Altered states of consciousness have long been a topic of fascination and exploration for psychologists, neuroscientists, and philosophers alike. This elusive state refers to any change in the normal functioning of the mind, which may result from various factors such as meditation, hypnosis, drugs, or even sleep. At its core, altered states of consciousness offer a unique opportunity to delve into the depths of the mind, uncovering hidden thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are not accessible in our ordinary waking state. In this introduction, we will delve deeper into the concept of altered states of consciousness, exploring its various forms and the potential insights it can offer into the complexities of the human mind.
An altered state of consciousness (ASC), also named altered state of mind, is any condition which is significantly different from a normal waking beta wave state. The expression was used as early as 1966 by Arnold M. Ludwig and brought into common usage from 1969 by Charles Tart: it describes induced changes in one’s mental state, almost always temporary. A synonymous phrase is “altered state of awareness”. Altered states of consciousness can be associated with artistic creativity. They also can be shared interpersonally and studied as a subject of sociological research. Causes Accidental/pathological An altered state of consciousness can come about accidentally through, for example, fever, infections such as meningitis, sleep deprivation, fasting, oxygen deprivation, nitrogen narcosis (deep diving), psychosis, temporal lobe epilepsy or a traumatic accident. Altered states of consciousness also occur in healthy women experiencing childbirth, hence the introduction of the term gender-specific states of consciousness. Intentional/recreational/religious An ASC can sometimes be reached intentionally by the use of sensory deprivation, an isolation tank, sleep deprivation, lucid dreaming, hypnosis, meditation, prayer, or disciplines (e.g. Mantra Meditation, Yoga, Sufism, dream yoga, or Surat Shabda Yoga). ASCs can also be attained through the ingestion of psychoactive drugs such as alcohol and opiates, but more commonly with traditional hallucinogens of indigenous cultures, plants such as cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, ayahuasca, Salvia Divinorum or datura (though less common and incredibly more lethal). Other modern hallucinogens that some attempt to use for a similar purpose are (D)-methorphan, LSD-25, substituted phenethylamines, substituted tryptamines, and substituted amphetamines such as those listed in the books PiHKAL and TiHKAL by Dr. Alexander Shlugin, a former forensic and analytical organic chemist of the Drug Enforcement Administration. These drugs are often noted as “designer drugs” by authorities and professionals or as “research chemicals” by the hallucinogen-use and distribution underground, as an attempt to avoid prosecution under the Federal Analogue Act. Another effective way to induce an altered state of consciousness is using a variety of neurotechnology such as psychoacoustics, binaural beats, light and sound stimulation, cranial electrotherapy stimulation, etc.; these methods attempt to induce specific brainwave patterns, and a particular altered state of consciousness.