图片截自《三分钟爱上心理学》<日>尾形佳晃著
感觉剥夺实验Experiment of Sensory Deprivation概述
1954年，加拿大麦克吉尔大学的心理学家首先进行了“感觉剥夺”实验：实验中给被试者戴上半透明的护目镜，使其难以产生视觉；用空气调节器发出的单调声音限制其听觉；手臂戴上纸筒套袖和手套，腿脚用夹板固定，限制其触觉。被试单独呆在实验室里，几小时后开始感到恐慌，进而产生幻觉......在实验室连续呆了三四天后，被试者会产生许多病理心理现象：出现错觉幻觉；注意力涣散，思维迟钝；紧张、焦虑、恐惧等，实验后需数日方能恢复正常。这个实验（当然这种非人道的实验现在已经被禁止了）表明：大脑的发育，人的成长成熟是建立在与外界环境广泛接触的基础之上的。
创造是人的全部体力和智力都处在高度紧张状态下的有益的创新活动。而人的全部体力和智力从松弛状态转入高度紧张状态，需要给予适度的刺激。缺乏刺激的环境，就培养不出杰出的创造型人才。在没有刺激因素的环境中长期生活，人的意志就会衰退，智慧就会枯竭，理想就会丧失，才能就会退化。只有经常给予适度的刺激，才能激发起人的事业心、责任感和惊人的毅力。因此，对于不同的人才分别给予适度的刺激，是充分发掘他们创造力的一种有效方法。
人生活中受到的刺激
(1)社会刺激。主要包括整个社会的体制、制度、政治、法律，人们的思想、观念、道德规范、社会舆论、心理状况，工作环境和群体的人际关系等等，这一切都应该产生足以“刺激”人才个体充分发挥创造力的强大压力，创造一种开拓进取的社会环境。工作富有挑战性，压力适中，负荷得当，有利于人才奋发进取。压力过轻，会使人能量“过剩”，滋生自满情绪；压力过重，又会使人能量“耗尽”，产生畏难情绪；唯有压力适度，人才才能恰到好处地发挥和使用自己的创造能量。
(2)自我刺激。这是通过自我认识、自我鞭策、自我调节、自我控制，最大限度地开发人才创造力的一股重要的内在动力。
(3)物质刺激。这是人才赖于生存和发展的重要物质基础，它可以激励人才克服保守情绪、怠惰情绪、知足情绪，不断进取，不断开拓，从而使自己的创造力得到充分发挥。
＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿现在，让我们来假设一下。假如你被邀请参加一个实验。在这个实验里，你将待在一个只有一张舒适的床的小房间里，除了躺在床上休息或睡觉，你什么也不用做；只有在吃饭或上厕所时，才可以离开房间。而且，你还要戴上眼罩和手套，除了空调声，什么也听不见。你会享受这样的状态么？你可以待在这样的房间里多久？在实验中，会发生什么？
Sounds interesting? The experiment is called a sensory deprivation experiment. Let's continue to get more about it.
蛮有趣？这个实验叫做感觉剥夺实验。让我们继续看下去吧。
Sensory Deprivation Experiment
The experiment I mentioned above was done in the 1960s by psychologists. The relevant details are as following:
上面提到的实验是心理学家在20世纪60年代进行的。相关信息如下：
In 1958 at McGill University, Montreal, Hebb conducted the most detailed experiments up to that date. Volunteer students were isolated in an air-conditioned room. They wore translucent goggles so that they could only see a blur of light. They could hear nothing but a constant buzzing noise and they had to wear long cuffs which meant that they couldn't touch anything. As incentive they were offered $20 for every day they could stay in the room, and each had a 'panic button' which they had only to press to obtain instant relief. They were provided with a comfortable bed and good food.
