The document discusses a ritual involving the psychedelic substance bufotenin, which is extracted from the glands of the Sonoran Desert toad. It describes a participant's experience taking the substance under the guidance of Dr. Octavio Rettig, a Mexican surgeon who investigates the therapeutic properties of bufotenin. The experience involved intense visions and a loss of sense of self. After returning from the experience, the participant felt deep gratitude, peace, and a new understanding. While Dr. Rettig warns it is not for everyone and can be frightening, he asserts it has helped many with addictions and other issues, and shares an ancient wisdom different from recreational drug use.
Octavio Rettig, a surgeon and midwife, maintains a well considered argument. He is a Mexican doctor who investigates the therapeutic properties of bufotenin or 5-MeO-DMT. He came to Spain to give the substance to a group. I witnessed the ritual and spoke with him.
Octavio Rettig, a surgeon and midwife, maintains a well considered argument. He is a Mexican doctor who investigates the therapeutic properties of bufotenin or 5-MeO-DMT. The toad medicine is the subject of his investigation, a substance extracted from the glands of an indigenous species of the Sonoran Desert and one which he brings to people all over the world for healing and initiatory purposes.
Ultimate way to end human suffering.
The only way to gain cosmic energy.
The discovery of the force which is controlling the whole universe.
Seek your own Truth. Be your own leader. Be your own Guru. There is no savior. Try to distinguish between the Truth and the falsehood.
Healing beyond medicine. Ultimate way to heal the body and Mind.
The only solution to the problem of mankind.
Think beyond traditions. Think beyond scriptures.
Octavio Rettig, a surgeon and midwife, maintains a well considered argument. He is a Mexican doctor who investigates the therapeutic properties of bufotenin or 5-MeO-DMT. He came to Spain to give the substance to a group. I witnessed the ritual and spoke with him.
Octavio Rettig, a surgeon and midwife, maintains a well considered argument. He is a Mexican doctor who investigates the therapeutic properties of bufotenin or 5-MeO-DMT. The toad medicine is the subject of his investigation, a substance extracted from the glands of an indigenous species of the Sonoran Desert and one which he brings to people all over the world for healing and initiatory purposes.
Ultimate way to end human suffering.
The only way to gain cosmic energy.
The discovery of the force which is controlling the whole universe.
Seek your own Truth. Be your own leader. Be your own Guru. There is no savior. Try to distinguish between the Truth and the falsehood.
Healing beyond medicine. Ultimate way to heal the body and Mind.
The only solution to the problem of mankind.
Think beyond traditions. Think beyond scriptures.
Franz Anton Mesmer animal magnetism . Public lecture by Miroslaw Magola.Miroslaw Magola
Paranormal phenomenon of Biophysics.
The terms "human magnetism" or "animal magnetism" came into use around 200 years ago, in the time of such well known figures as Franz Anton Mesmer, the famous healer and hypnotist and later other experimental research scientists like Hector Durville and Albert de Rochas.
Although it is called such, it is not a magnetic force in the usual sense of the word. It would be much more accurate to say it is a concentrated will power that results in such fascinating phenomenon such as magnetism among other strange effects.
NVBDCP.pptx Nation vector borne disease control programSapna Thakur
NVBDCP was launched in 2003-2004 . Vector-Borne Disease: Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journeygreendigital
Tom Selleck, an enduring figure in Hollywood. has captivated audiences for decades with his rugged charm, iconic moustache. and memorable roles in television and film. From his breakout role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. to his current portrayal of Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. Selleck's career has spanned over 50 years. But beyond his professional achievements. fans have often been curious about Tom Selleck Health. especially as he has aged in the public eye.
Follow us on: Pinterest
Introduction
Many have been interested in Tom Selleck health. not only because of his enduring presence on screen but also because of the challenges. and lifestyle choices he has faced and made over the years. This article delves into the various aspects of Tom Selleck health. exploring his fitness regimen, diet, mental health. and the challenges he has encountered as he ages. We'll look at how he maintains his well-being. the health issues he has faced, and his approach to ageing .
