X-Message-Number: 16748 Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2001 06:56:53 -0700 (PDT) From: Scott Badger <> Subject: Re: Dear Death Experiences <During the initial study, Parnia said, >63 heart attack patients who were deemed >clinically dead but were later revived >were interviewed within a week of their >experiences. Of those, 56 said they had >no recollection of the time they were >unconscious and seven reported having >memories. Of those, four were labeled >NDEs ... Only 4 NDEs out of 63? Actually the percentages are usually closer to the 30% mark in many studies. Still two thirds report nothing. Ask yourself why. Here are some counter arguments: Michael A. Persinger, a neuroscientist at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, has induced many of the characteristics of an NDE--the sensation of moving through a tunnel, the brilliant white light. He has done so by stimulating the brain's right temporal lobe, the area above the right ear responsible for perception, with mild electromagnetic fields. In England, Karl Jansen has zeroed in on the brain's reaction to shifting levels of ketamine, a powerful neurotransmitter. Often ingested as a recreational drug--its street name is Special K--ketamine frequently causes the out-of-body sensation common to NDEs. The U.S. Navy has managed to replicate many of the sensations of an NDE by subjecting test pilots to massive centrifugal force--a physical stress that can induce the presence of a patriarchal figure interpreted by some as God. "There's nothing magical about the NDE," Persinger asserts. Physiological findings have led many researchers to view NDEs not as glimpses into a world beyond but as insights into the world within the human mind. "I think it is an evolutionary adaptation," says Sherwin Nuland, the National Book Award-winning author of How We Die. He ascribes NDEs to the actions of opiate-like compounds known as endorphins, which are released by the brain at times of great physical stress to deaden pain and alleviate fear. He scoffs at those who view NDEs as a temporary bridge to an afterlife. "I think that the mind is just trying to save itself from the horror of unbelievable trauma," he says. You may also refer to Susan Blackmore s book; Beyond the Body : An Investigation of Out-Of-The-Body Experiences January 13, 2001 Reviewer: Lee Cooper from England Dr Susan Blackmore is the leading academic authority on the out-of-body experience or OBE, she has had obes herself and has seriously studied the phenomenon for many years. Her book begins with details of the OBE from the shamans of thousands of years ago right through to the modern day OBE which is often a part of the near-death experience. All of the major names in the field are mentioned like 'Sylvan Muldoon, Robert Monroe, Ingo Swann and Dr Charles tart, as well as all the academic research on the subject. Susan Blackmore brings the full weight and discipline of science to this subject. With great authority, and after considerable explanation she reveals the true nature of the phenomenon with great clarity and insight. This book is a must for all who are seriously interested in the subject. And ... Dying to Live : Near-Death Experiences by Suasan Blackmore Editorial Review From Booklist Near-death experiences (NDEs) have remarkably similar characteristics the world over, leading many to cite them as proof of a hereafter. Blackmore, a British psychologist, carefully reviews the literature and her own research for something like an opposite claim. NDEs do indeed have universal aspects, but that's because they manifest the chemistry of dying brains; what's universal is the brain itself. Moreover, components of NDEs (such as "tunnels," down which the dying travel toward bright lights; sensations of well-being; and the appearance of comforting relatives from the beyond) can also be found in LSD trips and dreams. Tunnels are the most universal element of NDEs, but they, too, can be explained as chemical aberrations--brought on, in this instance, by the distress of optic nerves. Having said all this, Blackmore goes on to discuss the profound psychological--not to mention religious--impact NDEs can have on individuals, but clearly her account is valuable because it looks rationally and with as much scientific rigor as possible at this strange, almost unmeasurable phenomenon. - John Mort ======================================== After considerable personal investigation into this issue, I have evolved from being an enthusiast to being highly skeptical. BTW, I also recommend another book by Blackmore, "The Meme Machine" Cheers, Scott Badger "Vita Perpetuem" __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=16748