1958年，蒙特利尔麦克吉尔大学的Hebb进行了当时看来最为详细的实验。学生志愿者被隔离在空调房里。他们戴着半透明的眼罩，只能看见一片模糊的光；除了持续的嗡嗡声，什么也听不见；戴着长袖套，什么也碰不到。而作为激励，他们待在房间里的每一天都可获得20美元（这在当时可是一大笔的Money哦），而且每个人都有一个“紧急按钮”以备不时之需。当然，不可少的还有舒适的床和良好的食物供应。
To start with, the volunteers tended to sleep, but soon they found that it was becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate and they developed an acute desire for any kind of stimulation to break the monotony. Many then began to experience startling visual and auditory hallucinations and after a while were unable to distinguish waking from sleeping. Despite the high pay for just lying on their backs, few could last more than two days and the most lasted was five days. Upon release they were given simple psychological tests which showed that their perceptions had become very disorientated – objects became blurred and fuzzy. Furthermore, while under the SD, they were found to be much more susceptible to any type of propaganda.
开始时，志愿者们还比较容易睡着，但很快他们就发现越来越难以集中注意力，而且急切地渴望能够有任何一种刺激来打破其单调的周遭。接着，许多人开始出现惊人的视觉和听觉方面的幻觉，而且一段时间后，他们已经分不清到底是在睡觉还是在清醒着。尽管每天只要躺在床上就可以获得高报酬，但没有多少人能在这样的状态下持续两天以上，最长也只是坚持了五天。离开空调房后，志愿者们都做了一个简单的心理测验。这个测验显示他们的观念都处于迷茫、迷失的状态--物体对象都变得模糊不清。而且，在感觉剥离状态下，他们更容易被任何类型的宣传所影响，很容易相信那些以前根本不相信的事情。
Note: 图片截自《三分钟爱上心理学》<日>尾形佳晃著。
There are many more such experiments. Another psychologist, J.C. Lilly, had studied sensory isolation in 1956 by immersing volunteers in a tank of lukewarm water.They had face-masks through which to breathe but these also prevented any patterned light from penetrating through. Thus there was little stimulation from light, noise or clothing. Under these conditions subjects became bored and were unable to concentrate, leading in some cases to mental disturbance. The maximum time that any volunteer could last under these conditions was only three hours. Subjects reported feelings of unreality, with a profound loss of identification. They didn't know who they were, where they were, or what was happening to them, and the ensuing feelings of panic forced them all to abandon the experiment.
还有许多此类实验。另一位心理学家J.C. Lilly在1956年进行了感觉隔离实验，他将志愿者浸入充满温水的水箱中。他们戴着呼吸面罩，这既可以保持呼吸，又阻止了光的穿入。这就形成了一个没有光、声音或衣物刺激的环境。在这样的环境下，被试渐渐变得烦躁，而且难以集中注意力，甚至个别被试产生了精神障碍。任何一个志愿者在这个实验中所能坚持的最长时间是3个小时。被试报告说，在实验中，他们产生了不真实感，丧失了识别能力。他们不知道自己是谁，在哪里，发生了什么；而随后产生的恐慌迫使他们退出这个实验。
In 1959, Smith and Lewty confined volunteer nurses in a silent room to see how long they could stick it. The incentive offered was an equal amount of paid leave for each day they lasted. They were given a comfortable bed and were even allowed to walk about the room. All volunteers who lasted for more than ten hours reported disordered thinking, and two thirds of them reported fear and panic. Some reported body-image distortions such as 'my head was like a spinning cone going away from my body'. Some experienced violent nightmares and fairly acute paranoia.
在1959年，Smith和Lewty也进行了感觉剥夺实验。他们将参与实验的志愿者护士们限制在一个安静的房间里，以观察他们可以坚持多久。相应的激励是与他们坚持的天数等同的带薪休假的报酬。实验还提供一张舒适的床，而被试也可以在房间里随意走动。所有坚持了十多个小时的志愿者护士都报告说产生了无序思维，而且2/3的人还产生了恐慌和恐惧。一些人还报告产生了人体图像扭曲，如“我的头就像离我身体而去的一个旋转的锥体”。一些人则经历了可怕的噩梦，并产生了急性偏执。
As we can see, the sensory deprivation experiments in its various forms produces very severe effects, both mental and physical.
如上所述，各种形式的感觉剥夺实验都导致了非常严重的身体和精神方面的影响。
Are you surprised at this result? Something that we have taken for granted, for example, tactile and auditory, is so important for our normal lives? You may walk in the noisy and crowded street, or watch movie in the cinema, or read book in the study room, or have a close talk with your lover at home...What would happen if we did not have any senses? I guess that would be terrible. So try to close your eyes, listen to the sounds around you at this moment, and then open the eyes to view the things around you. These are all important things for us to function normally. Please cherish them.
