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Shamanistic Harm Reduction Practices
Abstract
The practices of shamanism and their numerous physiological, psychological and social effects have numerous contributions to addictions rehabilitation and harm reduction
... 194). Winkelman (2009) explained that "shamanism's roots are found in primate social bonding rituals that were elaborated across human evolution to enhance group unification, psychosocial bonding, and therapeutic responses" (p. 248). ...
... EDM events induce ASCs in participants through several channels: the use of the auditory stimulation of electronic dance music (Takahashi, 2005(Takahashi, , 2017; the photic stimulation of lasers, strobe lights and elaborate lighting systems, as well as visual imagery projected onto screens and theatrical performances on stage (D'Aquili & Newberg, 2000;Gellhorn & Kiely, 1972;Takahashi, 2004b;Winkelman, 2000); dancing (Frecska & Kulscar, 1989;Malbon, 1999;Prince, 1982;Takahashi, 2004b;Vaitl et al., 2005;Winkelman, 1997Winkelman, , 2000Winkelman, , 2004; and the crowd (Frecska & Kulscar, 1989;Malbon, 1999;Winkelman, 2004Winkelman, , 2009. Other factors that induce ASCs in participants include sleep deprivation (if the event is late at night and extends into the morning; Takahashi, 2004b;Winkelman, 1986); the ingestion of psychoactive drugs; and fasting (because drugs have a more potent effect on an empty stomach; Takahashi, 2004b;Winkelman, 1986). ...
Electronic dance music (EDM) events may function as a ritual space for psycho-spiritual exploration and personal development, often linked to the occurrence of non-ordinary states of consciousness in participants. This paper reviews the literature addressing the spiritual, religious, and transpersonal facets of participants’ experiences at EDM events, with an emphasis on the subsequent integration of these experiences into daily life. Several empirical studies conducted in the past two decades, of which the most recent was conducted by the first author of the present paper (Redfield, 2017, this issue), provides grounds to argue that EDM events can be vectors for enhancing personal and psychosocial wellbeing for their participants—a discussion that was omitted in previous studies that strictly emphasized either the dangers or the purely hedonistic nature of EDM participation. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research into the specific ways in which EDM events may benefit individual participants.
... Psychedelics can help patients open their consciousness and widen their awareness (see coverage of addiction treatment programs with ibogaine, LSD, and ayahuasca; Winkelman, 2009aWinkelman, , 2009bWinkelmann & Roberts 2007b). Under the influence of these substances, which Winkelman (2007) calls psychointegrators, people can acquire spiritual insight, learn to recognize and identify their own restricted and destructive patterns of addictive behavior, and switch to new, healthier perspectives and behaviors. ...
... The interrelationship of drug addiction, ASC, and spirituality is a theme repeated across cultures (Heggenhougen, 1997;Jilek, 1994;Winkelman, 2001Winkelman, , 2009aWinkelman, , 2009b. The universality of spiritual practices associated with ASC suggests a need for experiencing alterations of consciousness that are intrinsically linked to concepts of spirituality. ...
... Participants in this study reported experiences of transpersonal phenomena at EDM events tracing back to the early rave days of the late 1990's and early 2000's, and up to the present day. The success and continued evolution of EDM culture may largely be due to the fact that EDM events enable ASCs, which humans are innately drawn and biologically driven to enter (Bourguignon 1973;Weil, 1972;Winkelman, 2000Winkelman, , 2004Winkelman, , 2009. As the findings in this study suggest, such states of consciousness have a beneficial impact on EDM participants' lives, relationships, and psychological and physical health and wellbeing. ...
Electronic dance music (EDM) events are attended by millions of people all over the world. While prior research uncovered the spiritual and religious elements as well as the transpersonal nature of EDM events, this preliminary study further explored the types of transpersonal phenomena that participants experience at EDM events and their subsequent integration of these experiences into daily life. A semi-structured, in-depth interview was used to explore this topic with 12 EDM participants. A thematic analysis was conducted on the data. Findings suggested that EDM events have the potential to foster interpersonal relationships with the numinous, spiritual beings, and human beings, as well as cause transformative intrapersonal and spiritual experiences, implying an enhancement in psychological and physical health and wellbeing in day-to-day life. Results also indicated that the EDM event environment, dancing, and electronic dance music play important roles in facilitating the induction of experiences of transpersonal phenomena.
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