Altered states of consciousness (ASC)
An Altered state of consciousness (ASC), also called an altered state of mind, altered mental status (AMS) or mind alteration, is any condition which is significantly different from a normal waking state. It describes induced changes in one’s mental state, almost always temporary. A synonymous phrase is “altered state of awareness”.
Altered states of consciousness (ASC) are temporary mental conditions where one’s mental state is significantly different from the normal waking state, characterized by changes in perception, cognition, and emotion. Common examples include meditation, hallucinations, hypnosis, dreaming, and trance states. These states can be induced through various means, such as psychoactive drugs, intense physical exercise, breathwork, sleep deprivation, or spontaneous events like trauma or daydreaming.
What is it?
- An altered state of consciousness is any mental state that deviates from the usual, alert state of wakefulness.
- It’s a temporary change in awareness and responsiveness.
Common Examples
- Meditation and Yoga: Practices that involve focused attention, sometimes leading to states of deep focus or spiritual awareness.
- Hypnosis: A trance-like state induced by suggestion, characterized by increased suggestibility and focused attention.
- Hallucinations: Sensory perceptions that occur without an external stimulus, often associated with mental conditions or drug use.
- Dreaming: The experience of thoughts, images, and sensations during sleep, representing a natural, non-ordinary state of consciousness.
- Trance States: A state of deep absorption or dissociation, sometimes experienced in religious rituals or spiritual practices.
How are they induced?
Altered states can be induced by a wide range of methods:
- Psychological/Behavioral: Meditation, hypnosis, dance, intense exercise, sleep deprivation, and sensory deprivation.
- Pharmacological: The use of psychoactive drugs.
- Physiological: Traumatic experiences, near-death experiences, and certain medical conditions.
Significance
- Altered states can offer different perspectives on reality and can be important for understanding the human mind.
- They have been viewed historically and in some current perspectives as “higher” states of consciousness related to personal or spiritual growth.
- Some perspectives view them as indicative of a deeper, more profound level of personal evolution.