The nature of the shamanic state of consciousness: a review.
Journal of psychoactive drugs January 1, 1989 P A Wright 20 citations
A common psychobiological process may underlie various altered states of consciousness (ASC) used by shamans, meditators, and mediums, but the shamanic state of consciousness (SSC) can be physiologically distinguished from possession trance states. A review of psychophysiological literature on trances and temporal lobe seizure conditions suggests that both SSC and possession trances involve hippocampal-septal stimulation, while possession states additionally involve the amygdala. This difference helps clarify the terms "shamanic," "shamanistic," and "mediumistic." The SSC appears to be physiologically and psychologically beneficial, and a genetic component likely influences one's ability to enter it and other ASC.