️ Happiness specialist with 17 years of experience

Bartho (Igor Ishchenko)

◻️ Educator, psychologist, healer
◻️ Founder of the «Atmahiling School»
◻️ Works with Amazonian medicine: rape, sananga, mapacha. Received initiation from the indigenous tribe of Huni Kuin
◻️ Studied System Constellations at the Wieslocher Institute for Systemic Solutions (Germany) and the Institute of Consulting and System Solutions (Moscow, Russia)

The Author of the Study

Nataliya Storozhylova

◻️ Ph.D. in Nanomedicine and pharmaceutical innovation (Spain)
◻️ Ph.D. in Glycochemistry and Glycobiology (France)
◻️ 14 years of professional experience in scientific research and development all around the world
◻️ > 100 experimental designs and studies (in vitro, in vivo, preclinical, and clinical)
◻️ Scientific consultant and innovator at Mindvalley in the field of digital solutions for wellness, biohacking, and longevity
◻️ Co-founder of WeVoice — digital immunity against stress. Development of innovative technological solutions for the wellness and mental health industry, based on voice stress detection, sound effects on brain rhythms, neurobiofeedback, emotional artificial intelligence, and psychotherapy.

Development of study protocols, management, and control at MuLabs (NIPC 513891277), Lisbon, Portugal.

Abstract

The paper presents data from a pilot study of the effects of AtmaSatsang digital therapy on the neurophysiology (biofeedback and neurofeedback) of 24 healthy volunteers. The research was conducted at the independent MuLabs laboratory (NIPC 513891277), Lisbon, Portugal, a leading EU laboratory in the field of studying the impact of digital therapies.

The research data confirmed, first of all, the effectiveness and safety of AtmaSatsang as a digital therapy, conducted remotely and without music, at all 3 investigated levels:

1) physiological
2) psycho-emotional
3) cognitive

One of the unique properties and benefits of AtmaSatsang has been confirmed, which is the consciousness expansion associated with it gamma brainwaves. It is the fastest brain frequency that synchronizes and harmonizes various remote brain areas. Gamma waves are associated with states of peak concentration and flow, allowing downloading and processing of information archives, and are responsible for expanding consciousness, channeling, and self-awareness (Jia X, Kohn A, 2011, Fries P, 2009, Vicente R et al, 2022). Such states can be achieved in individual cases in meditation as a result of many years of practice or with the help of plants of power—expanders of consciousness (Timmermann et al., 2023). Therefore, AtmaSatsang may be positioned as «Digital Ayahuasca» in the near future.
Also, when analyzing the study’s parameters, long-lasting positive effects of AtmaSatsang were found even after the end of the therapy, which does not happen in the case of other digital therapies we came across.

Introduction and the Subject of Research

Our universe, at its core, is a vibration (Gerard ‘t Hooft, 2000, Maldacena, 1999, Hawking, 1975). Any human emotion is energy in motion, and it has a vibrational frequency (Resonance: Beings of Frequency, 2013). Energy is formed and transformed. 

AtmaSatsang (a tool of Atmahealing, Atma — “activated Soul,” Satsang — “to be together”) is an energy practice that works with the Primary Light Frequencies, which increases the vibrations of a person, allowing them to remain at a relatively high level of vibrations, and, accordingly, cumulatively increase the vibrations of our planet. In AtmaSatsang, participants consciously and effortlessly work on the generation and movement of high-frequency energy and, as a result, the increase in the Schumann resonance of our planet (Pobachenko et al. 2006, BRMI, Schumann Resonances and their Effect on Human Bioregulation, 2020).

Unlike in meditation, where concentration and control of the mind are necessary, in AtmaSatsang the work happens with consciousness, activating its potential, which in turn positively affects the level of the mental, psycho-emotional, and physical body.
The main difference between Atmahealing sessions compared to other known to us energy healing work (Reiki, Cosmoenergetics, etc.) is the activation of one’s True Self, which we know as Atman — the Higher Self or Spirit, which is the inner core of wisdom, strength, and a source of self-healing and transformation. While other practices of energy healing (Reiki, Cosmoenergetics, etc.) use some external Cosmic or Spiritual Source, the energy of which is transmitted by the healer.

