TRANCE PRACTICE AND WESTERN ADAPTATION: CURRENT STATE OF RESEARCH AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
1|Nolwenn MARIE|Sensation and Perception Research Group, Université de Liège|GIGA Consciousness|Belgique|
2|Yannick LAFON|Sensation and Perception Research Group, Université de Liège|GIGA Consciousness|Belgique|
3|Aminata BICEGO|Sensation and Perception Research Group, Université de Liège|GIGA Consciousness|Belgique|
4|Charlotte GREGOIRE|Sensation and Perception Research Group, Université de Liège|GIGA Consciousness|Belgique|
5|Floriane ROUSSEAUX|Sensation and Perception Research Group, Université de Liège|GIGA Consciousness|Belgique|
6|Antoine BIOY|Sensation and Perception Research Group, Université de Liège|GIGA Consciousness|Belgique|
7|Audrey VANHAUDENHUYSE|Sensation and Perception Research Group, Université de Liège|GIGA Consciousness|Belgique|
8|Olivia GOSSERIES|Sensation and Perception Research Group, Université de Liège|GIGA Consciousness|Belgique|
Background: Shamanism is a spiritual tradition which can be found on several continents. Beyond the cultural differences that may exist from one form of shamanism to another, there are invariants of practice, and especially the modification of their own state of consciousness to resolve their community members’ problems. Currently, a wide range of shamanic trance practices and their Western adaptations are the subject of growing interest in scientific studies. The principal aims of this scoping review are to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these practices and to identify their relevance in clinical contexts through a multidisciplinary overview.
Methods: The search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Out of 1283 articles, 27 were found eligible. Data were retrieved and classified into four dimensions: a) phenomenology, b) psychology, c) neurophysiological functions, and d) clinical applications.
Results: These studies suggest that, although there are differences in phenomenological experience between various types of trance, it is possible to distinguish common features, such as modified consciousness, sensory perceptions and mystical-type experiences. From a psychological point of view, factors such as suggestions, paranormal beliefs, personality traits and hypnotizability seem to influence the trance experience. Neurophysiologically trance states seem to be different from ordinary states of consciousness as brain power, brain connectivity, and brain complexity diverge during trance states. The psychological and neurophysiological results converge towards the fact that trance states are non-pathological. Finally, preliminary clinical studies tend to show that trance states have vast therapeutic potentials in terms of quality of life as well as mental and emotional health.
Conclusion: Overall, while studies of shamanic trance practices and their derivatives are relatively few in number and have considerable methodological limitations, they remain an intriguing and multifaceted area of scientific study, offering insights at the intersections of consciousness, spirituality and therapy.