Altered States of Consciousness Throughout

Altered States of Consciousness

Throughout history, society has participated in fads that promoted altered states of consciousness. Whether it was a trend toward hypnosis, a national meditation fad or a dependency on anti-anxiety medications, human beings are drawn to altered states of consciousness. At first glance there doesn't seem to be a connection between drug use, alcoholism, hypnosis and meditation but upon a second investigation it becomes clear that altering one's state of consciousness allows one to escape his or her feelings. In addition it provides an outlet for people to become uninhibited while blaming that state on the substance or action that altered their consciousness.

Hypnosis has been popular in since the 1920's it was discovered that under hypnosis people could be effectively questioned about events, memories or ideas they were to uncomfortable to discuss while awake (Kirsh, 2001).

Subsequent research has indicated however that a state of relaxation and a state of hypnosis are identical from a scientific standpoint.

Further research claimed that all behaviors seen in hypnotic states are also behaviors people perform when not hypnotized.

These elements of evidence with regard to hypnosis further support the idea that people are attracted to altered states of consciousness because it allows them to behave in a manner they would like to behave in but are too inhibited to do so.

Altered states of consciousness such as hypnosis, drug and alcohol use is an easily used state to speak one's mind, act out in public or enjoy social contacts one might otherwise be too shy to take part in.

When it comes to altered states of consciousness there have always been skeptics who believe it is not possible to achieve, however, studies have proven that there really are altered states of consciousness involved in hypnotic states.

There are also physiological data indicating that people really do experience hypnotic suggestions. Recent brain-imagining studies show that when hallucinations or pain inhibition is suggested, brain activity can be observed that is consistent with the suggested experiences (Kirsh, 2001)."

Alternate consciousness states also provide humans with the ability to numb themselves to pain and stress. Whether it is the use of drugs, drinking in excess or learning to meditate each morning, the ability to alter one's state of consciousness can allow at least a temporary relief of life stress symptoms.