Inside the Calm – Brainmap Reveals Low-5’s Rapid Emotional Reset
A 25-minute Brainmap of a therapist on vaporized Low-5 showed rapid stress reduction, improved emotional regulation, and stable cognition—highlighting its therapeutic potential.
By Annette Bradshaw, B.Sc., M.A., BCN
Registered Psychotherapist
As a neurofeedback expert, I recently had the opportunity to monitor and analyze a unique self-experiment conducted by a 49-year-old psychotherapist, who explored the effects of low-dose 5-MeO-DMT (Low-5) on her brain function. This study used Divergence Neuro’s Brainmap Reader and TheraQ software to generate neurofunctional metrics and insights over a structured 25-minute protocol. My role was to oversee the technology and data collection, ensuring accurate measurements while the participant self-administered Low-5 via a vape pen.
The Experiment
The experiment began with a baseline brain map. Brain maps were taken at five-minute intervals, including two additional brain maps at 20 and 25 minutes after the last dose, to observe the aftereffects. The participant remained calm and focused throughout the process, allowing for clean, uninterrupted data collection.
The Results
The results were compelling. Immediately after the first dose, the brain maps showed marked improvements in emotional regulation. Faster brainwave activity—often linked to anxiety and stress—diminished, while slower brainwaves associated with calmness and emotional stability increased. These changes were not just transient; they persisted across subsequent readings.
The data also revealed notable improvements in sleep-related brain activity. When the participant closed her eyes during the session, her brain exhibited patterns indicative of enhanced readiness for sleep. This suggests that Low-5 may support the brain’s ability to transition into a restful state, an area worthy of further exploration, particularly for those dealing with sleep disturbances.
Absence of Cognitive Impairment
Interestingly, cognitive performance metrics remained stable throughout the experiment. Despite Low-5's psychoactive nature, there was no evidence of cognitive impairment in the brain maps, which is an encouraging result for potential therapeutic applications. This stability ensures that the emotional and stress-related benefits of Low-5 do not come at the expense of mental clarity.
Stress and Trauma Response
The response to stress and trauma, however, showed a more complex pattern. Initially, there was a significant reduction in stress-related brainwave activity, aligning with what we often observe when individuals experience a calming effect. However, these metrics fluctuated during later readings. While the final reading still showed improvement compared to baseline, the data suggest that transient physical or psychological discomfort, such as the mild nausea reported during the session, may temporarily heighten stress responses.
Disconnect on After Effects
One particularly intriguing finding emerged during the later readings. While the participant reported feeling that the effects of Low-5 had worn off by the 20-minute mark, the brain maps indicated otherwise. Metrics associated with emotional regulation and stress resilience remained improved compared to baseline, highlighting a potential disconnect between subjective experience and objective neurofunctional changes. This observation raises fascinating questions about the subtler, ongoing effects of Low-5 that may continue influencing the brain after the conscious experience fades.
Overall, the speed and extent of the brain map changes suggest promising potential for Low-5 as a supportive tool, especially when combined with established neurofeedback approaches or psychotherapy. The rapid improvements in emotional regulation and sleep readiness stand out as promising potential applications of Low-5 in therapeutic contexts.
Further Research Needed
This single case study serves as a starting point rather than a definitive conclusion. While the participant’s brain maps showed clear and consistent benefits, further research is needed to understand the variability of responses across individuals, the long-term effects of repeated use, and optimal dosing strategies.
As a neurofeedback expert, I found this experiment to be an exciting glimpse into the potential of Low-5 as a therapeutic tool. The combination of emotional stabilization, enhanced sleep readiness, and the absence of cognitive impairment makes it a compelling candidate for further study. However, the fluctuations in stress and trauma metrics underscore the importance of careful monitoring and a structured approach, especially when working with individuals who may have significant trauma histories or sensitivities.
This study highlights Low-5's profound potential to create meaningful changes in brain function, including beyond the user’s conscious awareness. While more work is needed to understand its effects fully, the results are promising and suggest Low-5 could play a transformative role in future therapeutic interventions.