There are lots of ways to alter ones state of thinking. The most common way would be to take drugs and get high. But, next time you’re looking for a new high, maybe even one that will last longer than a few hours, look beyond the local drug dealers. Try instead something more along the lines of a body modification, or to be more specific skull modification.

Trepanation, the oldest surgery on the block, is when a hole is made in one’s skull and is said to give them a feeling of a permanent state of enlightenment or being permanently high. Trepanation is also said to relive stress, brain trauma, and I can only assume other mental issues if performed correctly.

When I first read about this, all I could think of was a lobotomy. But then I looked more into what a lobotomy was and what a trepanation was. A lobotomy is when connections in the brain are cut. Trepanation is just a hole drilled into the skull. The hole is said to allow more oxygen and blood flow to reach the brain making one feel enlightened.

One man by the name of Dr. Bart Hughes is one person to have has the procedure done, not only that he is the one who performed it on himself in 1965. He came up with the idea that it would work after discovering standing on his head could get him high. He figured to stay permanently high he would have to increase blood flow to his brain so he could get the same feeling he got while standing on his head and decided he had to relieve pressure to his head. Luckily, he was right and did not seriously damage himself. He said he felt fourteen again.

Hughes was not the first to use trepanation. It can be dated back to around 5,000 B.C. due to a trepanated skull being discovered in France dating to around 5,000 B.C. Trepanations are still said to be given in ceremoniously Africa even.

I myself have many days where frustration gets the better of me and drilling a hole in my head sounds like it would be a good way to take the edge off. While it may sound like a great idea to lead someone to enlightenment make sure further research is done and you do not do it on your own or just have a friend take a drill to your head. Like with any modification, piercing, or tattoo, GO TO A PROFESSIONAL! I will not be to blame if you hurt yourself trying to get high.

A fun less permanent idea