Harmful effects of sensory deprivation

The senses are a vital connection between body and mind; they are the link between the mental and the elemental. Loss of contact with the senses - sensory deprivation - may be the cause of a wide range of personal, social and environmental problems. The absence of focused smelling, tasting, touching, seeing and hearing can lead to the mental distraction that results in irritability, anger, fatigue and boredom.

The ancient Indian vedic school of thought recognizes that the elements, as well as being linked to the senses (water to taste, earth to smell, fire to sight, air to touch, and space (or ether) to hearing) are also representative of positive and negative mental tendencies, emotional aspects and personality characteristics.

In a recent research project at Shenley Hospital, London, work in the "neurosis unit" recorded, over an eight month period, a dramatic fall in the use of anti-depressants, tranquillisers and sleeping pills when such techniques as sensory awareness and spiritually creative activities were employed.