你对这个结果感到吃惊么？我们认为理所当然的一些事物，比如，触觉和听觉，竟对我们的正常生活是如此重要？你可能走在嘈杂拥挤的街上，或在电影院里看电影，或在书房里看书，或在家里与你的爱人亲密谈话...假如我们什么感觉都没有，会怎么样？我想那将会非常糟糕！所以，现在就请闭上眼睛，听听此刻在你周围的声音；再睁开眼睛，看看你周围的事物。这些都对我们的正常功能运作至关重要。请珍惜它们。
However, does not sensory deprivation have any positive aspects? As we all know, every coin has two sides. Then what is the positive side of sensory deprivation? Before moving forward, let's take a little break and see the definition of sensory deprivation.
但，感觉剥夺难道没有积极的一面么？我们都知道，任何事物都有两面性。那么，感觉剥夺的积极面是什么？在回答这个问题之前，我们先稍作休息，看看感觉剥夺的定义吧。
Sensory Deprivation
Sensory deprivation(SD) or perceptual isolation is the deliberate reduction or removal of stimuli from one or more of the senses. Simple devices such as blindfolds or hoods and earmuffs can cut off sight and hearing respectively, while more complex devices can also cut off the sense of smell, touch, taste, thermoception (heat-sense), and 'gravity'.
感觉剥夺或感知隔离是指故意减少或消除一个或多个感官的刺激。简单的设备如眼罩或头罩以及耳罩就可各自切断视觉和听觉，而复杂的设备亦可切断嗅觉、触觉、味觉、热觉感受以及“重力”。
Sensory deprivation facilitates the production of an altered state of consciousness through the reduction of exteroceptive stimulation and/or motor activity [Tart, 1990]. Sensory deprivation functions in a similar manner as meditation; both reduce the perception of external stimulus. Whereas meditation accomplishes this through mental processes, sensory deprivation is a direct manipulation of the environment [Wallace & Fisher, 1991].
感觉剥夺通过减少外感受刺激和/或肌动活动，易于产生意识状态的改变。感觉剥夺的运作如同冥想：两者都减少对外界刺激的感知。只是，冥想是通过心理过程来主动实现的，而感觉剥夺是通过对环境的操控来被动实现的。
According to the extent of sensory deprivation, we divide it into two types: total sensory deprivation and partial sensory deprivation. And according to the period, we could divide it into short-term sensory deprivation and extended sensory deprivation.
根据感觉剥夺程度，我们将感觉剥夺可分为部分感觉剥夺和整体感觉剥夺。而根据期间，我们又可以将其分为短期感觉剥夺和持续感觉剥夺。
Partial sensory deprivation, including changes in patterns and relationships of sensory input, cause a state of relaxation conducive to an altered state. Awareness of one's surroundings remains and hypnagogic activity is likely to occur. A reduction of external stimuli allows an individual to focus inward due to the absence of attending to sensory input. Altering sensory perception allows for a focusing of the mind which in time produces an altered state. Relaxation, time to think without distractions, vivid imagery, and feelings of love and warmth are common experiences [Wallace & Fisher, 1991].
部分感觉剥夺，包括感官输入模式和关系的改变，会让人进入一种有助于改变状态的放松环境。意识到周围环境保持不变，催眠般的活动就更可能发生。由于外部感官输入的隔离，外部刺激的减少使得个人更加专注于自己的内心。改变感官性感知为产生状态改变的专注性思考提供了条件。在部分感觉剥夺状态下，放松、静思、生动的画面、爱和温暖的感觉都是常见的体会。
Technically, total sensory deprivation is very difficult to achieve [Auerbach, 1996]. However, in severe deprivation environments noticeable differences emerge. White-out conditions, prolonged isolation, or a highly structured environment intensifies the altered state experience. If brain stimulation from sensory inputs is eliminated or greatly altered the brain begins to "fill in"/compensate for the change. Hallucinations likely result; all perceptual experience is being drawn from internal sources. Loss of identity, difficulty meeting basic survival needs, apathy, and depression have been known to occur in a total sensory deprivation environment. Research subjects typically find the experience intolerable within only 4 days [Wallace & Fisher, 1991].
