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Biological foundations and beneficial effects of trance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2018

Michael J. Hove  and
Johannes Stelzer
Michael J. Hove
Affiliation:
Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA 01420. [email protected] Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
Johannes Stelzer
Affiliation:
Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany. [email protected] High-Field Magnetic Resonance Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, 72076 Tübngen, Germany.
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Abstract

Singh proposes a cultural evolutionary theory of shamanic practices, including trance. We argue that cultural factors are deeply intertwined with biological aspects in shaping shamanic practices, and the underlying biology is critical. We discuss the neural underpinnings of rhythm-induced trance, how they can facilitate insight, and how altered states can promote healing.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 41 , 2018 , e76
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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