Journal of Near-Death Studies, volume 12, issue 3
Near-Death and Transcendental Experiences: Neurophysiological Correlates of Mystical Traditions
Jourdan, J.
The first stages of transcendental experiences might be induced by blocking or saturating sensory input to the brain at the level of the hippocampus. This could be accomplished during near-death experiences by blockade of hippocampal NMDA receptors by endopsychosins and during meditation by alteration of the hippocampal theta rhythm. Mystical practices described in ancient yogic or taoist texts may also alter hippocampal theta by breath exercises or labyrinthine stimulation. Many accounts of kundalini awakenings are consistent with this theory, as is an extended version of Itzhak Bentov's physio-kundalini model.
