Neurophysiology and the Curative Possession Trance: The Chinese Case
Medical Anthropology Quarterly September 1, 1988 DOI: 10.1525/maq.1988.2.3.02a00070 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSpirit possession healing in prerevolutionary China illustrates universal features of possession trance. The article examines social-psychological and neurophysiological explanations for how trance is induced and how it heals, using Chinese examples. Questions for future research are proposed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | Proposes that spirit possession healing in prerevolutionary China exemplifies universal features of possession trance, and reviews social-psychological and neurophysiological explanations for trance induction and healing effects. |
Abstract
Spirit possession healing in prerevolutionary China serves as an example of the more general phenomenon of possession trance. After examining universal features of this form of healing, as revealed in Chinese examples, I review social‐psychological and especially neurophysiological explanations for both trance induction and its healing effects. Questions for further investigation are suggested.