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Athletic Beginnings
Tom Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. From an early age, he was involved in sports, particularly basketball. which played a significant role in his physical development. His athletic pursuits continued into college. where he attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. This early involvement in sports laid a strong foundation for his physical health and disciplined lifestyle.
Transition to Acting
Selleck's transition from an athlete to an actor came with its physical demands. His first significant role in "Magnum P.I." required him to perform various stunts and maintain a fit appearance. This role, which he played from 1980 to 1988. necessitated a rigorous fitness routine to meet the show's demands. setting the stage for his long-term commitment to health and wellness.
Fitness Regimen
Workout Routine
Tom Selleck health and fitness regimen has evolved. adapting to his changing roles and age. During his "Magnum, P.I." days. Selleck's workouts were intense and focused on building and maintaining muscle mass. His routine included weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises. and specific training for the stunts he performed on the show.
Selleck adjusted his fitness routine as he aged to suit his body's needs. Today, his workouts focus on maintaining flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. He incorporates low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and light weightlifting. This balanced approach helps him stay fit without putting undue strain on his joints and muscles.
Importance of Flexibility and Mobility
In recent years, Selleck has emphasized the importance of flexibility and mobility in his fitness regimen. Understanding the natural decline in muscle mass and joint flexibility with age. he includes stretching and yoga in his routine. These practices help prevent injuries, improve posture, and maintain mobilit
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/lK81BzxMqdo
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/Ve4P0COk9OI
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
- Link to NephroTube social media accounts: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/join-nephrotube-on-social-media.html
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
Franz Anton Mesmer animal magnetism . Public lecture by Miroslaw Magola.Miroslaw Magola
Paranormal phenomenon of Biophysics.
The terms "human magnetism" or "animal magnetism" came into use around 200 years ago, in the time of such well known figures as Franz Anton Mesmer, the famous healer and hypnotist and later other experimental research scientists like Hector Durville and Albert de Rochas.
Although it is called such, it is not a magnetic force in the usual sense of the word. It would be much more accurate to say it is a concentrated will power that results in such fascinating phenomenon such as magnetism among other strange effects.
NVBDCP.pptx Nation vector borne disease control programSapna Thakur
NVBDCP was launched in 2003-2004 . Vector-Borne Disease: Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journeygreendigital
Tom Selleck, an enduring figure in Hollywood. has captivated audiences for decades with his rugged charm, iconic moustache. and memorable roles in television and film. From his breakout role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. to his current portrayal of Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. Selleck's career has spanned over 50 years. But beyond his professional achievements. fans have often been curious about Tom Selleck Health. especially as he has aged in the public eye.
Follow us on: Pinterest
Introduction
Many have been interested in Tom Selleck health. not only because of his enduring presence on screen but also because of the challenges. and lifestyle choices he has faced and made over the years. This article delves into the various aspects of Tom Selleck health. exploring his fitness regimen, diet, mental health. and the challenges he has encountered as he ages. We'll look at how he maintains his well-being. the health issues he has faced, and his approach to ageing .
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Athletic Beginnings
Tom Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. From an early age, he was involved in sports, particularly basketball. which played a significant role in his physical development. His athletic pursuits continued into college. where he attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. This early involvement in sports laid a strong foundation for his physical health and disciplined lifestyle.
Transition to Acting
Selleck's transition from an athlete to an actor came with its physical demands. His first significant role in "Magnum P.I." required him to perform various stunts and maintain a fit appearance. This role, which he played from 1980 to 1988. necessitated a rigorous fitness routine to meet the show's demands. setting the stage for his long-term commitment to health and wellness.
Fitness Regimen
Workout Routine
Tom Selleck health and fitness regimen has evolved. adapting to his changing roles and age. During his "Magnum, P.I." days. Selleck's workouts were intense and focused on building and maintaining muscle mass. His routine included weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises. and specific training for the stunts he performed on the show.
