23.7. 1993 Vitoria-Gasteiz / Spain - World Federation of Music Therapy

This is defined by Tart ( 1969) as a situation in which
The person experiences a clear sensation of qualitative
shift in the structure of his mental processes".This
phenomenon, well known to Music Therapists as a
result of Guided Imagery in Music has been described
in detail by Ludwig (1968) who observed it in various,
sometimes contradictory situations:
A decrease or an increase in exteroceptive stimulation,
A decrease in the alertness of critical human faculties,
Selective and focussed alertness,
Various Psycho-Physiological conditions connected
with Hyperventilation, such as Hypoxemia,
Hypoglycemia, Dehydration, Sleeplessness, and
exposure to extreme temperatures.
This last is a phenomenon to be found in many healing
rituals the drinking of boiling-hot tea and water amongst
937
the Moroccan Hamadsha, and the performance of the
ritual in the open market-square under the blazing sun;
massaging the body with glowing coals as is done by
the kung in the Kalahari Desert; the inducement of fever
by means of powerful metaphors describing the sun in
various parts of the body and a sun-kissed world, which
is a part of the technique of the Tibetan Shaman the
extensive and continuous dancing which can continue
for hours, and even days) resulting in the symptoms
already mentioned - all these are characteristic of
Ecstatic healing ritual.
On the other hand the experiencing of states of extreme
cold is also a part of many healing rituals: The Dance of
the Spirits of the Salish Indians on the North-West coast
of the United States, opens with the patient situated in a
darkened tent watched over by "Nursemaids", Here he
undergoes a womb-like experience whilst the Shaman
and his assistant seek the most suitable Demon Song.