Shamanism Rex Weissenbach Melissa Connolly Polly Chiu Melissa Newman

Outline Introduction to Shamanism (Rex) Physiology of the Shamans ASC (Polly) Neural Ecology of Healing (Melissa C.) Shamanism Today and Conclusion (Melissa N.)

Class Themes What is an ordinary state of consciousness and what is an altered state? Is there a duality or a continuum states?

What’s a Shaman? Also known as “Medicine Man” “Witch Doctor” or “Sorcerer” Induces ecstatic trance states to communicate with the spirits This allows shamans to heal, communicate with the animals, control natural elements (fire, rain), and other magical feats Sadly not the original medicine man

Where are Shamans Found?

Ecstatic Trance States 1.The physiological response Mind becomes focused Nervous system detaches itself from external sensory input Reflex inertia & involuntary nervous responses 2.The emotional response Continuum of emotion Awe, love, sadness… 3.The intuitive perception Consciousness is expanded

Depth of Trance Light trance Pulse and breathing rate slows Reluctance to move, speak, think or act Visual illusions may occur Medium trance Illusions of touch, taste and smell May experience cataplexy Deep trance Able to open eyes and not affect trance Positive and negative hallucinations Sensations of lightness/floating Able to control visions and dreams Which one is he in???

Physiology of the Shaman’s ASC General theories  Activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems  Very deep rest induces the “letting go” experience

Shamanic induction procedures  Extensive motor behavior  Auditory driving  Fasting and nutritional restrictions  Sensory deprivation & stimulation  Hallucinogens

Shamanic induction procedures Extensive motor behavior  Dancing  Hypoglycemia  release of endogenous opiates Auditory Driving  Drumming, singing, or chanting  Synchrony in alpha and theta waves

Shamanic induction procedures Fasting and nutritional restrictions  Fasting induces hypoglycemic state  Food & water deprivation  Effects the pituitary and adrenal glands  Stimulates the hypothalamus & hippocampal-septal systems  Nutritional deficient  changes in the CNS  Influence serotonin synthesis

Shamanic induction procedures Sensory deprivation & stimulation  Increase cortical synchronization  Greater sensitivity to parasympathetic stimulation  Slowing of the alpha band along  Emergence of delta waves  Loss of serotonin inhibition

Shamanic induction procedures Hallucinogens  Use of psychoactive plant substances  Hallucinations  Visions  Seizure induced ASCs  Parasympathetic dominance

Healing Practices of Shamanism  Oldest healing tradition in the world  Soul Retrieval  Extraction of Spiritual Intrusions  Physical Ailments

Consciousness and Healing  Drumming, Music  Dance  Community  Psychedelic Drugs

Neural Ecology of Healing: ASC  Music/Drums - GSR - muscle tension - heart rate/blood pressure - mood/attitude - decrease EMG responses - reduces pain - audioanalgesic mechanisms

Neural Ecology of Healing: ASC  Dance - Opioid Mechanism - triggered by the A-delta mechanosensitive afferent nerve fibers - reduction of pain - enhanced tolerance of stress - stimulate immune system functioning

Neural Ecology of Healing: ASC  Community - also involves Opioids - emotionally charged cultural symbols - placebo elicitation of opioids

Neural Ecology of Healing: ASC  LSD - Sensory - Behavioral - Emotional - Cognitive

Shamanism Today Schools and programs exist all around the world where people learn how to become a shaman Used in mainstream culture as a way to help “lost souls”

Conclusions Defining ordinary waking states of consciousness versus altered states is culturally and linguistically constrained Previous Western views depicting shamanic practices as fraudulent and deceptive have been overturned by findings that neurochemical changes do occur as a result of these practices.

For Further Reading Eliade, Mircea. Shamanism. Princeton: Princeton University Press, Langdon, Jean and Gerhard Baer, ed. Portals of Power. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, Van Deusen, Kira. Singing Story, Healing Drum. London: McGill-Queens University Press, Winkelman, Michael. Shamanism: The Neural Ecology of Consciousness and Healing. Westport: Bergin and Garvey,