Selleck adjusted his fitness routine as he aged to suit his body's needs. Today, his workouts focus on maintaining flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. He incorporates low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and light weightlifting. This balanced approach helps him stay fit without putting undue strain on his joints and muscles.
Importance of Flexibility and Mobility
In recent years, Selleck has emphasized the importance of flexibility and mobility in his fitness regimen. Understanding the natural decline in muscle mass and joint flexibility with age. he includes stretching and yoga in his routine. These practices help prevent injuries, improve posture, and maintain mobilit
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/lK81BzxMqdo
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/Ve4P0COk9OI
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
- Link to NephroTube social media accounts: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/join-nephrotube-on-social-media.html
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
Acute scrotum is a general term referring to an emergency condition affecting the contents or the wall of the scrotum.
There are a number of conditions that present acutely, predominantly with pain and/or swelling
A careful and detailed history and examination, and in some cases, investigations allow differentiation between these diagnoses. A prompt diagnosis is essential as the patient may require urgent surgical intervention
Testicular torsion refers to twisting of the spermatic cord, causing ischaemia of the testicle.
Testicular torsion results from inadequate fixation of the testis to the tunica vaginalis producing ischemia from reduced arterial inflow and venous outflow obstruction.
The prevalence of testicular torsion in adult patients hospitalized with acute scrotal pain is approximately 25 to 50 percent
Ozempic: Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Saeid Safari
Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists like Ozempic and Semiglutide
ASA GUIDELINE
NYSORA Guideline
2 Case Reports of Gastric Ultrasound
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Oleg Kshivets
RESULTS: Overall life span (LS) was 2252.1±1742.5 days and cumulative 5-year survival (5YS) reached 73.2%, 10 years – 64.8%, 20 years – 42.5%. 513 LCP lived more than 5 years (LS=3124.6±1525.6 days), 148 LCP – more than 10 years (LS=5054.4±1504.1 days).199 LCP died because of LC (LS=562.7±374.5 days). 5YS of LCP after bi/lobectomies was significantly superior in comparison with LCP after pneumonectomies (78.1% vs.63.7%, P=0.00001 by log-rank test). AT significantly improved 5YS (66.3% vs. 34.8%) (P=0.00000 by log-rank test) only for LCP with N1-2. Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: phase transition (PT) early-invasive LC in terms of synergetics, PT N0—N12, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells- CC and blood cells subpopulations), G1-3, histology, glucose, AT, blood cell circuit, prothrombin index, heparin tolerance, recalcification time (P=0.000-0.038). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and PT early-invasive LC (rank=1), PT N0—N12 (rank=2), thrombocytes/CC (3), erythrocytes/CC (4), eosinophils/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), segmented neutrophils/CC (8), stick neutrophils/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10); leucocytes/CC (11). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (area under ROC curve=1.0; error=0.0).
CONCLUSIONS: 5YS of LCP after radical procedures significantly depended on: 1) PT early-invasive cancer; 2) PT N0--N12; 3) cell ratio factors; 4) blood cell circuit; 5) biochemical factors; 6) hemostasis system; 7) AT; 8) LC characteristics; 9) LC cell dynamics; 10) surgery type: lobectomy/pneumonectomy; 11) anthropometric data. Optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for LC are: 1) screening and early detection of LC; 2) availability of experienced thoracic surgeons because of complexity of radical procedures; 3) aggressive en block surgery and adequate lymph node dissection for completeness; 4) precise prediction; 5) adjuvant chemoimmunoradiotherapy for LCP with unfavorable prognosis.
The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male mammalian reproductive system
It is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system and is located in front of the rectum and just below the urinary bladder
Function is to store and secrete a clear, slightly alkaline fluid that constitutes 10-30% of the volume of the seminal fluid that along with the spermatozoa, constitutes semen
A healthy human prostate measures (4cm-vertical, by 3cm-horizontal, 2cm ant-post ).
