Ecstatic Trance Postures: Brainwaves of Bliss and Expanded Consciousness

Ritual Body Posture and Ecstatic Trance Posture

For millennia our ancestors across the world have used the human body for expanding awareness, using Ritual Body Postures also known as Ecstatic Trance Postures. Deliberate physiological shifts that are a (fascinating) way of inducing altered states of consciousness.

The consistent appearance of certain postures in art (as far back as cave paintings) and found in artifacts (sculptures and figurines) across the world and throughout time, provides compelling evidence of a shared ancient body of knowledge. Communication across continents and an understanding on how to utilize physical form to alter consciousness…

Anthropologist Dr. Felicitas Goodman recognized that these ancient images weren’t just art… but ‘ritual instructions’. “If one adopts such a posture, one will have such an experience”. A 1973 study by Dr. Goodman showed that over 90% of 488 societies examined, used these trance practices as central to their well-being.

Paradoxical Arousal and the Waking Dream

Ritual Body Postures (RBP) induce a unique altered state of consciousness known as ‘Paradoxical Arousal‘. Meaning the body simultaneously experiences deep relaxation and heightened energetic activation. A Trophotropic State (i.e like meditation) and an Ergotropic State (i.e like intense excitement).

Electroencephalography (EEG) studies show a unique ‘hybrid state’ of Beta and Theta Brainwaves during RBP practice. Beta brainwaves are the typical normal waking consciousness. Theta brainwaves are the with deep meditation and dreaming. Experiencing both is called the ‘Waking Dream’… All this from standing in certain poses!

The Electric Brain: AC and DC

Brainwaves: Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta are alternating currents (AC) oscillating back and forth at different frequencies. The brain also produces a direct current (DC) flowing in one direction that is called the ‘DC Potential’.

A remarkable thing happens during Ritual Body Postures (RBP), the DC potential escalates dramatically by a factor of ten:

It typically measures around 250 microvolts (µV) during ordinary consciousness.
However during RBP it jumps significantly to 2,000-2,500 microvolts (µV).

This tenfold increase in DC Potential during RBP shows a massive shift in brain activity. This is the same high energy levels seen in a highly energetic trance states.

Ritual Body Postures induce a unique and powerful neurophysiological state very different from normal waking consciousness. They create a unique physiology signature characterized by Paradoxical Arousal and a Waking Dream.

Ecstatic Trance Postures: How is it Done…?

The Cuyamungue Method (created by Dr. Felicitas Goodman) is a combination of elements designed to create a shift into altered states. It involves holding a specific ritual posture, engaging in focused breathing and using rhythmic sound. The posture itself is considered the most important part “The posture IS the ritual”.

Typically holding the chosen posture for about fifteen minutes with rhythmic auditory stimulation (drumming or rattling) at an optimal tempo of 210 bpm (beats per minute). Additionally a simple meditative breathing exercise is used to quiet the inner dialogue of the mind.

This is multi-sensory entrainment: sustained physical posture, focused breath and precise rhythmic sound creating powerful, non-pharmacological ‘access code’… Directly influencing the nervous system.

These multi-sensory experiences are often described as a ‘waking dream’… Opening inner doorways to non-ordinary reality, and visionary spirit journeys allowing communication with ‘spirits’…

Different Postures and Benefits:

Healing. Making one whole, moving energy, or transferring healing energy to others (e.g. the Bear Spirit Posture)
Divination. Discovering what is hidden, gaining broader perspective (e.g. the Tennessee Diviner Posture).
Metamorphosis (Shape-Shifting). Changing form or quality, inhabiting a different body (e.g. the Tattooed Jaguar Posture).
Spirit Journeys. Traveling through the ‘Tree of the World’ (Lower, Middle, Sky Worlds) while conscious in the physical body (e.g. the Lascaux Cave Posture).
Initiation (Death/Rebirth). Marking life cycles, learning to ‘die’, letting go of old patterns and for rebirth (e.g. the Greek Youth and Maiden Posture).

Practicing these postures allows for experiencing energetic flows and downloads of wisdom, grace, universal love as wondrous and vast as the Cosmos.