Neurophysiology and the Curative Possession Trance: The Chinese Case
Medical Anthropology Quarterly September 1, 1988 DOI: 10.1525/maq.1988.2.3.02a00070
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSpirit possession healing in prerevolutionary China illustrates universal features of possession trance. The article examines social-psychological and neurophysiological explanations for how trance is induced and how it heals, using Chinese examples. Questions for future research are proposed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | Spirit possession healing in prerevolutionary China exemplifies universal features of possession trance, with trance induction and healing effects explained by social-psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms. |
Abstract
Spirit possession healing in prerevolutionary China serves as an example of the more general phenomenon of possession trance. After examining universal features of this form of healing, as revealed in Chinese examples, I review social‐psychological and especially neurophysiological explanations for both trance induction and its healing effects. Questions for further investigation are suggested.