TITLE
Climb In, Tune In: A Renaissance for Sensory Deprivation Tanks
DESCRIPTION
In the 1950s, John Lilly writing, on issues of “altered states of consciousness,” experimented with sensory deprivation via a large tank filled with mineral salts that enabled the user to literally float on water. Low or no lighting and little in the way of sounds, added to the sensory deprivation experience. Individuals reported that they would go into an altered state of high relaxation, clarity, and even hallucinate just by floating. Many even stated that the experience was similar to being on a psychedelic drug. D.O. Hebb did many classic experiments on sensory deprivation and also warned that such experiences (such as solitary confinement) could be damaging.
The article points out that around the country, the floating tanks are making a comeback at centers, where for a fee, anyone can enjoy the experience. While the main benefit maybe be a relaxing de-stressing experience, many are making unfounded claims that the experience can be useful for all sorts of physical and emotional ills. A number of issues are discussed in the article including “sanitary” concerns. For teaching, the article is best coupled with the chapters on sleep and consciousness.
SOURCE
New York Times, October 17, 2015, by Julie Turkewitz
LINK TO RESOURCE
(shortened URL) http://tinyurl.com/ptsc9ao
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What is the meaning of “states of consciousness?”
•What is sensory deprivation? What are the results of the original studies by Hebb?
•After reading the article: how do these floating tanks induce a so-called altered state?
•Critical thinking question: What kind of research would need to be conducted to actually determine whether there is any beneficial consequence of floating in a tank?
TAGS
States of Consciousness, Sensory Deprivation, Floater Tanks, D.O. Hebb, John Lilly
Leave a Reply