AtmaSatsang Research Hypothesis

The safety and efficacy of AtmaSatsang as a digital therapy to improve the performance of such levels of a person:

1) physiological,
2) psycho-emotional,
3) cognitive.

At the same time, to show that AtmaSatsang digital therapy works:

1) without the use of music,
2) remotely (modality: a remote therapy)

Purpose of the study

To assess the effect of AtmaSatsang digital therapy on the physiological and psycho-emotional state and cognitive functions of a person remotely and without music (to eliminate the effect of music on the study indicators).

In the first phase of the study, the primary goals were to confirm the safety and efficacy of a single “‎digital dose” of AtmaSatsang at the following levels:

1) physiological
2) psycho-emotional
3) cognitive

Research Conditions

The study was conducted in the MuLabs laboratory from January to May 2023 in the format of a digital therapy and without the use of music (the use of music is characteristic of the classic version of AtmaSatsang as an online product).

AtmaSatsang was conducted remotely, which means that the research participants were in a laboratory in Lisbon, while the Atmahealer (Bartho) was in the different place of the Earth, 2000 km away from the lab.

The study involved 24 volunteers who, after completing an online screening: BSI (Basic Symptom Questionnaire) and PSS (Perceived Stress Scale), were randomly assigned to undergo this therapy for 30 minutes. The average age was 35.6 years (18-52), gender of subjects: M = 3; F = 21.

Exclusions Criteria:

An individual who meets any of the following criteria were excluded from participation in this study:

1. Current use of medications for following mental health conditions; Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, BiPolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Attention Deficit Disorder, Panic Attack Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In addition, those with past history of substance abuse disorders.

2.     Current use of medications for the following physical health conditions; Hypertension, Arrhythmias, Disorders of the Central Nervous System. 

3.  Implanted pace parker for cardiovascular conditions

5.  Hearing deficits such as deafness or hard of hearing.  

6.  Females that are knowingly pregnant.

The physiology of emotions was monitored according to the following parameters:

— Brain Activity through Electroencephalogram (EEG)

— Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability (HR/HRV) through Electrocardiogram (ECG)

— Arousal through Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) 

Regarding the psychological categorization of the Immersive Experience of of our digital therapy, we used Russell’s emotion circumplex model of human emotions.

In the model, emotions are distributed in a two-dimensional plane. The x-axis represents valence and the y-axis represents arousal. Valence refers to the positive and negative degree of emotion and arousal refers to the intensity of emotion.

Methods and equipment used in the study

Physiological measures, including heart rate, EEG and GSR, were taken before the therapy (5 minutes), during the therapy (30 minutes) and after (5 minutes), participants also completed self-reported questionnaires to assess emotional and mental states and performed a neurocognitive test (CPT — Continuous Performance Task) before and after the therapy.

AIDLAB

We used AIDLab chest device, a device that can be worn as a chest strap and uses single-channel ECG signals to measure R-R intervals. Additionally, we will capture Breathing Patterns through Respiratory Rate (RR) is a metric of activation/relaxation. The Respiratory Rate is measured in breath per minute (bpm). 

Emotiv Flex

Regarding the Central Nervous system, we used the Emotiv Flex device (19 electrodes), the Neuroguide EEG processing routines, and our proprietary software BBGuide for behavioral correlations. EEG measures voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic current within the neurons of the brain.

MINDFIELD E-SENSE

The Skin Response measures the Skin Conductance in Micro Siemens or μSiemens. We used the Mindfield E-Sense — a small sensor to measure your skin conductance between two Velcro electrodes attached to the index- and middle fingers.

Galvanic skin response (GSR), which falls under the umbrella term of electrodermal activity, refers to changes in sweat gland activity that are reflective of the intensity of our emotional state, otherwise known as emotional arousal. Emotional Arousal is a metric of activation/relaxation. 

Participants were connected to the research equipment thorough the whole measurement process of control and experiment (AtmaSatsang therapy) and received the therapy in noise-cancelling headphones without music, in a comfortable lying position on a laboratory couch in a climate-controlled room under the supervision of the researchers.

