Near Death Experiences: Falling Down a Very Deep Well

Abstract

The huge progress made in recent decades in the medical-health field, together with the large-scale introduction of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other emergency techniques and procedures, has made it possible to save a growing number of human lives.Also because of this, the testimonies classified as Near Death Experiences (NDEs) have increased exponentially, mostly in Western countries.The present work aims at first to identify six basic inclusion-exclusion clinical criteria to be adopted for the definition of a Near Death State (NDS), distinguishing between an objective NDS and a subjective Near Death Like State (NDLS).This classification leads to having NDEs split into two distinct groups: Near Death Experiences associated to NDS and Near Death Like Experiences (NDLEs) associated to NDLS.A general frame of reference, namely Tenso-Relational Model, within which consciousness and the mind-body system (MBS) can be located, is discussed.In conclusion it is introduced a bio-physical frame of reference to be adopted for a possible explanation 1) of the so called Out of Body Experience (OBE), which can occur while experiencing an NDS or an NDLS, 2) of the so-called Electromagnetic After-Effects (EAEs), namely electro-sensitivity, which can be caused both by an NDS or by an NDLS, and 3) of other NDS-NDLS aftereffects such as the so-called Energy Healing Abilities (EHA) and the psi abilities, i.e. psychokinesis, telekinesis and psychic-teleportation, and Extra-Sensory Perceptions (ESPs) such as telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition and psychometry.