Understanding Near-death Experiences: Can They be Simulated?
by Do Near-Death Experiences (NDE) provide evidence for the survival of the self beyond the physical function of the brain, especially when neuro-scientist say that scientists can induce out-of-body experiences?
Temporal Lobe Theory
Some features of the NDE occur in a type of epilepsy associated with damage to the temporal lobe of the brain, and researchers have found that by electrically stimulating this lobe they can mimic some elements of NDEs, such as leaving oneself behind, and the sense of life memories flashing past. They believe that the stress of being near-death, or thinking that you are near-death, may in some way cause the stimulation of this lobe. Like the Lack of Oxygen Theory, this theory does not explain why the people experience fear, sadness, and loneliness induced by the temporal lobe damage, and not the calm and love experienced during NDE. It is clear that NDEs are above and beyond the chemical mechanism in the brain.
Hallucination Theory
Some scientists suggest that the dying secrete endorphins, which act on the central nervous system to suppress pain, also affect the brain functions to produce hallucinations. It is known that a powerful anesthetic called ketamine can produce many of the features of a NDE, particularly the out-of-body element. They believe that a ketamine-like substance may be released by the body at the time of a NDE, and may attach itself to certain neurotransmitter receptors and be responsible for producing the whole NDE by blocking those receptors. Drug induced hallucinations distort reality while NDEs have been described as hyper-reality.
Dying Brain Theory
This theory says NDEs are not real experiences, not spiritual voyages, but a function of the dying brain. All brains, regardless of where in the world they come from, die in the same way, say the skeptics. And that is why all NDEs have essential core elements which are the same. It is not because the dying person is traveling toward a beautiful afterlife, but because the neurotransmitters in the brain are shutting down and creating the same lovely illusions for all who are near-death.
Conclusion
The depersonalized argument that reduces what was a profound and transforming experience to a set of neuro-chemical reactions. What about people who report being told, “Your mission has not been completed” or, “The time for your death is not yet” during their NDE? For them, it is easier to believe that NDEs are a real afterlife experience and not some hallucination brought out by brain damage.
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Post CommentSushant94
On May 18, 2011 at 3:43 am
nice article
mona rastogi
On May 18, 2011 at 4:28 am
good post
chandrra
On May 18, 2011 at 4:46 am
good share
Ranjan Mathews
On May 18, 2011 at 4:58 am
Anything “near” cannot be the end. In other words NDE is not Death, and after death there is nothing more.
jamilhussain
On May 18, 2011 at 4:59 am
Great Post
payaltyagi
On May 18, 2011 at 5:11 am
Keep it up My Friend
Francois Hagnere
On May 18, 2011 at 5:35 am
A very insightful article. I also believe that NDE is real. Thumbs up for this great post! Thank you.
CHIPMUNK
On May 18, 2011 at 6:44 am
great write up of this aspect
lolontka
On May 18, 2011 at 8:00 am
I enjoyed your article very much. I have also read about NDE’s and believe that they are a brief visit to the next dimension.
thresiapaulose
On May 18, 2011 at 8:01 am
A deep philosopical theme. Thank you my sister Uma.
chennysan
On May 18, 2011 at 9:52 am
interesting read …will pass it on to my sister who is really interested in such stuff!
Priya
On May 18, 2011 at 10:58 am
Even if you de-construct the whole thing, NDE is still a very intense process. People who return from in claim to have a new perspective on life and signify change from it.
Your article has left me wondering if you believe in a soul, which leaves our body upon our death? I am guessing not…? Right?
foxpete88
On May 18, 2011 at 11:38 am
good reading,well done.thanks
vijayanths
On May 18, 2011 at 2:44 pm
NDE seems to be real. Most of them seem to have similar experience.
Jimmy Shilaho
On May 18, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Don’t you think some of these experiences could have been mere concoctions?
RS Lannan
On May 18, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Wow–that was one quality article–that covered the subject very thoroughly and was full of info, Uma. I\’ve often wondered about NDE. The common themes are interesting.
RS Lannan
On May 18, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Good thorough coverage of the topic–wow, Uma, that was full of info. I’ve often wondered about NDE. The common themes are interesting.
Karen Gross
On May 18, 2011 at 10:35 pm
You covered the scientific data very well, but I have an inkling that you do believe that NDE are real. I have read of several people who come back with detailed knowledge of relatives who died before they were born. One common detail is of colours and fragrances that don’t exist here, and of music and singing that gave them feelings of indescribable pleasure.
xyz999
On May 18, 2011 at 10:51 pm
An unanswered phenomena up until today I should say. However this is a scientifically well explained article and it makes a lot of sense. New paradigm options to explain near death experiences are well discussed here. I particularly find the memory of birth theory very interesting. Thank you for sharing this detailed and excellent introduction to the world of NDE.
lian rosa
On May 18, 2011 at 11:44 pm
I read many stories about NDE. I too wondered if there is a scientific explanation for this.
Ebbin Jose
On May 19, 2011 at 2:24 am
Interesting!
valli
On May 20, 2011 at 12:14 am
I have not known much about NDE,; your clear and scientific explanation helped me to learn.
Raj the Tora
On May 22, 2011 at 2:17 am
hallucinations have always been there throughout mankind. Good post with great info. Thanks.
neopisiva
On May 23, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Controversial topic and always interesting.
Thanks for the share.
Uma Shankari
On May 29, 2011 at 7:09 am
Comment By Cara (http://wisewitchessociety.ning.com/profiles/blogs/understanding-neardeath):
I believe that there are planes of existence and that the NDE or OB expereiences are indeed real. I have had some my self and I have no doubt that this is real.
Just because there is no scientific measure at this time does not negate the reality of this experience. I think we just have not found the way to explain this yet in terms of science… and maybe that is not even necessary.
Much of spiritual belief practice and intuition are real and are taken on faith and there is not way at this present time in the scientic world to substantiate the experience.
Uma Shankari
On May 29, 2011 at 7:12 am
From Lobo Yana Shen
In the astral state, we sometimes push aside the veil long enough to catch a glimpse. Those glimpses are usually beautiful and associated with knowledge, much like some of our dreams. \”Science\” denies the astral state, and our abilities. Little do they know. I am convinced that the things we see are lessons for us to prepare to leave this dimension, possibly preparing for another trip, or sometimes preparing to leave forever. Maybe, someday \”science\” will catch up. Remember that these are the same people that once taught us that the world is flat…..
R K Vajpeyi
On June 4, 2011 at 9:24 am
Many could testify to similar experiences. Just wanted to read that again and share one of my own experiences. But thought better of it and might share that as a separate piece.
Cassle Tang
On June 16, 2011 at 10:45 am
NDE is a new topic for me, honestly. Based on your writing, I could see the scientific approach towards it and I could understand why it’s very hard to be simulated. It’s a challenge, but researchers are very hard workers.
ittech
On February 13, 2012 at 7:42 am
I hve written some articles on this subject and also in terms of this expereinece I feel four years back I had thsi expereince but never told to any one except from my near anr clodsed ones as though it can be fake some time but it is the real experience thanks