The neurobiology of altered states of consciousness induced by drumming and other rhythmic sound patterns.
Raquel Aparicio-Terrés, Samantha López-Mochales, Margarita Díaz-Andreu, Carles Escera
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences July 16, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15403 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness |
| Keywords | Binaural beats Drumming Mantra Thalamus |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Rhythmic auditory stimulation facilitates absorption and relaxation, possibly through entrainment of thalamocortical pathways to low-frequency activity. |
Abstract
Humans have long sought to alter their mental states through various cultural practices, with rhythmic sounds emerging as a prominent and enduring method. However, altered states of consciousness induced by rhythmic auditory stimulation have not been comprehensively addressed in academic research, and the associated cognitive and neural underpinnings remain enigmatic. This narrative review synthesizes the behavioral, cognitive, and neural correlates underlying nonordinary experiences elicited by rhythmic sounds. The evidence gathered aligns with the notion that being exposed to these sounds facilitates a state of absorption and relaxation. The findings on the neural activity were diverse, reflecting the use of various methodologies in the reviewed studies. We discussed that altered states induced by rhythmic sounds may be explained by a mechanism involving the entrainment of thalamocortical pathways to low-frequency activity-a physiological state that also characterizes psychotic and psychedelic experiences. This proposal integrates insights from diverse findings, which reflect the variability in methodologies used to address these phenomena.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on altered states of consciousness, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Subjective Effects of Psychedelics Are Necessary for Their Enduring Therapeutic Effects. | 2020 | Review | |
| Psychobiology of Altered States of Consciousness. | 2005 | Review | |
| Intrinsic Brain Activity in Altered States of Consciousness | 2008 | Review | |
| Dynamic functional connectivity and brain metastability during altered states of consciousness | 2017 | Review | |
| A default mode of brain function in altered states of consciousness. | 2013 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- The rhythms of trance: Cultural phenomenology and neural mechanisms of music-induced non-ordinary states of consciousness. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews July 1, 2026
- Rhythm-Induced Altered States and the Evolution of Human Dance and Music Fascinating life sciences 2026
- Neuroanatomy of dreaming and REM phenomenology. Progress in Brain Research July 14, 2026
- Consciousness in the Brain: An Integrative Review of Contemporary Theories. Brain Sciences July 14, 2026
- Rhythmicity and Trait Absorption Are Linked to Nonordinary States of Consciousness. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences June 1, 2026
Cites 47
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- Psychometric Evaluation of the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (OAV) PLoS One August 31, 2010
- Global Street Food: la cocina de la calle Diseño interior 2009
- Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1, 2019
- Psychobiology of Altered States of Consciousness. Psychological Bulletin 2005
and 42 more in the library