技术上来说，整体感觉剥夺很难实现。但，在严重环境刺激剥夺下，整体感觉剥夺与部分感觉剥夺的显著差异仍能显现。白化条件、长时间的隔离或高度结构化的环境加剧了改变状态的体验。如果从感官输入的大脑刺激被消除或大大改变了，大脑会开始“填写”/补偿这种变化。幻觉就极可能会产生；而且所有感性体验都从内部产生。丧失识别力、难以满足基本的生存需要、冷漠和抑郁都在整体感觉剥夺实验中发生。仅4天内，实验对象就觉得难以承受这种实验。
From the above introduction, we might wonder whether an appropriate extent of sensory deprivation could help people achieve deep relax which is the basic requirement of treatments for many mental diseases.
从上面的介绍，我们可能会想：适当程度的感觉剥夺是否可以帮助人们获得许多精神疾病治疗的基本要求--深度放松的状态？
That was some psychologists thought and did, and they did even better. They found a type of therapy called REST.
那正是许多心理学家思考和实验的，而且，他们获得了更好的实验结果，并确立了限制环境刺激疗法REST。
Dr. Lilly refined his technique between 1960 and 1970, allowing subjects to float freely in an Epsom salt and water solution contained within a dark soundproof chamber. The solution was warmed to skin temperature so that the person would not react to cold or heat.
Dr.Lilly在1960年至1970年间完善了他的实验方法，允许被试自由悬浮在注满淘利盐水溶液的黑暗隔音室中。溶液的温度与皮肤表面的温度相同，从而被试不会对冷或热作出反应。
From his experiments, Lilly determined that such external stimuli as gravity, light, sound, and touch accounted for 90% of the central nervous system's workload. Although extended sensory deprivation could be harmful, extended sensory overload could also have detrimental effects on a person's mental and physical well-being. By reducing excess stimuli appropriately, he could actually lower stress levels.
根据他的实验，Lilly确定像重力、光、声音和触摸等外部刺激占了中枢神经系统工作量的90%。尽管持续性的感觉剥夺可能是有害的，但持续性的感官负载也可能对人的身体和精神健康产生有害的影响。通过适当地减少过度刺激，他也就实际上降低了压力。
Drs. Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie of the University of British Columbia began experimenting on the therapeutic benefits of this technique in the late 1970s. However, they renamed the technique Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) or, more appropriately, Floatation REST.
British Columbia大学的Peter Suedfeld博士和Roderick Borrie博士在1970年代末期开始研究感觉剥夺方法的治疗好处。然而，他们对这一方法做了重新命名，叫做限制环境刺激疗法（REST），或者更为恰当地说，叫做漂浮式限制环境刺激疗法（Floatation REST）。
Since that time, several studies have been conducted on the benefits of Floatation REST, as well as other forms of REST. The consistently positive findings of these studies have led to the incorporation of Floatation REST into physical and mental health care programs, as well as fitness training and professional sports medicine. It has been used to treat drug and smoking addictions, lower back pain, and other conditions associated with excessive stress. Currently, floatation centers can be found in major cities in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
从那以后，有好几项研究都对Floatation REST以及其他形式的REST的治疗益处进行。这些研究所得出的积极性结果使得Floatation REST纳入到了身心健康项目，以及体能训练和专业运动医学。REST已经被用于治疗药瘾和烟瘾、腰腿痛以及其他与压力过大相关的问题。目前，在亚洲、澳大利亚、欧洲和北美主要城市都可看到漂浮中心的身影。
❤Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy
There are two basic methods of restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST): chamber REST and flotation REST. In chamber REST , subjects lie on a bed in a completely dark and sound reducing (on average, 80 dB) room for up to 24 hours. Their movement is restricted by the experimental instructions, but not by any mechanical restraints. Food, drink and toilet facilities are provided in the room and are at the discretion of the tester. Subjects are allowed to leave the room before the 24 hours are complete, however fewer than 10% actually do.
