Neurophenomenology of an Altered State of Consciousness: An fMRI Case Study.
Explore 2016 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2015.12.004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A single research participant with self-proclaimed ecstatic Kundalini meditative experiences |
| Topics | Meditation Altered states of consciousness Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Neurophenomenology FMRI Physio-kundalini syndrome |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key findings | The Kundalini experience in this participant was associated with brain activation in the left prefrontal cortex. |
Abstract
A research participant came to our lab with self-proclaimed, ecstatic, Kundalini meditative experiences. Using neurophenomenology and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we were able to identify brain activation in the left prefrontal cortex [primarily in left Brodmann׳s areas (BAs) 46 and 10, but also extending into BAs 11, 47, and 45] associated with this experience. The Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory provided evidence that this was a perceived altered state of consciousness. Additionally, the Physio-Kundalini Syndrome Index strongly suggested that what he was experiencing was indeed Kundalini. The feelings of joy, happiness and the left prefrontal brain region found in this study are consistent with many published neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies of meditation. This case study suggests that using first-person subjective experience within a phenomenological reduction process can be combined with neuroimaging to divulge objective brain regions associated with such experiences. Furthermore, this provides evidence that at least in this participant, the Kundalini experience is associated with brain activation in the left prefrontal cortex. Future research is needed to confirm these results in a large group study, perhaps contrasting brain activation of those who experience spontaneously emerging Kundalini with trained Kundalini practitioners.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on philosophy of mind, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| An extended case study on the phenomenology of sequence-space synesthesia Single adult with sequence-space synesthesia | 2014 | Phenomenological case study | n = 1 |
| "I can't tell whether it's my hand": a pilot study of the neurophenomenology of body representation during the rubber hand illusion in trauma-related disorders. Individuals with the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | 2016 | Case series | n = 3 |
| Multimodal neurophenomenology of advanced concentration absorption meditation: An intensively sampled case study of Jhana. One advanced meditator with over 23,000 hours of meditation practice | 2024 | Case study | n = 1 |
| The phenomenology of psychosis associated with complex partial seizure disorder. Treatment-refractory patients admitted to a state hospital with previously undiagnosed... | 1997 | Review with case series | n = 10 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- The Influence of Faradarmani Consciousness Field on the Survival and Death of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells: An Optimization Perspective The Scientific Journal of Cosmointel April 17, 2022
- A Review of the Methodology, Taxonomy, and Definitions in Recent fMRI Research on Meditation Mindfulness November 12, 2021
- Accounting for Subjectivity in Experimental Research on Human Olfaction. Chemical senses 2021
- Psychiatrists' Illustration of Awe in Empathic Listening Assessments: A Pilot Study. Cureus March 1, 2024
- Building science and subjectivity from flesh. Towards a reconceptualization of neurophenomenology as a contribution to interdisciplinary health research Medicine, Health Care, and Philosophy January 6, 2026
Cites 15
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Interoceptive awareness in experienced meditators Psychophysiology May 22, 2008
- State Effects of Two Forms of Meditation on Prefrontal EEG Asymmetry in Previously Depressed Individuals Mindfulness March 1, 2010
- Brain Activation During Compassion Meditation: A Case Study The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2010
- Near-death experiences and the physio-kundalini syndrome Journal of Religion and Health 1993
and 10 more in the library