Time to move beyond the mind-body split

Sir

The description of human physiology by Serge Liberman excludes any
reference as to how this could explain 'near death experiences' - the out
of body experiences recently given stronger support by researchers. The
'hard problem', explanation of consciousness, requires far greater
consideration of the many theories arising from scientific and
philosophical/theological sources - that is the breadth of human
experience.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) identifies different
levels/aspects of 'spirit or soul', some of which would be considered part
of body hard wiring and others which can exist outside the body. For
example, schizophrenia may have different origins depending which
'aetheric aspect' of the whole has become disturbed. One can induce
classic schizophrenia by eliminating Vitamin B3 from the diet, restoration
of this vitamin returns the subject to normal. Schizophrenia arises
through neurochemical imbalance other than by insufficiency of B3. The
condition can also arise as a consequence of 'possession' by an aspect of
another's aetheric consciousness....although this is denied in modern
medicine it is well understood in traditional medicines and various
religious institutions - for example I have spoken to Anglican priests who
accept this.

If we only look at hard wiring, we'll miss the whole picture. If
discussion is dominated by the biochemical
cohort, answers will elude us. Applying current scientific logic to any
problem is interesting, and the more scientific disciplines involved the
better, but should not be considered in any way to represent the truth.

Regards

John H.

Competing interests:  
None declared