phanelike

Phanelike refers to a phenomenon in which a person perceives their physical body or parts of their body as changing in appearance or substance. This can include the sensation of limbs elongating, shrinking, or becoming transparent, or the feeling of one's body becoming insubstantial or dissolving. It is important to note that phanelike is a perceptual experience and not a reflection of actual physical changes.

This perceptual alteration is most commonly associated with certain altered states of consciousness, such as those induced by psychedelic drugs like LSD or psilocybin. It can also occur during intense meditative experiences, sleep paralysis, or in individuals with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions. The experience can range from mild and fleeting to profound and disorienting.

The underlying mechanisms of phanelike are not fully understood, but research suggests it may involve disruptions in the brain's sensory processing and body schema representation. Neuroimaging studies have indicated changes in activity within areas of the brain responsible for integrating sensory information and constructing a sense of self. Psychological factors, such as expectation and suggestibility, may also play a role in the intensity and nature of the phanelike experience. While often described as unusual or even frightening, phanelike experiences are generally considered transient and without lasting physical harm.