Shamans are part of a unique group of healers who are believed to be capable of healing various illnesses and disease by entering altered states of consciousness and engaging with spiritual entities or spiritual realms, thereby alleviating problems. This kind of healing can be found around the globe, utilized by numerous societies and with cultural variation of imagery and technique. This paper will explain the use of altered states of consciousness in affecting physical and mental disorders. By taking advantage of natural processes that occur during altered states of consciousness and manipulating culturally variant imagery, shamans are capable of modifying biological mechanisms in order to promote healing. This paper will explain the psychophysiological states achieved during altered states of consciousness and the related repercussions into social and cultural realms.

The Roots of Shamanism: Altered States of Consciousness as Biological Mechanism for Healing