Ancestral Medicine & Modern Science - Final Report
Ancestral Medicine and Science: Investigating the Impact of Ayahuasca and Psilocybin on
Heart Rate Variability and Psychological Well-being - Final Report
By: Maria Paula Rodriguez Ortega
School of F.M.A.S
February, 2025
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Abstract
This study explores the physiological and psychological effects of ayahuasca and psilocybin on
heart rate variability (HRV) and subjective well-being. A total of 30 participants, aged 22 to 66,
partook in a 72-hour retreat at Camp Phoenix, engaging in guided psychedelic experiences
facilitated by trained spiritual and psychological professionals. HRV data were collected before
and after the experience using the BrainTap HRV device, with a randomized subset of nine
participants tested both before and after, while the remaining participants were tested only after.
Psychological assessments were conducted using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and
General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). The study aims to determine whether these substances
alter autonomic nervous system function and contribute to a sense of psychological
empowerment. The implications of this research could provide insights into the therapeutic
potential of these plant medicines.
Keywords: Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Autonomic Nervous System,
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, Psychological Well-being, Physiological Biomarkers, Holistic
Healing
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Method
Participants
A population of 30 individuals, aged 22 to 66, participated in a retreat at Camp Phoenix.
Five participants had no prior experience with ancestral medicines, while the others had previous
exposure. Nine participants were randomly selected from the group for pre- and post-experience
assessments. The ayahuasca ceremony was facilitated by Shaman Rosario (Chary), with the
assistance of Adrian Reyes. Coaching guidance was provided by Claudia (La Maga) and Mario
Cardona, who also facilitated the intake process for psilocybin and San Pedro. Professionals
from EWA Labs—Mario C., Ricardo M. (Rishua), and Adrian R.—were responsible for data
collection, protocols, and the management of BrainTap and NeuroCheck. Ethical approval and
informed consent were obtained.
Study Design and Measures
Once all participants were at the registration station, data entry was conducted for blood
pressure, weight, and height. A baseline HRV assessment was completed upon participant
registration on February 7, 2025, alongside initial psychological assessments using the PHQ-9
and GAD-7. San Pedro was administered on February 7, Ayahuasca was administered on
February 8, followed by psilocybin. A final HRV assessment was recorded on February 9.
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HRV Measures
HRV was assessed using the Neural-Check HRV device, examining the following parameters:
● Stress Index – Measures autonomic nervous system tension.
● Autonomic Nervous System Regulation – Evaluates sympathetic and parasympathetic
balance.
● Cardiovascular Adaptation – Assesses blood vessel responsiveness.
● Hormonal Regulation Index – Indicates neuro-hormonal function.
● Metabolic Energy Resources – Evaluates energy efficiency.
● Psycho-Emotional State Index – Reflects brain activity and emotional regulation.
● Spectrum of Brain Wave Activity – Estimates cognitive and emotional states.
● Fractal Analysis and Biorhythm Coherence – Assesses physiological rhythm
synchronization.
● Gerontological Performance Curve – Compares biological and chronological age.
● Functional State Indices – Measures overall health resilience.
Data Analysis
Statistical analysis was conducted to compare HRV changes before and after the
experience. Self-reported psychological effects were analyzed using pre- and post-surveys.
Methods such as paired t-tests were utilized for statistical significance testing (see references for
a full manual calculation). The paired t-test compared the differences between pre- and
post-measurements by calculating the mean of the differences, the standard deviation of the
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differences, and the t-statistic. For the calculation of the standard deviation, degrees of freedom
(df) were used as n−1, where n is the number of participants. A p-value was calculated to
determine whether the observed differences were statistically significant. If the p-value was less
than 0.05, the differences between pre- and post-measurements were considered statistically
significant, indicating that the treatment had a meaningful effect on participants.
Results
Statistical Findings
The statistical analysis of HRV measures before and after the psychedelic experience
yielded the following findings:
● Mean Differences (Before vs. After):
○ Metric A: +10.67
○ Metric B: +9.33
○ Metric C: +4.11
○ Metric D: +4.89
● Standard Deviations (showing variability in differences):
○ Metric A: 32.16
○ Metric B: 32.19
○ Metric C: 20.50
○ Metric D: 21.06
● t-Statistic & p-Value (Paired t-test):
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○ Metric A: t = 0.995, p = 0.349
○ Metric B: t = 0.870, p = 0.410
○ Metric C: t = 0.602, p = 0.564
○ Metric D: t = 0.696, p = 0.506
Discussion
While the data suggest positive trends in HRV parameters post-experience, the
p-values were all above 0.05, meaning that the observed changes are not statistically significant
at the 95% confidence level. The large standard deviations indicate high variability among
participants, suggesting that individual responses to the experience varied significantly.
Key Observations
● Participants with an open mindset toward the experience seemed to benefit more,
potentially highlighting the importance of psychological readiness in psychedelic-assisted
therapy.
● Metrics A and B showed the highest improvements, which relate to autonomic
function and stress regulation.
● A larger sample size and stricter controls may help reveal more conclusive evidence in
future research.
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Conclusion
This study provides valuable insights into the physiological and psychological effects of
San Pedro, ayahuasca and psilocybin, with indications of potential benefits for autonomic
regulation and emotional well-being. However, due to the high variability in responses and the
lack of statistical significance, further research with a larger population is needed to validate
these findings.
Personal Reflection
During this 72‐hour experience, I observed that dedicated effort and engagement not only
yielded better results but also significantly boosted overall well-being. True breakthroughs occur
when one actively commits to the process—a notion that resonates with Ramón y Cajal’s famous
assertion: “Any man could, if he were so inclined, be the sculptor of his own brain.” For many
participants, encountering their NeuroCheck results—a mathematical representation of their
physiological state—served as a powerful reminder to periodically assess and address
uncomfortable experiences in life. This tangible feedback fosters a deeper self-awareness,
empowering individuals to view themselves not only as the architects of their own well-being but
also as the primary caretakers of their bodies.
Furthermore, I believe that mere exposure to an experience does not necessarily drive
meaningful change. Rather, it is the proactive seeking of help—akin to promising biohacking
approaches—that truly catalyzes growth. The integration of diverse research and analytical
methods, which explore various pathways for personal development, addresses a fundamental
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human need: the desire for tools—whether a supportive environment, innovative medicine, or a
diagnostic device—that illuminate our progress, highlight our limitations, and offer practical
solutions. Ultimately, this journey is about more than just undergoing an experience; it is about
transforming oneself and achieving an upgrade in consciousness. This is precisely what
Biohacking and ancestral medicines are demonstrating and promoting.
STUDY BY MARIA PAULA RODRIGUEZ - EWA PSYCHOLOGIST
