Mindfulness training may lead to altered states of consciousness, study finds - University of Cambridge

Mindfulness training may lead participants to experience disembodiment and unity – so-called altered states of consciousness – according to a new study from researchers at the University of Cambridge. The research indicates that while these experiences can be positive, they can also be unexpected and may not always be desirable. Mindfulness teachers and students are encouraged to be aware of these potential side effects and to communicate any concerns with their teachers or healthcare providers.

Mindfulness-based programmes have gained popularity in recent years, with surveys indicating that 15% of adults in the UK have engaged in some form of mindfulness practice. These practices are often used as tools for reducing stress and managing conditions such as depression and anxiety. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mindfulness may lead to alterations in sensory perception, self-perception, and body boundaries, with some experiences resembling those induced by psychotropic substances.

From September 2015 to January 2016, the University of Cambridge conducted a randomised controlled trial aimed at assessing the effectiveness of mindfulness training in helping students cope with examination stress. The trial involved several hundred participants and provided an opportunity to explore the relationship between mindfulness practice and altered states of consciousness.

The team followed up with participants a year later to investigate whether they had experienced any of the altered states of consciousness that had been reported anecdotally. The results of this investigation were published in PLOS ONE. Participants completed a questionnaire that examined 11 dimensions, including spiritual experiences, blissful states, disembodiment, and unity. The findings revealed that individuals who underwent mindfulness training were twice as likely to report experiences of unity and disembodiment compared to those in the control group.

Further analysis indicated that the likelihood of experiencing altered states of consciousness increased with the total hours of formal mindfulness practice. Participants who had meditated in the six months prior to the follow-up were specifically asked if they encountered altered states during meditation. Among this subgroup of 73 participants, 43% reported experiences of unity, 47% reported blissful states, 29% reported disembodiment experiences, and 25% reported insights.

Dr. Julieta Galante, who led the trial, noted that while it is difficult to definitively conclude that mindfulness training causes these experiences, the results suggest a correlation. She highlighted that mindfulness practitioners often describe a relaxed sense of self-boundaries and an expanded spatial awareness beyond their physical bodies. Dr. Galante, who practices mindfulness herself, shared her personal experiences with altered states of consciousness, emphasizing the importance of open communication between students and teachers regarding these phenomena.

While many altered states of consciousness may be perceived positively, Dr. Galante cautioned that some experiences, such as disembodiment or altered self-perception, could be startling or unpleasant, particularly if they are unexpected. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals engaging in mindfulness practices to be informed about the possibility of encountering such experiences. This awareness can help mitigate any disconcerting feelings and encourage individuals to seek guidance from their mindfulness teachers or healthcare providers if necessary.

The research was supported by the University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor’s Endowment Fund, the University Counselling Service, and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration East of England programme. Paranormal Country has not confirmed these findings.