The Development of the Hypnagogic Light Experience

Clinical psychologist Dr. Engelbert Winkler and his associate, neurologist Dr. Dirk Proeckl from Austria developed the Lucia Hypnagogic Light Machine.

The realization that near-death experiences can improve health or trigger spontaneous healing motivated the idea of “tapping” into this beneficial potential. In the process, it quickly became clear that even being confronted with these experiences can have a verifiable impact.

Fundamental changes in attitude ensue. Concerned persons often speak about a return to the essential. Even illness and suffering become illuminated with meaning. The therapeutic effect of the light experience is due to the stabilization of self-worth, since psychological impairment often goes hand in hand with low self-esteem.

Clients were exposed to authentic descriptions of near-death experiences. As a result, therapy processes could be shortened considerably and satisfactory results were achieved even in seemingly hopeless cases (for methodology, therapeutic materials and cases see “The Occidental Book Of Death And Dying” by Dr. Engelbert Winkler). Here, the focusing on the light experience considerably enhanced the effect, which led to the question whether it might be possible to further enhance the effect by simulating this experience. Taking advantage of the fact that key functional areas of the brain do not differentiate between imagination and real occurrences, Dr Engelbert Winkler and Dr Dirk Proeckl started working with external sources of light. At the same time, extensive fundamental research was conducted, the results of which can be summarized as follows:

The pineal gland of the brain serves, among others, to perceive brightness through closed eyelids. In death, it secretes Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT is also the central active substance in a South American plant known as “liana of death”. Indigenous healers claim that by consuming the plant they can reach a dimension of light where all healing starts. In the context of comprehensive research, Rick Strassmann (DMT – The Spirit Molecule, 2001) was able to prove that a massive release of DMT from the pineal gland is to be regarded as the neurological cause of near-death experiences. DMT is secreted directly into the liquor (brain fluid) and can thus reach the receptors in contact with brain fluid even after a cardiac arrest. After application of the corresponding DMT doses, Strassmann’s test persons repeatedly referred to impressive experiences in a supernatural light which they attributed healing and insight-inducing properties.

The brain is in a position to activate powers that can heal the body at any stage of illness. This phenomenon is known as spontaneous remission (sudden healing) and the subject of interdisciplinary research projects. Although it is unclear to date how the brain accomplishes this task, the persons concerned often describe sensations of light and warmth which they associate with this. For a long time, light has played a central role in the treatment of various illnesses. Whether in the treatment of depression, tumors or compulsive disorders, the range of possible applications seems unlimited.

At the climax of spiritual experience we again encounter light phenomena.

Light and consciousness reflect the dual nature of one and the same phenomenon. Light manifests as matter and energy, consciousness as body and mind. And just like light, consciousness stultifies any attempt to lift its secret. Nobody knows the true nature of light or consciousness.


Test series combining different sources of light with hypnosis techniques have yielded astonishing results. Subsequent to their “being in the light”, test persons reported not only the expected enhanced healing effect, but also:

  • Standstill of time

  • Dissolution in the light

  • Contact with the other side

  • Out-of-body experience

  • Mystical experiences