REST有两种基本方法：Chamber REST和Flotation REST。在Chamber REST中，被试躺在完全黑暗的隔音（平均80dB）房的一张床上,持续24个小时。他们的活动受到实验指示的限制，但没有任何机能方面的限制。吃饭、喝水和上厕所，房间里都有相应配备，而且都在测试仪的监控下。在24个小时之前，被试也可允许离开，但只有不到10%的人的确这样做了。
In flotation REST , the room contains a tank or pool. The flotation medium consists of a skin-temperature solution of water and Epsom salts at a specific gravity that allows for the patient to float supine without worry of safety. In fact, to turn over while in the solution requires “major deliberate effort.” Fewer than 5% of the subjects tested leave before the session duration ends, which is usually around an hour for flotation REST.
在Floatation REST中，房间内放置一个水箱。水箱将注满与体温同温的淘利盐水溶液，并控制在一个指定的重力状态下，从而可以让患者无忧无虑地在水箱中漂浮。事实上，在此溶液中翻个翻都需要极大的努力才能做到。不到5%的被试提前离开，此疗法通常持续时间在1个小时。
Note: photo is from Wiki website.
For the first forty minutes it is reportedly possible to experience itching in various parts of the body (a phenomenon also reported to be common during the early stages of meditation). The last 20 minutes often end with a transition from beta or alpha brainwaves to theta, which typically occur briefly before sleep and again at waking. In a float tank the theta state can last for several minutes without the subject losing consciousness. Some use the extended theta state as a tool for enhanced creativity and problem-solving. Spas sometimes provide commercial float tanks for use in relaxation. Flotation therapy has been academically studied in the USA and in Sweden with published results showing reduction of both pain and stress. The relaxed state also involves lowered blood pressure and maximal blood flow.
前40分钟，被试发现身体各部分有些瘙痒--这也是冥想初期阶段会发生的现象。后20分钟，往往以beta或alpha脑电波过渡到theta脑电波而告终。theta脑电波通常产生于入睡之前和醒来之时那一瞬间。在漂浮水箱中，theta状态可以持续几分钟，而且被试仍具有意识。一些人使用持续性的theta状态以提高创造性和解决问题的能力。Spas有时提供商业性漂浮水箱作为放松之用。漂浮疗法的学术研究已经在美国和瑞士进行，并且已发表的结果都显示这个方法减少了痛苦和压力。放松的状态也涉及到降低血压和流血量。
So let's see the benefits of flotation REST.
所以，让我们来看看Floatation REST的益处吧。
Benefits of Floatation REST
Floatation REST has many physical and mental benefits because it provides an unparalleled level of relaxation. With the elimination of external stimuli, the central nervous system's workload is reduced by as much as 90%. This reduction draws a person's energy inward and promotes relaxation (the parasympathetic response). The parasympathetic response is the mechanism by which the body naturally regenerates itself and maintains chemical and metabolic balance. Old wounds and injuries are allowed to heal faster. Increased T-cell production strengthens the immune system. This deep level of relaxation also benefits the cardiovascular system. Known as the vasodilatory effect, the body's circulation is increased while the blood pressure and heart rate are reduced. Furthermore, the elimination of gravity on the body allows muscles and joints to release tension and heal more rapidly. For this reason, people suffering from musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions greatly benefit from Floatation REST, as can women throughout the length of their pregnancy .
由于漂浮式REST可以提供前所未有的放松状态，它对人们的身心健康都有许多益处。外部刺激被消除后，中枢神经系统的工作量就相应减少了90%，从而将人们的注意力和精力转向内心，以放松身体（副交感神经反应）。副交感神经反应是身体自主地恢复其本身，以及维持体内化学物质和新陈代谢平衡的一种机制。在这样的机制下，旧伤口愈合更快，加速的T细胞增殖会强化免疫系统。深度放松也对心血管系统有益处--即血管舒张作用：当血压和心跳降低时，身体的体液循环会加速，从而产生血管舒张。另外，重力影响的消除也使得肌肉和关节能够释放其压力，从而更迅速地愈合。正是由于这个原因，骨骼肌肉和风湿病的患者大大受益于漂浮式REST；同样地，在漫长怀孕期的女性也大大受益。
As the brain relaxes into a theta state, endorphins are released into the bloodstream, reducing pain and fatigue . The increased endorphin levels also promote a general sense of well-being and happiness and therefore increase vitality and further reduce levels of stress and tension. The blood levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are reduced by various body messages, receptor site activity, and organ processes. Combined, these positive effects help reduce the risks of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Stress-related health problems as migraine headache, hypertension , and insomnia are similarly reduced.
