Subjects Able to Intentionally Heal in Lucid Dream, Study Finds
The findings of a groundbreaking new study on lucid dreaming are in and suggest that those trained in the practice not only see a dramatic improvement in their PTSD symptoms but may also experience change on a biological level.
Research into lucid dreams, in which one wakes up inside a dream, has produced a fascinating insight into the neurological features of this state. Most of the investigation thus far has been focused on mapping brain activity, which has shown the unique characteristics of the brain function of lucid dreamers.
Previously we reported on the preliminary findings of a study out of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, or IONS, the first of its kind to look at the potential for healing within a lucid dream, both on a psychological and physiological level.
Dr. Garret Yount is a molecular neurobiologist who led the study and updated us on the final findings of this extraordinary investigation.
“So in this study, we partnered with an awesome lucid dreaming teacher, Charlie Morley, and we had heard from him that his workshops with veterans with PTSD were really helpful in terms of reducing the symptoms of PTSD,” Yount said. “So, we partnered with him to basically bring a scientific lens to that, and the idea was to recruit folks with chronic PTSD, we included both veterans and non-veterans. They attended a one-week workshop from their home, and Charlie taught them how to achieve lucidity with the goal of transforming their trauma during the dreams. Then we, the research team, just tried to collect data along the way without interfering too much with the process.”
The participants were taught a variety of induction techniques and most had at least one lucid dream within the week. The initial results of the study were remarkable.
“The big finding was that PTSD symptoms decreased dramatically during the workshop, and amazingly it stayed that way all the way when we looked a month later. The testimonials from the people in the study were just so inspiring — they talked about for 10 years trying all kinds of therapy, and then in one week, boom, their life was changed, they were free of their nightmares. It was pretty incredible,” Yount said.
Researchers recently analyzed the data from a particularly unique component of the study.
“One of the really cool aspects of the study was we did an exploratory assessment of a biomarker,” Yount said. “So, we looked at an enzyme called amylase and we looked at levels of this — you can measure it in the saliva. We chose amylase because it’s been shown to be a marker of stress. For folks with PTSD, it acts differently, so it’s indicative of chronic sympathetic nervous system activation. So, we were looking at levels of amylase to see if it might show there was a general decrease in levels of stress after a healing lucid dreaming, and that’s exactly what we found. So, this means that their general stress levels went down. This was amazing, it was the first evidence ever of a physiological biomarker changing in relation to a healing lucid dream.
What can be the mechanism behind this phenomenon?
“So, my best guess about how it works is that this is a way to tap into the power of the unconscious mind in a way where you can really direct and manifest healing. This is oftentimes inhibited by our thinking brain, our thinking mind, and I think the sweet spot of this lucid dreaming is where you can kind of have a pact between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind to really bring about healing and just let it happen,” Yount said.
IONS is now planning a larger follow-up study. Should these results be replicated, the implications would be major.
“So, it’s exciting to see this physiological biomarker changing in association with the reduced PTSD symptoms, and it makes sense because of the relationship between the sympathetic nervous system,” Yount said. “It’s very exciting and has huge implications for the treatment of PTSD and other mental illnesses that are difficult to treat. But the fact that we found, for the first time, evidence of this physiological biomarker changing in relation to the healing lucid dream — has implications for illnesses that are more physically manifested. If you can change the level of an enzyme in your body through a healing lucid dream, that means you can change physical illnesses. So, I think this is tremendous and we have the opportunity to learn a lot about the healing power of the mind.”
IONS is currently recruiting participants for the follow-up study. Information is available at noetic.org
30 Meanings Behind Your Dream Symbols
Are dreams messages delivered to us from our subconscious? Or are they just last night’s pizza gone wrong?
Out of the average human night of sleep, we dream for 90 minutes to two hours or more each night. Sometimes, we might wake up amused, scared or confused about our dream time. Interestingly enough, there are several common dream themes that crop up in every culture and background, regardless of age, gender, or country.
Suzanne Bergmann, a licensed social worker and professional dream worker for more than 16 years, notes, “Dreams are a universal language, creating often elaborate images out of emotional concepts.”
Of course, not every single element of your dream has an unconscious meaning. Sometimes, it is just the pizza. To start noting important dreams, however, you should start keeping a dream journal with dates to compare your dreams to your situations. You can start understanding your subconscious in a fascinating way. Write in the present tense as if you’re re-living the dream, and underline any unusual or poignant aspects which are central to the story, or which instinctively attract your attention.
Then, take a look at these 30 symbols. Treat them as a simple starting point to jump off of and discover what they could mean for you.
1. Animals
They often represent the part of your psyche that feels connected to nature and survival. Being chased by a predator suggests you’re holding back repressed emotions like fear or aggression.
2. Babies
Little infants or toddlers can symbolize a literal desire to produce offspring, or your own vulnerability or need to feel loved. They can also signify a new start.
3. Being chased
This is one of the most common dream symbols in all cultures. It means you are feeling threatened, so reflect on who is chasing you (they may also be symbolic) and why they are a possible threat in real life.
4. Clothes
They make a statement about how we want other people to perceive us. If you dream symbol is shabby clothing, you may feel unattractive or worn out. Changing what you wear may reflect a lifestyle change.
5. Crosses
They are interpreted subjectively depending on your religious beliefs. Some see it as symbolizing balance, death, or an end to a particular phase of life. The specific circumstances will help define these dream symbols.
6. Exams
This can signify self-evaluation, with the content of the exam reflecting the part of your personality or life under inspection.
