Healing States: A Journey Into the World of Spiritual Healing and Shamanism (1986) is a seminal work by and Stanley Krippner, Ph.D. that serves as a bridge between Western psychology and ancient healing traditions.
: An esteemed professor of psychology known for his extensive research on dreams, hypnosis, and anomalous experiences. Healing States: A Journey Into the World of Spi...
: The authors travel to South America, Asia, and Africa to observe shamans, psychics, and folk healers. They analyze the common denominators in these practices, such as the use of ritual, altered states of consciousness, and the "placebo effect" elevated to a spiritual art form. Healing States: A Journey Into the World of
: It challenges the "mechanistic" view of the body, proposing that true wellness requires addressing the soul and psyche alongside the physical symptoms. : The authors travel to South America, Asia,
: This book helped lay the groundwork for the modern "Energy Medicine" movement and the growing acceptance of mindfulness and visualization in clinical settings. About the Authors
: A major focus is on how belief systems and myths influence the immune system. The book suggests that by entering specific mental states, individuals can access an "internal pharmacy" to combat illness.
The book documents the authors' global investigation into "miraculous" healings that defy conventional medical explanation, specifically focusing on the intersection of consciousness and physiology.