大脑放松进入theta状态，安多芬（脑内啡）会释放到血液中，从而起到镇痛和减少疲劳的作用。安多芬（脑内啡）含量的增加也会促进人们对幸福和快乐的总体感觉，从而使其变得更加有活力、生命力，并进一步降低紧张和压力水平。通过各种身体信号、受体活动和器官变化过程，像肾上腺素和皮质醇之类的压力荷尔蒙的血浓度会降低。综合起来，这些积极性效果降低了高血压和心血管疾病的风险，也减少了与压力相关的健康问题，比如偏头痛、过度紧张和失眠等。
The brain, freed of external stimuli, begins working more efficiently. This change provides the floater with an accelerated ability to learn, process information, and use his or her creative mind. This increased level of mental performance and concentration can be carried over into daily life. Equally important, Floatation REST can help with eliminating compulsive behaviors such as alcoholism and smoking . People with psychological and emotional problems as anxiety and depression can also benefit from this therapy.
无外界刺激影响的大脑会更高效地工作。这一点可使得漂浮者能够更快的学习、处理信息，并更具有创意思维。这种精神能力和注意力的增强可在日常生活中继续存在。同样重要的是，漂浮式REST可以戒除诸如酗酒和烟瘾这样的上瘾行为。患有类似焦虑和抑郁症等心理和情绪问题的人们也可从漂浮式REST中受益。
&nnbsp在一个限制刺激的环境中呆24小时，那些想改变行为的人的自控能力会提高。在贝斯特和聚德费尔德（Allan Best&Peter Suedfeld，1982）的实验中，吸烟者在一个安静的黑屋子的床上躺24小时（可以起来喝水、上厕所），同时听着有关吸烟不利的话。在随后的一个星期内，没有人再吸烟。一年后，2/3的人仍不抽烟，其数量是只听吸烟不利的话而没有限制感觉输入的不再吸烟者的两倍。
Except the benefits of Flotation REST, we need also to know its precautions and side effects( nearly none) .
除了Floatation REST的益处外，我们也要了解一下它的副作用（尽管几乎没有副作用）和谨慎点。
•Precautions
People suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease , or kidney conditions should consult a physician or family doctor before undergoing Floatation REST. Those who have claustrophobia, certain psychological disorders, or discomfort in the dark may find the treatment unpleasant.
患有高血压、心脏病或肾病的人在进行Floatation REST之前，应咨询治疗师或家庭医生。而那些对黑暗环境有幽闭恐惧症、某些心理障碍或感觉不舒适的人可能觉得此疗法并不舒服。
•Side effects
Prolonged exposure to the Epsom salt solution may cause diarrhea and dry skin. Otherwise, Floatation REST has no known negative side effects.
长时间接触淘利盐水溶液中可能会导致腹泻和皮肤干燥。除此之外，Floatation REST没有任何已知的不良副作用。
Reference
• 'The Guineapigs ' by John McGuffin (1974, 1981) .
<http://www.irishresistancebooks.com/guineapigs/guinea2.htm>
• Sensory deprivation <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensory_deprivation>
• Sensory Deprivation<http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Sensory_deprivation.aspx>
• The Effects of Partial & Total Sensory Deprivation By: Mark Bancroft, MA. <http://www.enspirepress.com/hypnosis_information_articles/sensory_deprivation/sensory_deprivation.html>
• What A Beautiful World<http://www.rockinghamremembered.com/WHWhatABeautifulWorld.html>
• 感觉剥夺 <http://baike.baidu.com/view/461313.htm>
http://bulo.hujiang.com/menu/5376/item/603440/www.psychspace.com心理学空间网
