Trance: Difference between revisions

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'''Trance''' is a [[psychological]] and [[physiological]] state characterized by a variety of symptoms including reduced [[consciousness]], heightened suggestibility, and an increased responsiveness to [[suggestion]]. It is often associated with [[hypnosis]], [[meditation]], [[magic (paranormal)|magic]], and [[religious ecstasy]].  
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
== History ==
| name            = Trance
 
| image          = [[File:Collier-priestess_of_Delphi.jpg|250px]]
The concept of trance has a long history in many cultures around the world. It has been used in [[religious]] and [[spiritual]] practices, as well as in [[medical]] and [[psychological]] treatments. The term "trance" itself comes from the Latin word "transire", which means "to cross over" or "to go beyond".
| caption        = ''Priestess of Delphi'' by John Collier, depicting a trance state
 
| field          = [[Psychiatry]], [[Neurology]]
| symptoms        = Altered state of consciousness, reduced awareness of surroundings, focused attention
| complications  = May affect daily functioning if persistent
| onset          = Can occur spontaneously or be induced
| duration        = Varies from minutes to hours
| causes          = [[Hypnosis]], [[meditation]], [[religious rituals]], [[music]], [[drugs]]
| risks          = [[Sleep deprivation]], [[stress]], [[psychological trauma]]
| differential    = [[Dissociative disorder]], [[epilepsy]], [[sleep disorder]]
| treatment      = [[Psychotherapy]], [[medication]] if associated with underlying condition
| frequency      = Common in various cultural and religious practices
}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Trance}}
A '''trance''' is a state of altered consciousness in which an individual experiences a shift in awareness, perception, and cognition. Trance states can occur naturally or be induced through various methods such as [[meditation]], [[hypnosis]], or the use of [[psychoactive substances]].
== Characteristics ==
Trance states are characterized by a narrowing of focus, reduced awareness of external stimuli, and an increased receptivity to suggestion. Individuals in a trance may experience changes in [[perception]], [[memory]], and [[emotion]]. Physiological changes, such as altered [[heart rate]] and [[breathing patterns]], may also occur.
== Types of Trance ==
== Types of Trance ==
 
=== Hypnotic Trance ===
There are several types of trance, including:
A [[hypnotic trance]] is induced by a [[hypnotist]] and is characterized by heightened suggestibility and deep relaxation. It is often used in [[hypnotherapy]] to facilitate [[behavioral change]] and [[psychological healing]].
 
=== Meditative Trance ===
* '''[[Hypnotic trance]]''': This is a state of deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility. It is often used in [[hypnotherapy]] to help individuals overcome phobias, addictions, and other psychological issues.
[[Meditative trance]] is achieved through practices such as [[yoga]] and [[mindfulness meditation]]. It involves deep concentration and a sense of inner peace, often leading to spiritual insights and personal transformation.
 
=== Shamanic Trance ===
* '''[[Meditative trance]]''': This is a state of deep concentration and focus. It is often used in [[meditation]] to achieve a sense of peace and tranquility.
[[Shamanic trance]] is used in various [[indigenous cultures]] for [[healing]] and [[spiritual communication]]. Shamans enter trance states through [[drumming]], [[chanting]], or the use of [[entheogens]] to connect with the [[spirit world]].
 
== Induction Methods ==
* '''[[Ecstatic trance]]''': This is a state of intense joy and excitement. It is often associated with religious and spiritual experiences.
Trance states can be induced through several methods, including:
 
* [[Hypnosis]]: A technique involving focused attention and guided relaxation.
== Trance in Culture ==
* [[Meditation]]: Practices that focus on breath, mantra, or visualization.
 
* [[Rhythmic stimulation]]: Such as drumming or chanting.
Trance states have been used in various cultural practices around the world. For example, in [[shamanism]], trance is used to communicate with the spirit world. In [[Sufism]], a form of Islamic mysticism, trance is used to achieve a closer connection with God.
* [[Psychoactive substances]]: Use of substances that alter consciousness.
 
== Applications ==
== See Also ==
Trance states have various applications in [[psychotherapy]], [[spiritual practices]], and [[performance enhancement]]. They are used to access the subconscious mind, facilitate [[healing]], and enhance [[creativity]] and [[problem-solving]].
 
== See also ==
* [[Hypnosis]]
* [[Meditation]]
* [[Shamanism]]
* [[Altered state of consciousness]]
* [[Altered state of consciousness]]
* [[Flow (psychology)]]
[[Category:Consciousness]]
* [[Mysticism]]
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
[[Category:Psychology]]
[[Category:Psychology]]
[[Category:Physiology]]
[[Category:Spirituality]]
[[Category:Consciousness studies]]
[[Category:Meditation]]
[[Category:Hypnosis]]
[[Category:Religious ecstasy]]
 
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 19:34, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Trance
File:Collier-priestess of Delphi.jpg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Altered state of consciousness, reduced awareness of surroundings, focused attention
Complications May affect daily functioning if persistent
Onset Can occur spontaneously or be induced
Duration Varies from minutes to hours
Types N/A
Causes Hypnosis, meditation, religious rituals, music, drugs
Risks Sleep deprivation, stress, psychological trauma
Diagnosis N/A
Differential diagnosis Dissociative disorder, epilepsy, sleep disorder
Prevention N/A
Treatment Psychotherapy, medication if associated with underlying condition
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common in various cultural and religious practices
Deaths N/A


A trance is a state of altered consciousness in which an individual experiences a shift in awareness, perception, and cognition. Trance states can occur naturally or be induced through various methods such as meditation, hypnosis, or the use of psychoactive substances.

Characteristics[edit]

Trance states are characterized by a narrowing of focus, reduced awareness of external stimuli, and an increased receptivity to suggestion. Individuals in a trance may experience changes in perception, memory, and emotion. Physiological changes, such as altered heart rate and breathing patterns, may also occur.

Types of Trance[edit]

Hypnotic Trance[edit]

A hypnotic trance is induced by a hypnotist and is characterized by heightened suggestibility and deep relaxation. It is often used in hypnotherapy to facilitate behavioral change and psychological healing.

Meditative Trance[edit]

Meditative trance is achieved through practices such as yoga and mindfulness meditation. It involves deep concentration and a sense of inner peace, often leading to spiritual insights and personal transformation.

Shamanic Trance[edit]

Shamanic trance is used in various indigenous cultures for healing and spiritual communication. Shamans enter trance states through drumming, chanting, or the use of entheogens to connect with the spirit world.

Induction Methods[edit]

Trance states can be induced through several methods, including:

Applications[edit]

Trance states have various applications in psychotherapy, spiritual practices, and performance enhancement. They are used to access the subconscious mind, facilitate healing, and enhance creativity and problem-solving.

See also[edit]