Research Protocol

1. Screening Online: BSI (Basic Symptom Questionnaire) and PSS (Perceived Stress Scale)
2. Receiving the test subject
3. Signing of GDPR consent form (General Data Protection Regulation)
4. Explanation of the test and the therapy without revealing key features of each
5. Moving to the data collection room
6. Discrete Emotion Questionnaire PRE (control)
7. CPT (continuous performance task) PRE  (control)
8. Setting up research equipment
9. 5 min Pre-Baseline condition (control, BL1)
10. 30 min AtmaSatsang Remote Therapy (experiment)
11. 5 min Post-Baseline condition (control, BL2)
12. CPT (continuous performance task) POST (control)
13. Discrete emotion questionnaire POST (control)
14. General Client Specific Questions Questionnaire

EEG Data Processing and Analysis

1. We performed an artifact correction;
2. We Performed an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform);
3. We computed the power (Amplitude Squared) of the Theta, Alpha and Beta Frequency Band, Delta and Gamma.
4. We did mean comparisons of the overall brain topographic maps between the baseline and the Therapy;
5. We calculated the relative percentage of those differences;
6. We performed Paired Sample T-Tests to understand the p-value of the differences found;

Study Results and Discussion

Although there is already evidence that remoty therapies have a positive effect on human health and well-being (Wang C. et al, 2023), there are still many open questions in understanding the detailed mechanism of how these therapies work.

In the course of conducting research on the effects of AtmaSatsang therapy, we discovered: 

A statistically significant decrease in the activity of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which was manifested in a decrease in heart rate and an increase in HRV.

A statistically significant decrease in the activity of the central nervous system (CNS), caused by an increase in Delta and Theta activity of the brain.

A non-significant decrease in Emotional Engagement shown by Frontal Alpha Asymmetry data.

Statistically significant decrease in Emotional Valence (i.e. decreased excitation/anxiety, more clam).

On the Physiological level we found down-regulation:

80% of subjects decreased HR during the AtmaSatsang therapy and 

65% of subjects decreased HR after the AtmaSatsang experience and

80% of subjects decreased HR after the AtmaSatsang therapy compared with BL1

While:
75% of subjects increased HRV during the AtmaSatsang therapy and 

55% have kept HRV increased after the AtmaSatsang therapy

Which correlates well, since these parameters are opposite, when one decreases, the other necessarily increases.

To assess the effect of tepary at the level of neurophysiology, it is necessary to briefly summarize information about brain waves. They are electrical patterns generated by neurons in the brain. Neurons fire at different frequencies at different times. Scientists classify brain waves based on the rhythm in which they are triggered. Frequency is simply the time that elapses between one flash and the next one. This frequency is measured in cycles per second or Hertz (Hz). In fact, it shows how many flashes occur per second.

Brain rhythms are associated with various states of consciousness, cognitive processes, and emotional states. In the classical sense, there are several types of brain waves that can be transmitted by the human brain, each of which has its own frequency range and characteristics. The main brain frequency bands are::

Delta (0.5 — 4 Hz): Delta waves are the slowest brainwaves and are typically observed during deep sleep or in some meditative states. They are associated with the restorative processes of the body, recovery, as well as deep unconsciousness and unconscious mental activities.

Theta (4 — 8 Hz): Theta waves are often seen during light sleep, deep meditation, and daydreaming. They are also associated with creativity, intuition, and deep relaxation. Theta waves are significant in accessing the subconscious mind and can be crucial for memory consolidation and learning.

Alpha (8 — 12 Hz): Alpha waves are dominant when the brain is in a relaxed state with eyes closed but awake. They are commonly observed during meditation, relaxation, and light mindfulness practices. Alpha waves are associated with a calm and focused mental state.

Beta (12 — 30 Hz): Beta waves are associated with active, alert, and focused mental states. They dominate during waking hours and are further divided into three subcategories:

1. Low beta (12 — 15 Hz): Associated with normal waking consciousness, problem-solving, and decision-making.
2. Mid beta (15 — 20 Hz): Seen during active thinking, analyzing, and processing information.
3. High beta (20 — 30 Hz): Associated with intense concentration, anxiety, and stress.

