Most are aware of the American comedian and actor Joe Rogan from the reality game show Fear Factor. It is also widely known amongst fans about his experimentation with psychedelic drugs like DMT, which is a naturally-occuring tryptamine in the human body, a neurotransmitter some speculate plays a role in mediating the visual effects of natural dreaming, near-death experiences, religious visions, and other mystical states.
Joe Rogan has also shared a video regarding his isolation tank, a device originally researched by physician, psychoanalyst and philosopher John C. Willy in the 1950s in order to test the effects of sensory deprivation on consciousness:
Using this device, researchers can enter into altered states of consciousness even while not under the influence of any drugs. However, some mix the effects of the isolation tank with psychedelic drugs like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, or cannabis. Some of you guys may remember the 1980 science fiction movie Altered States, which is based on John C. Willy’s conducted research using isolation tanks with the ketamine, a dissociative anesthesia, and LSD.
Here another video you see Joe Rogan giving away his old isolation tank:
Please keep in mind that in most regions around the world having the possession of psychedelic drugs, as well as using them, can be a major criminal offense. Isolation tanks, however, are completely legal.
There are three main things you need in order to make an isolation tank:
- The water needs to be as close as possible to the temperature of your skin.
- You need to put enough salt in the water so that your body floats without effort.
- You need to do it in a space that is as quiet and dark as possible. Keep in mind: the point is to be turning off your physical senses and focusing inwards.
Sensory deprivation can also be accomplished naturally through disciplined meditation practices like Tibetan Dream Yoga , which requires one to reach a state of sensory deprivation by putting the body to sleep but still keeping consciousness awake on the mind – this evokes a mental state similar to when one lucid dreams.
On a final note: I have never been one to tell someone how they should or shouldn’t treat their own body, as I believe we rightfully own our physical bodies through natural law. However, please keep in mind that there are some techniques in this article that may be frowned upon by various legal systems or societal values. Please, – use your own discretion and good judgment and do your research.
REFERENCES
1. The God Chemical: Brain Chemistry And Mysticism
http://www.i-sopod.com – this looks like the ultimate floatation tank – not for home use – as it’s very expensive and obviously for commercial use.
[...] The idea of using sensory deprivation techniques as a tool for exploring consciousness has fascinated me ever since I first watched Joe Rogan’s explanation of his isolation tank. [...]