Modified States Of Consciousness Research Articles

La danse classique ou la domestication de la transe

Through a previous anthropological perspective, links have been established between foundational dances (tribal and ethnic) and their relationship to trance. This article proposes to examine the relevance of bringing our westernized classical academic dance closer to a “tamed trance”. This style of dance, corresponding to a given era and culture, will allow us to understand the context of its emergence and its formative influence on the dancer. By defining the specificity of certain modified states of consciousness (MSC) otherwise known as “trance states”, it appears that the classical ballet dancer can experience “trance-in-dance” states which have certain functionalities. Achieving a daily and professionalized trance state would make it possible not only to subjugate any painful phenomena but also to experience one's body as a medium for uniqueness and association. The symbolic research underlying this choreography of bodies would appear to impose a connection with a supra order, a form of spirituality, even one of transcendence which would indicate a utilitarian purpose of the trance in the dancer.

Plant based assisted therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders - part 1. The case of takiwasi center and other similar experiences

Objective. This article aims to give an overview of the major American centers using traditional herbal medicine or their derivatives in the treatment of substance dependence. Methodology. For the purpose of this article we have considered a small number of plants hailing from South, Central and North America. The research has been based on scientific literature, information exchange with treatment centers, internet searches and the personal experience of the authors. Results and discussion. Results show the relevance of certain psychoactive plants well known also for inducing modified states of consciousness (MSCs) including Ayahuasca, Coca, Wachuma, Tobacco, Psilocybe mushrooms, Salvia divinorum and Peyote. Conclusions. Plant based assisted therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders appear to be a promising field of research, although validation of the clinical outcomes need to be improved for the majority of the analyzed cases.

Nonostante le differenze

The Author reconstructs his collaboration with Piero Fumarola about the study of the modified states of consciousness.

The role of modified states of consciousness in drug use

Modified state of consciousness (MSC) is defined as a mental state that can be subjectively recognized by an individual or by an objective observer of the individual, as representing a difference in the psychological functioning of the “normal” state, alert and awake of the individual. Drugs are products with definitions and conceptual boundaries, historically defined. The use of psychoactive drugs is related to the increased plasticity of human subjectivity which is reflected in various technical means to change the perception, cognition, affect and mood. The authors propose to conduct a literature review on the types of MSC, the way to achieve them and their implications in drug consumption pattern.A MSC consists of dimensions such as self-oceanic limitlessness, agonizing self-dissolution and visionary restructuring.Normal MSC includes dreams, hypnagogic state and sleep. Others may be induced by hypnosis, meditation or psychoactive substances. Those achieved by drugs allow the subject to access feelings and sensations which go beyond the everyday reality or, on the other hand, leakage of reality.Anthropological studies show that in almost all civilizations, man sought ways to induce MSC.What characterizes the problematic or abusive use of certain substances is not necessarily the amount and frequency of drug use, but the disharmony in the socio-cultural, family and psychosocial contexts of the individual.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.