Shamanic trance states increasing neurogenesis potential

The idea that ancient shamanic trance states might hold the key to unlocking neurogenesis—the brain’s ability to grow new neurons—is as fascinating as it is controversial. It raises a question that straddles both neuroscience and anthropology: Could the rhythmic drumming, deep meditation, and altered states achieved by shamans for millennia be more than just spiritual experiences? Modern research is beginning to suggest that these practices, dismissed for centuries as mystical or unscientific, might actually have measurable cognitive benefits. This is not just a theory pulled out of thin air; the idea is supported by emerging evidence in neuroplasticity, brainwave science, and psychedelic research. It turns out that shamans might have been biohacking long before Silicon Valley made it trendy.

 

Neurogenesis, the process of creating new neurons, primarily occurs in the hippocampus—the brain’s memory center. Scientists have long believed that this process slows dramatically with age, contributing to cognitive decline. However, recent research has shattered this assumption, revealing that neurogenesis can continue well into adulthood under the right conditions. Exercise, diet, and meditation have been shown to stimulate this process. But what about shamanic trance? If certain altered states induce similar effects, could they be a missing piece in the puzzle of brain longevity? Studies on meditation, breathwork, and psychedelic substances suggest that altered states of consciousness may indeed facilitate neurogenesis. A 2016 study published in the journal Neuropharmacology found that psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, increases neurogenesis and enhances neural connectivity in the hippocampus. While shamans do not always use psychedelics, their altered states bear striking similarities to those induced by substances like psilocybin and ayahuasca. These findings suggest that traditional trance states may tap into deep biological mechanisms that promote brain plasticity.

 

How do these trance states affect the brain? One major factor is brainwave activity. The brain operates in different frequency bands: beta for normal waking consciousness, alpha for relaxed awareness, theta for deep meditation and creativity, and delta for deep sleep. Shamanic trance states have been associated with increased theta wave activity, a state linked to neuroplasticity and memory formation. Research on experienced meditators and shamans has shown that extended theta wave activity correlates with structural changes in the brain, particularly in regions associated with memory, learning, and emotional regulation. This suggests that the rhythmic drumming, chanting, and sensory deprivation used in shamanic rituals may guide the brain into a state conducive to neurogenesis. The parallels between these ancient practices and modern techniques, such as binaural beats and neurofeedback training, are striking.

Psychedelics are another controversial but compelling link between shamanic practices and neurogenesis. Traditional shamans in the Amazon have long used ayahuasca, a brew containing the potent hallucinogen DMT. Modern research suggests that DMT, like psilocybin, may stimulate neurogenesis and promote neural plasticity. A study published in Cell Reports in 2020 found that DMT activates sigma-1 receptors, which play a role in cell survival and neuroprotection. This could explain why many individuals who undergo ayahuasca ceremonies report enhanced cognitive clarity and emotional resilience long after the experience. However, psychedelics are only one part of the equation. Many shamans achieve deep trance states without them, relying instead on rhythmic drumming, breathwork, and fasting. These methods suggest that altered states alone, regardless of external substances, might be enough to trigger brain changes. The key question is whether these effects are replicable in controlled scientific settings and whether they hold therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

 

There are, of course, skeptics. Critics argue that much of the research on altered states and neurogenesis is still in its infancy. Many studies rely on small sample sizes, and the mechanisms by which trance states might enhance neurogenesis remain poorly understood. Some scientists caution against over-extrapolating findings from studies on psychedelics to non-drug-induced trance states. Furthermore, the placebo effect must be considered. Could the perceived cognitive benefits of shamanic experiences be partially due to expectation rather than actual biological changes? While the data is promising, more rigorous research is needed to separate anecdotal claims from verifiable science.

 

For those interested in exploring altered states safely, there are practical steps to experiment with non-drug-induced trance states. Breathwork techniques like holotropic breathing can induce altered states by increasing oxygen levels and shifting brainwave activity. Rhythmic drumming, used in shamanic traditions worldwide, has been shown to entrain brainwave frequencies to theta states. Even prolonged meditation can lead to significant brain changes over time. Unlike psychedelics, these methods are accessible and generally low-risk when practiced responsibly. However, caution is advised—prolonged trance states can sometimes trigger anxiety or dissociation in individuals prone to mental health conditions.

At the heart of this discussion lies a bigger question: Are we underestimating the brain’s capacity for self-directed healing and adaptation? The idea that ancient spiritual practices might hold keys to cognitive enhancement challenges the traditional medical model, which often relies on pharmacological interventions. If shamanic trance states do indeed foster neurogenesis, they could open doors to new therapeutic approaches for conditions like PTSD, depression, and cognitive decline. The intersection of neuroscience and spirituality is an area ripe for exploration, and it may be time to take these ancient practices more seriously.

 

While the science is still evolving, one thing is clear: the human brain is far more adaptable than we once believed. Whether through ancient rituals or modern neuroscience, unlocking its potential remains one of the most exciting frontiers of research. Could it be that the secrets of brain regeneration have been hidden in plain sight all along—echoing in the rhythms of a shaman’s drum, waiting for science to catch up?

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before attempting any new health or wellness practices, especially those involving altered states of consciousness or psychedelic substances.