Bridging Spirit and Science: Physiological and Spiritual Effects of Wîwîp’son Healing Swing Sessions

Objective Wîwîp’son, the healing swing, is an Indigenous practice rooted in nehiyâw parenting traditions, revitalized for adults to promote healing. This mixed-methods study investigated its physiological and experiential effects to understand how such ancestral practices may facilitate nervous system regulation and support trauma recovery. Methods Cohort 1 (N = 14, naïve participants) completed two blinded, randomized sessions: a control swing (to isolate effects of motion alone) and a healing session with ceremony. Cohort 2 (N = 8, familiar participants, all Indigenous) completed one healing session. Physiological measures included electroencephalography (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), and breathing. Semi-structured interviews conducted post-session were analyzed thematically. Results Physiological responses were heterogeneous. Stratification based on independent, expert-rated HRV (identifying a state of physiological calm) identified a responsive subgroup (n = 7) who showed marked increases in slow-wave EEG activity (delta/alpha ratio: g = 0.77; delta + theta/alpha + beta ratio: g = 0.82), consistent with a state of deep rest and reduced cognitive arousal. Qualitative analysis yielded four overarching themes: physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental. Participants reported experiences of being cradled and cared for, emotional release, connection with ancestors, and sensations of floating and warmth. Those whose physiology indicated stress reported narratives of "sudden alertness" and "anxiety shifting to calm," demonstrating convergence between quantitative and qualitative findings. Conclusion Wîwîp’son appears to facilitate transitions toward calm and embodied safety for many individuals but can initiate an alert processing state for others. This pilot study provides a novel methodological framework for quantifying how Indigenous healing practices regulate brain-body physiology. These findings offer a lens for understanding and affirming culturally grounded approaches to healing the embodied legacies of trauma.