Gamma (30 — 100 Hz): Gamma waves are the fastest brainwaves and are involved in complex cognitive processes, memory recall, and the integration of information from different brain regions. They are associated with heightened states of consciousness, peak performance, and moments of insight, channeling and heightened self-awareness.

Importantly, these brain waves are not discrete categories, the brain’s activity is not limited to a single frequency band at any given time, but rather they exist on a continuous spectrum. Different brainwave frequencies can coexist and interact, representing the complexity of mental processes and emotions experienced by an individual. The dominant brain wave patterns depend on the person’s mental and emotional state, as well as their level of arousal and activity. Thus, understanding brainwave patterns can provide valuable insights into various mental states and may have implications for medical, psychological, and cognitive research (Priyanka A., et al, 2016).

Understanding of brain waves and related to it states has practical applications in various fields such as neurology, psychology, and neurobiotherapy. Researchers continue to study the intricacies of brain wave activity to better understand brain function and potential applications in areas such as well-being, mental health, cognitive enhancement, brain-computer interface, and more.

One of the main methods that measures the voltage fluctuations that occur as a result of the ionic current in the neurons of the brain — the electrical activity of the brain — is electroencephalography (EEG).

In such a way, the EEG showed a down-regulation, on the mental level that:

68% of participants had increased Delta activity during AtmaSatsang therapy,

73% of subjects increased Frontal Theta after the AtmaSatsang therapy compared with the BL1,

64% of subjects increased Posterior Theta during the AtmaSatsang therapy and, 

68% of subjects increased Theta after the AtmaSatsang therapy compared with the BL1.

And also,

46% of subjects demonstrated Gamma activity during AtmaSatsang therapy compared to BL1 and BL2.

At the psycho-emotional level, taking into account the data of 24 tested subjects, we found a decrease in the following indicators:

86% reported less anxiety after the AtmaSatsang therapy,

77% reported less sadness after the AtmaSatsang therapy,

86% reported more relaxed after the AtmaSatsang therapy,

The happiness level increased within margin of error.

The research has shown that AtmaSatsang therapy results in significant reduction of anxiety and sadness and increased relaxation. This suggests that AtmaSatsang can effectively promote emotional regulation and well-being.

Regarding Russell’s emotional model, it can be seen that during BL1, participants were in the upper right quadrant of the schema due to high levels of arousal and high emotional engagement (valence).

Subjects experience increased arousal and emotional engagement during therapy, and this remains fairly high during BL2.

—   Before Therapy (BL1)

—   AtmaSatsang Therapy

—   — After Therapy (BL2)  

Physiological Results PNS  — Heart Rate (ECG) to assess excitement/stress

We performed a mean comparison between the Average Heart Rate in bpm (beats per minute) between BL1 and Therapy and BL2 and found significant differences between BL1 condition, the AtmaSatsang Therapy condition and the BL2 condition.

PNS — heart rate variability (HRV) — physiological coherence

We performed a mean comparison between the mean heart rate variability in ms (milliseconds) between BL1 and the therapy condition, and BL2. From the results, it can be concluded that there are significant differences between the BL1 condition and the AtmaSatsang therapy condition, as well as between the BL1 and BL2 conditions, but not between the AtmaSatsang therapy and the BL2 condition, indicating a long-term reversal of the therapy effects.

Cognitive Performance Results

CNS — frontal zone (Fz) Delta Brain Frequency 

We performed a mean comparison between the Average Delta Frequency Band in microvolts (mV) and the Baseline and Therapy in 22/24 subjects. There are significant differences regarding frontal Delta activity between the BL1 and the AtmaSatsang, but no significant differences between the AtmaSatsang and the BL2. This indicates an ongoing process and continuous effects, which haven’t been noticed in the case of other digital therapies.

CNS — Frontal (Fz) Theta Brain Frequency 

We performed a mean comparison between the Average Theta Frequency Band in microvolts (mV) and the BL1, Therapy and BL2 in 22/24 subjects. We found significant differences between BL1 and BL2, signifying less mind wandering and less cognitive awareness after the therapy.

