Religious trembling and body shaking have neurological and physiological explanations

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

3 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Scientific literature indicates that intense spiritual and religious experiences, including body shaking and trembling, correlate with neurobiological and physiological processes.

The analysis

The retrieved papers provide evidence regarding the neurobiological and physiological underpinnings of spiritual and contemplative practices involving altered states of consciousness, motor experiences, and bodily arousal. No papers refute the claim.

Evidence for · 3

The neuroscientific study of spiritual practices.

Recorded source metadata

Newberg AB. The neuroscientific study of spiritual practices.. 2014. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00215

Paper 1 discusses the neurobiological correlates and mechanisms associated with spiritual and trance practices.

Source citation format

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More for · 2

The Spiral of Attention, Arousal, and Release: A Comparative Phenomenology of Jhāna Meditation and Speaking in Tongues.

Recorded source metadata

Brahinsky J, Mago J, Miller M, Catherine S, Lifshitz M. The Spiral of Attention, Arousal, and Release: A Comparative Phenomenology of Jhāna Meditation and Speaking in Tongues.. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.24189

Paper 7 examines the phenomenological and physiological arousal mechanisms underlying spiritual practices like speaking in tongues and meditation.

Source citation format

Characteristics of Kundalini-Related Sensory, Motor, and Affective Experiences During Tantric Yoga Meditation.

Recorded source metadata

Maxwell RW, Katyal S. Characteristics of Kundalini-Related Sensory, Motor, and Affective Experiences During Tantric Yoga Meditation.. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.863091

Paper 10 investigates spontaneous motor, sensory, and affective experiences during Tantric Yoga meditation.

Source citation format

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first checked01 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 8401 Aug 2026

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