: Shamanic drumming typically occurs at 4–9 beats per second (bps), aligning with the brain's theta band (4–8 Hz). This rhythm facilitates "perceptual decoupling," where the brain shifts focus from external sensory input to internally generated thoughts and imagery. Physiological and Psychological Effects
Scientific research into shamanic drumming and "Higher Mind" activation centers on the phenomenon of and the unique neurological signatures of the shamanic state of consciousness (SSC) . : Shamanic drumming typically occurs at 4–9 beats
Research suggests that the "Higher Mind" activation associated with these journeys has measurable physical benefits. The Science behind Shamanic Drumming - Starshine Roots which correlated with visual imagery
: A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Neural Correlates of the Shamanic State of Consciousness found that while the subjective experience of a shamanic journey often mirrors a psychedelic trip, the brain activity is unique. Practitioners showed increased gamma power during drumming, which correlated with visual imagery, and decreased neural signal diversity. and decreased neural signal diversity.
Recent neuroimaging studies indicate that shamanic drumming induces an altered state that is biologically distinct from both ordinary wakefulness and drug-induced psychedelic states.
Here are the key findings from interesting papers on this topic: Neurological Correlates of the Shamanic Trance