It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder. It has anterior, median, posterior and two lateral lobes
It’s work is regulated by androgens which are responsible for male sex characteristics
Generalised disease of the prostate due to hormonal derangement which leads to non malignant enlargement of the gland (increase in the number of epithelial cells and stromal tissue)to cause compression of the urethra leading to symptoms (LUTS
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
Ocular injury ppt Upendra pal optometrist upums saifai etawah
The toad of revelations
1. The Toad of Revelations
Before meeting him, one could expect a charlatan (the distrust after so many
pseudo-miraculous substances has made us skeptics about everything
encompassed under the broad umbrella of "drugs"). But Octavio Rettig, a
surgeon and midwife, maintains a well considered argument. He is a
Mexican doctor who investigates the therapeutic properties of bufotenin or 5-
MeO-DMT. He came to Spain to give the substance to a group. I witnessed
the ritual and spoke with him. After the interview, he asked timidly, "Are you
going to take the medicine?" I knew in that moment I would. The toad
medicine is the subject of his investigation, a substance extracted from the
glands of an indigenous species of the Sonoran Desert and one which he
brings to people all over the world for healing and initiatory purposes. This
was my experience:
Stood still, facing the sun, the process begins with deep, conscious breaths (as
I have so often done in yoga). Then begins the chanting, deep tribal sounds as
he gently pats me on the back. Octavio prepares the dried flakes from the
toad in a glass pipe. He brings it to my mouth as he repeats to me "breathe
in, breathe in." The effect is immediate. As the smoke reaches your lungs, the
soul escapes like the zoom of a camera, a centrifugal force that seems to absorb
you. All fades to black. Then comes a barrage of faces, they come at you,
staring at you. They are people that you know, some of them forgotten. You
lose awareness of your body, the here, the now, the before, the past, the
distant, the old, everything is blended together. Something abandons you.
Something possesses you. I couldn’t say how much time passed and I don’t
know if it matters. Later I was told that it had not been more than five
minutes and that I seemed to be immersed in a sweet sensation. I felt
something shake me violently although nothing was physically acted out.
Others that I’d seen in the trance writhed on the floor and cried out or
brought their hands to their heads.
It’s an initiatory journey, a trip to the primeval. Images piled one upon the
other with their own syntax. The mind rebels, wants to control, wants to
direct, as it always does, every day. The spirit fights, fights until you let go
2. and then all is still. I saw a channel, a spiral with geometric figures at the end,
in a brilliant, vivid blue. I felt as if I was passing through it. Rebirth, some
call it; the opening of one’s eyes to a new, recovered and reinterpreted world.
I looked for his face. Octavio. On seeing him I knew I was back. He was
waiting for me. I felt he’d looked after me, touched me, sung to me,
accompanied me and massaged my fears. He’d understood me and I felt it (he
himself smokes a little with each person, "it helps me to vibrate on the same
wavelength," he says). He was waiting for me with a smile, his palms together
over his chest. I felt a deep gratitude towards him. I thanked him for the
ritual, for sharing with me what I had felt, for showing me, for taking me
there and for looking after me. I had a huge smile, peace, understanding ...
although I don’t quite know why, from everything, or from nothing. There
was a group hug as the girls from the group all joined together. And I
recognised one of them. She had gone before me on the trip but now I saw
her as if for the first time. We had never spoken but I recognised her “from
ages past” as she put it; a mutual connection that comes from ... I don’t quite
know how to say it, but one that in any case, is there. The feeling of tuning in
to a stranger comes over you. You connect with everyone, with the
environment. Several days later, the feeling continued.
It’s difficult to explain. Words just don’t do it justice or come off sounding
like hallucinogenic drug clichés. But this is no recreational drug, it’s more of
an initiation, an ancestral medicine, as Dr. Octavio Rettig explained to me
that morning. Later I understood. Even though this Mexican doctor has
been investigating it for nine years, even though he’s given some 8000 doses to
5000 people and has taken it himself on numerous occasions, he still finds it
something difficult to communicate and warns that it is not something he
would recommend to everyone.
