An altered state of consciousness, or ASC, can be defined as a distinct level of consciousness that is significantly different from an individual’s regular waking state. It is characterized by drastic changes in alertness, concentration, subjective experience, short- and long-term memory, sensory perception, and behavior, with many stating that these states can increase creativity, clarity, and connection to a higher purpose. ASCs have been used for health and healing applications, as psycho-spiritual laboratory, as well as expanded and ecstatic states often used in conferring ancient wisdom and mystery.

See also: delta wave, flow state, peak experience, non-ordinary state