Mystic Mind

<p>A fascinating collaboration between a medieval historian and a professor of psychiatry this enthralling book applies modern biological and psychological research findings to the lives of medieval mystics and ascetics.</p><p>Drawing upon a database of over 1400 medieval holy persons and in-depth studies of individual saints this illuminating study examines the relationship between medieval mystical experiences the religious practices of mortification; laceration of the flesh sleep deprivation and extreme starvation and how these actions produced altered states of consciousness and brain function in the heroic ascetics.</p><p>Examining and disputing much contemporary writing about the political and gender motivations in the medieval quest for a closeness with God this is essential reading for anyone with an interest in medieval religion or the effects of self-injurious behaviour on the mind.</p>