From the outside it may seem, as perhaps in this testimony, a hackneyed
homage to hallucinogenic drugs. It’s not a question of defending or justifying
it, nor of convincing anyone or pushing them to try it. There are no
certainties, only intuitions. Each person knows. It’s not a recreational drug,
in fact it’s actually frightening. I saw people writhing, foaming at the mouth,
with a lost gaze and an abandoned will. I have seen, for what seemed
3. interminable moments, a contorted body that seemed to be face to face with
something terrible. Then came relaxation.
I also acknowledge that it’s brought me peace, an expanded understanding as
well as empathy and a sense of communion with others. It’s been something
far more than the taking of a drug. I felt that I participated in an atavistic
ritual, induced by the sun and surroundings and the ancestral chants. As the
days pass, one feels peace, serenity and a delight whose source is unknown,
like the spontaneous smiles that come when you begin to fall in love. You see
things differently, like when you look at those three dimensional posters that
were so popular a few years ago, which at first glance look flat but after a
while, by gazing beyond them, you perceive depth and volume. Once learnt,
one can effortlessly see in them a third dimension. Dr. Rettig asserts that this
way of seeing everything remains with time and uses the simile of the Matrix
movie to try to explain the process of becoming aware of another reality.
As time passes, the joy whose source is unknown is established within. There
is a great deal of hypocrisy surrounding drugs; alcohol has more devastating
effects than a substance that comes from an endangered toad of the Sonoran
Desert but it is socially sanctioned. I’ve seen people vomit after drinking too
much and even lose consciousness. No one is shocked but concerned counsel
will rain down on you if you begin to speak of an experience that they don’t
know how to classify. It’s not for everyone; it most certainly isn’t without
having a knowledgeable guide and I wouldn’t encourage anyone to catch a
toad in a jar (as I’ve read in an internet forum, written by a Mexican in the
Sonora desert who was asking for advice as to how to obtain the
hallucinogenic substance). But there is something in this experience worth
sharing and within it an ancient wisdom that escapes being defined as “just
another high”.
The toad medicine is a substance extracted from the glands of a species only
found in the Sonora Desert of Mexico. It’s a peculiar animal that leaves its
hideout for two months of the year and it is during this time that the liquid is
extracted and later dried in the sun. It is not otherwise manipulated and the
extraction does no harm to the animal.
Dr. Rettig has created the OTAC Foundation (the name that the Seri Indians
give the toad and one that curiously coincides with the first four letters of his
name, an auspicious sign) to protect the Bufo Alvarius. It is a non-profit
4. organisation that finances investigations into the nature of the substance. This
shaman, a term he doesn’t much favour, because he says, he has no healing
powers, travels the world to share in this ritual that has been known to rid
people of addictions as well as helping others through its revelatory experience.
He says that the toad medicine saved his life on two occasions. “Firstly it
helped me to beat my addiction to crack; secondly, when I was stung by a
poisonous spider to which there was no antidote - only my own immune
system could fight it. I was not getting better, I was in such pain that I
couldn’t sleep properly and I dreamt that they had to amputate my limb.
Having kept the toad medicine for two years, I took it again hoping for some
rest. The next day I had improved by eighty percent. The doctors who were
treating me began to take an interest in the substance and asked permission
from the health authorities to begin a documented investigation”, he says. His
studies have led him to conclude that all substances cannot be encompassed
under the single denomination of “drugs”. “There is a lot of confusion and
people think that medicine is the same thing as poison; that peyote is the same
as heroin and it’s not. This misunderstanding leads people to poison
themselves and causes serious public health problems all around the world”,
maintains Dr. Rettig.
Photos:
El doctor Octavio Rettig en un momento del ritual en Tarifa junto a
una participante. Foto: José Colón.
Dr. Octavio Rettig during the ritual in Tarifa next to a participant.
Al ‘volver’ recibí un abrazo colectivo. Reconfortante. Foto: José
Colón
On ‘returning’ I receive a group hug. Heartwarming.