CNS — Posterior Parietal (Pz) Theta Brain Frequency

We performed a mean comparison between the Average Theta Frequency Band in microvolts (mV) and the BL1, Therapy and BL2 in 22/24 subjects. We found significant differences regarding the Posterior Theta activity of the BL1 and the AtmaSatsang, and between BL1 and BL2, but there are no significant differences between the AtmaSatsang and the state of BL2. This indicates an ongoing process and continuous effects, visual activation/inactivation, and theta-specific states.

CNS — Frontal (Fz) Beta Brain Frequency 

We performed a mean comparison between the Average Beta Frequency Band in microvolts (mV) and the BL1, Therapy and BL2 in 22/24 subjects. There are significant differences regarding Frontal Beta activity between the BL1 and BL2 conditions, but there are no significant differences between AtmaSatsang and BL2. This also indicates an ongoing process and continuous effects.

CNS — Posterior Parietal (Pz) Gamma Brain Frequency

We performed a mean comparison between the Average Gamma Frequency Band in microvolts (mV) and the BL1, Therapy and BL2 in 22/24 subjects. Gamma activity was detected in 46% of the study participants. A change in gamma activity is a powerful indicator of profound effects on consciousness and rarely shows up in the studies of such therapies. There are no significant differences regarding Posterior Gamma activity between the BL1 and the AtmaSatsang Therapy nor between the BL1 and BL2 Conditions. But there is a borderline significance between the AtmaSatsang Condition and the BL2 Condition. 

Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms of action of this digital therapy, as well as the optimal conditions for using AtmaSatsang as a digital tool to improve human health and well-being.

Conclusions and Perspectives

The study has shown that AtmaSatsang therapy at the physiological level reduced heart rate and increased heart rate variability that together indicate a state of relaxation, reduced stress, overall balanced autonomic nervous system activity, and improvement in physiological performance. These findings could be associated with a more resilient and adaptive cardiovascular system, as well as improved emotional regulation and cognitive functioning.

At the psycho-emotional level, AtmaSatsang therapy led to a significant reduction in anxiety and sadness and increased relaxation on a psycho-emotional level. AtmaSatsang effectively promotes emotional regulation and well-being.

At the cognitive level, AtmaSatsang therapy resulted in high frontal delta and theta activity according to EEG data indicating a decrease in the activity of the frontal lobes of the brain. Increased theta wave activity in the frontal lobes can indicate increased relaxation, meditative states, and deep sleep, which can improve overall mental well-being.

High values of theta activity according to EEG data indicate a decrease in the activity of the posterior parietal lobe of the brain. The posterior parietal lobe controls visual processing, images, associations, and the sensorimotor area. Therefore, increased theta wave activity in the posterior lobe may indicate decreased mobility, somatic activation, and imagination (relaxation, sleep).

The study also found that AtmaSatsang induced high gamma activity in EEG data in the posterior parietal lobe of the brain in 46% of study participants. Gamma activity is often involved in the binding of information from different brain regions, synchronizing and harmonizing different and distant brain areas, creating a more coherent state, and is thought to play a role in higher-order brain functions, expanded states of consciousness, and heightened self-awareness. Increased posterior lobe activity, as indicated by high gamma activity, can have several implications in a neurophysiological study:

• Visual Processing: The occipital lobe, located in the posterior part of the brain, is primarily responsible for visual processing. High gamma activity in this region may indicate increased neural processing related to visual perception and object recognition.
• Attention and Perception: The parietal lobe, also part of the posterior region, is involved in attention, spatial awareness, and integrating sensory information from multiple modalities. High gamma activity in this area might suggest enhanced attentional focus or heightened perception of sensory stimuli.
• Memory Formation: Gamma activity is believed to be involved in memory formation and consolidation. Increased gamma activity in the posterior region may indicate enhanced memory-related processing.

Also, when analyzing several indicators, long-lasting positive effects of AtmaSatsang were found even after the end of the therapy, which does not happen in the case of other digital therapies.

The results of the pilot study are very encouraging, though further research is needed to fully understand the specific mechanisms underlying these effects of AtmaSatsang therapy.
At the next stage are planned longitudinal studies of AtmaSatsang as a digital therapy to assess the long-term effects on human health and well-being.

Supplementary materials of the Study are available on the authors’ page.

CERTIFICATE the research recognition in the EU:

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