Methods of Inducing Altered States of Consciousness
These states can emerge through a wide range of methods—pharmacological, physiological, and psychological. Each pathway engages unique neurobiological mechanisms while converging on similar outcomes.
Pharmacological Methods
Psychedelics (Psilocybin, LSD, Ayahuasca/DMT)
Act primarily as 5-HT₂A receptor agonists, disrupting Default Mode Network (DMN) integrity and enhancing neural plasticity. These compounds often induce profound alterations in self-perception, emotional release, and cognitive flexibility.
Empathogens (MDMA, Mescaline)
Increases serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, producing heightened empathy, emotional openness, and interpersonal trust. Some of these molecules are in clinical trials as an adjunct for trauma and PTSD therapy due to its capacity to safely access difficult emotional material.
Ketamine
Functions as an NMDA receptor antagonist, rapidly stimulating synaptogenesis and enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Known for its fast-acting antidepressant effects, ketamine provides a neurobiological “reset” for treatment-resistant mood disorders.
Meditative Practices
Forms such as focused attention, open monitoring, transcendental, and loving-kindness meditation reliably induce altered states marked by distinctive changes in DMN activity and brain-wave oscillations. Long-term practice fosters emotional regulation, attentional control, and reduced stress reactivity, demonstrating measurable neuroplastic adaptation.
Breathwork
Techniques such as Holotropic Breathwork and conscious hyperventilation can induce ASCs proportional to the reduction in CO₂ levels, leading to visionary or cathartic experiences.
Gentler forms like SOMABreath®, box breathing or the Wim Hof Method regulate the autonomic nervous system, balancing sympathetic activation with parasympathetic recovery.
Sensory Deprivation and Flotation
Float tanks and similar sensory isolation environments dramatically reduce external input, allowing the DMN to quiet and inner awareness to expand. Users often report hallucinatory imagery, deep relaxation, and reduced stress markers such as cortisol.
Hypnosis
Through guided induction, hypnosis transitions brain activity from beta to alpha and theta states, accompanied by prefrontal cortex disengagement and increased suggestibility. It has proven effective for pain management, habit change, and anxiety reduction when applied therapeutically.
Other Pathways
Exercise can elicit “runner’s high,” linked to endorphins and transient hypofrontality, fostering euphoria and flow.
Dance, fasting, drumming, and temperature extremes represent cross-cultural traditions of entering altered states—each manipulating physiology, rhythm, and sensory input to access expanded awareness.1-2
References
Vaitl, D.; Birbaumer, N.; Gruzelier, J.; Jamieson, G. A.; Kotchoubey, B.; Kubler, A.; Lehmann, D.; Miltner, W. H.; Ott, U.; Putz, P.; et al. Psychobiology of altered states of consciousness. Psychol. Bull. 2005, 131 (1), 98-127. DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.131.1.98 From NLM Medline.
Carhart-Harris, R. L.; Goodwin, G. M. The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Past, Present, and Future. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017, 42 (11), 2105-2113. DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.84 From NLM Medline.