Fluther: Have you tried sensory deprivation? What were your experiences?

Have you tried sensory deprivation? What were your experiences?

Asked by RocketSquid (3483

) November 20th, 2009
8 responses
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I thought I’d give some sensory deprivation a try after seeing a how-to guide on lifehacker. I’ve been using a technique where you place some ping-pong balls over your eyes while lying under a red light and listening to static on the radio. A lot of people have told me they see quite a bit of weird things, like horses in clouds and faces. I only see a splash of color here and there and that’s about it.

Have you tried it, and what did you see?

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Topics: hallucination, sensory deprivation

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Answers

I have SID so sensory deprivation (in a few different forms) is something I do often. I’ve never done the method you’re describing so I can’t speak to that per se. When I use my techniques I don’t see things I just feel relaxed and calm.

gemiwing (14718

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@gemiwing what’s SID
@RocketSquid this is interesting, I’ve never done it myself – how did you get into it?

Simone_De_Beauvoir (39052

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Wow, that sounds really trippy- like a crazy version of the patterns you see when you close your eyes. It sounds like a way to relax and think some really deep thoughts. The only context where I’d ever heard of sensory deprivation before was in BDSM. I used to work at a store where some of the items we sold were hoods and things for that purpose. I’ve heard it can be a hell of a mind trip, like you “let go” from everything, but it’s definitely not for beginners.

Haleth (18947

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There’s at least one SenDep tank in NYC. My wife and I are discussing using it.

See this film : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altered_States. Warning: spoilers.

proXXi (2906

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I have always wanted to try an immersion tank like in Altered States. When I meditate, my mind wanders- it doesn’t race, and although I can be very relaxed physically, I rarely see anything. However, I wonder how loud my tinnitus would be… I’ve always wondered what silence is like. I guess true sensory deprivation is impossible for me.

hearkat (22917

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@Simone_De_Beauvoir Sensory Integration Disorder. I don’t process sensory input normally. I can’t stand to be rubbed, around certain noises or temperature extremes etc.

gemiwing (14718

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@gemiwing oh. I’m sory…how does one get this?

Simone_De_Beauvoir (39052

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