Story perspectives

Study Reveals Brain Changes in Self-Induced Visionary State

4/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

A NeuroImage study examined brain activity in a 37-year-old woman who can voluntarily enter a visionary state.
During this state, connectivity reorganized as visual and somatosensory connections decreased and frontoparietal regions increased.
The participant reported calmness, vivid internal imagery, and a sense of unity.
The study shows self-induced states of consciousness produce coherent brain activity without pharmacological intervention.
Because only one participant was studied, replication with diverse individuals is needed.

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Story summary

A NeuroImage study examined brain activity in a 37-year-old woman who can voluntarily enter a visionary state.
During this state, connectivity reorganized as visual and somatosensory connections decreased and frontoparietal regions increased.
The participant reported calmness, vivid internal imagery, and a sense of unity.
The study shows self-induced states of consciousness produce coherent brain activity without pharmacological intervention.
Because only one participant was studied, replication with diverse individuals is needed.