Brain Network Reconfiguration and Perceptual Decoupling During an Absorptive State of Consciousness

Abstract

Trance is an absorptive state of consciousness characterized by narrowed awareness of external surroundings and has long been used-for example, by shamans-to gain insight. Shamans across cultures often induce trance by listening to rhythmic drumming. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined the brain-network configuration associated with trance. Experienced shamanic practitioners (n = 15) listened to rhythmic drumming, and either entered a trance state or remained in a nontrance state during 8-min scans. We analyzed changes in network connectivity. Trance was associated with higher eigenvector centrality (i.e., stronger hubs) in 3 regions: posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), and left insula/operculum. Seed-based analysis revealed increased coactivation of the PCC (a default network hub involved in internally oriented cognitive states) with the dACC and insula (control-network regions involved in maintaining relevant neural streams). This coactivation suggests that an internally oriented neural stream was amplified by the modulatory control network. Additionally, during trance, seeds within the auditory pathway were less connected, possibly indicating perceptual decoupling and suppression of the repetitive auditory stimuli. In sum, trance involved coactive default and control networks, and decoupled sensory processing. This network reconfiguration may promote an extended internal train of thought wherein integration and insight can occur.

Human menstrual cycle variation in subcortical functional brain connectivity: a multimodal analysis approach

“…For each participant and session, EC mapping analysis (Lohmann et al 2010) was computed using the add option of the LIPSIA software package (Lohmann et al 2001), as previously described in Arélin et al 2015 andHove et al 2016. With this method, each voxel included in the analysis has a centrality value assigned which indicates its hierarchically weighted connectivity degree with the rest of the voxels.…”

Feeling at one: Socio-affective distribution, vibe, and dance-music consciousness

“…( 6 ) However, see Hove et al 2016 for a study on functional connectivity-the extent to which neural activity is correlated across areas of the brain-during trance induced by repetitive drumming. 7They are classified as C-class drugs and are thus illegal in most countries.…”

Harmonic Structure Predicts the Enjoyment of Uplifting Trance Music

“…For example, the repetition inherent in various forms of trance music is thought to be crucial for evoking alternative listening states (see Walsh, 1989), such as heightened enjoyment, prolonged periods of pleasure, and a sense of becoming “lost in the music” (Garcia, 2005; Sacks, 2006). Some neurophysiological evidence supports these phenomenological reports of trance music listening: Intense activation or repetitive hyper-stimulation of the temporal lobe, hippocampus, and amygdala can induce altered states of consciousness (Joseph, 1992), and repetitive rhythmic elements can prompt brain networks to be dynamically reconfigured, potentially underlying trance states (Hove et al, 2016). That is, repetition seems to play a particularly important role in underlying the phenomenological experiences that likely contribute to listeners' motivation for listening to this genre, and that drive enjoyment of trance music.…”

“…Whereas previous research has focused upon the intuitive connection between repeated rhythmic/percussive elements and the physiological entrainment underpinning heightened enjoyment and trance states (Neher, 1962; Becker-Blease, 2004; Fachner, 2011; Becker, 2012; Trost et al, 2014; Hove et al, 2016), the particular repeated elements influencing affective response in listeners remain unclear, and, to our knowledge, no research has hitherto explored the relative influence of harmonic repetition on affective or physiological responses to trance music. The present study would provide the first evidence, to the authors' knowledge, that harmonic structure contributes to the enjoyment of trance music.…”