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Mind Machines



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In the 1940's a researcher by the name of Gray Walter discovered that when a person was subjected to a light flashing at a certain frequency, their brain wave activity would fall in sync with the flashing of the lights. Since then a small body of research has been conducted on the subject and many devices have been developed to entrain brain waves. Most of these devices include small lights mounted in a pair of eye glasses. These lights flash at given frequencies and are controlled by a small computer in the base unit. Today, most sound and light entrainment devices (SLEDs) also include a sound component. This sound pulses at a given frequency and is usually binaural. Binaural sound occurs when two distinct sine waves (pure tones) are played in each ear. For example, a person might hear a 440 hz tone in one ear and a 430 hz tone in the other ear; the ears will "hear" both tones but the brain (as shown by e.e.g.) will discern the difference between the tones, 10 hz (known as the binuaral beat effect). Ten hertz happens to be the alpha frequency for brain waves and is associated with relaxed states (light meditation, etc.) and imagery. SLEDs have also been used to entrain beta, theta and even delta states as well. The combined effects of having both the photic and the auditory portions of the brain stimulated in synchrony can be profound. SLEDs are currently being used by professional psychologists in their practices and by the general public for relaxation, stress management, Insomnia, mind expansion, accelerated learning and retention, breaking limiting beliefs, phobias, anxiety, sports training, promoting physical wellness, and most of all for fun. The possibilities are great and technology has been shown effective. However, the only way to truly appreciate the light sound experience is to try a mind machine for yourself.
(From: http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~andrewc/index.html)

Mind machines typically consist of a control unit, a pair of headphones and/or strobe light goggles. The unit controls the sessions and drives the LEDs in the goggles. Professionally, they are usually referred to as Auditory Visual Stimulation Devices (AVS devices).
Sessions will typically aim at directing the average brainwave frequency from a high level to a lower level by ramping down in several sequences. Target frequencies in higher-end machines are typically in the alpha wave area in the frequency range of 8-12 Hz, or in the beta wave area in the frequency range of 13-40 hertz (Hz), and can be adjusted by the user based on the desired resulting effects.
Mind machines are often used together with biofeedback or neurofeedback equipment in order to adjust the frequency on the fly.
Modern mind machines can connect to the Internet to update the software and download new sessions. When sessions are used in conjunction with meditation, neurofeedback, etc. the effect can be amplified.
Some clinical research has been done on the use of auditory and visual stimulation to improve cognitive abilities in learning-disabled children.
(From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_machine)

Mind Machines are frequently used for better performance en cognitive process, like creativity.



Mind Modulations.
Mind Modulations offers Mind Machines and Biofeedbak Techonology.

This company is “specialize in tools for changing consciousness”. Their machines gently shift your brainwaves where you want them by stimulating your senses with beautiful patterns of light & sound. Brainwave frequencies are linked to mind state and mood. When light & sound Mind Machines entrain your brainwaves into the states where meditation, dreaming, or concentration take place - you experience and feel them.And to top it all off, while your eyes are closed you see the most extraordinary kaleidoscopic patterns of color and geometry.

Biofeedback Technology. Biofeedback teaches you to alter your brain activity, heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension and other bodily functions by allowing you to see, hear or feel them directly. What you learn during a biofeedback session stays with you throughout your day. The knowledge you gain becomes second nature when multiple sessions allow you to train new positive habits. And... It's FUN! (From Mind Modultations website)



SHARM
(Self-Hypnosis And Relaxation Machine) is a software tool that enables both professional therapists and advanced users to quickly and easily create their own customized therapy and self-improvement sessions.

Unlike audio tapes and CDs which include pre-recorded sessions for relaxation and self-hypnosis, SHARM gives you full control over the different aspects of the session. You design and customize the sounds in the session according to your own goals.

SHARM offers over 100 predefined sessions. Open one of the session files, set the length of the session, and press "Play". After listening to some of the included sessions, you can explore SHARM's endless customization possibilities. (From SHARM website)



MindMachines.com
a Relaxation Superstore.

Company specialized in tools for learning, relaxation, meditation and personal achievement. In business since 1990, with customers in over 100 countries. This company has a variety of personal and professional instruments, competitive pricing and customer-friendly service.



Mind Sync
Offers Binaural frecuencies products

If binaural frequencies are applied to the brain, it becomes possible to entrain the brain frequency from one stage to another. For example, if a person is in beta state and a binaural frequency of 12Hz is applied to their brain for some time, the brain frequency is likely to change towards the applied frequency. The effect will be relaxing to the person. This phenomenon is also called frequency following response.

When the brain's dominant frequency is close to the applied frequency, entrainment works more efficiently. Thus, when doing a sweep from one frequency to another, the starting frequency should be as close to your current brain state as possible. The sweep speed should be such that your brain's state changes steadily with it, so that the difference never gets very large.
You could liken the effect to a tuning fork or the harmonic vibration of a glass. Most of the brainwave harmonic programmes start from 18Hz - 20Hz and sweep down to the required harmonic. (From Mind-Syc web site).



Transparent Corporation
http://www.transparentcorp.com/

Transparent is a developer of brain stimulation and training products geared towards solving human problems and increasing human potential.

Transparent products are used by therapists, businesses, M.D.'s, teachers, academic researchers and thousands of regular, every day people in over 40 countries (From Transparent Corporation web site)



MindPlace
http://www.mindplace.com/

The MindPlace Company (and its predecessor, Synetic Systems) has been selling microprocessor-controlled light and sound systems since 1988.

MindPlace has Biodfeedback Technology, Mental Games, Light & Sound Systems, and AudioStrobe CD’s.

With the ThoughtStream™ Personal Biofeedback System you can learn to become aware of, and subsequently able to change, responses to psychological stress using signals from your own body. Package includes Mental Games for Windows - a series of biofeedback-enabled training programs. Use to deepen your meditation practice, before important meetings or tests, and anytime you’re feeling stressed. (From MindPlace web site)



SHAKTI. Neuromagnetic Signal Generator
http://www.shaktitechnology.com

“Your brain produces electrical signals as it operates. Shakti For Windows applies magnetic signals to your head that mimic these signals. Because some brain structures have known 'signatures', they can be 'targeted' by applying their signature signals. Shakti uses signals derived from individual brain structures to elicit altered-state experiences. The different jobs these brain parts do provide different effects for each signal. Each signal 'targets' a specific brain part”. (From Shakti, web site)



Mind Gear
http://www.mind-gear.com/
Mind Gear, an international leader in Audio-Visual Stimulation (AVS) Technology, now introduces iLightz, first AVS device "Made for iPod"!



Nova Pro 100 Light & Sound Mind Machine
With more AVS stimulation sessions, more storage and more new features, the Nova Pro 100 is the latest in what Light & Sound Technology can offer. 100 relaxation, meditation, sleep, learning, energizing, visualization, entertainment and specialty performance sessions and... room for 100 more. Our top of the line, professional quality machine has 100 easy to use relaxation, meditation, sleep, learning, energizing, visualization, entertainment and specialty sessions. And room for downloading up to 100 more sessions. The best unit available. Multi-user capable! (From Amazon web site)



Zen Master Mind Machine and Personal CD Player
The Zen Master incorporates advanced Mind Machine features tucked neatly inside a Personal CD Player.

Light and Sound Mind Machines are powerful tools for activating the mind, achieving deep levels of concentration and relaxation, sparking creativity and preparing for stressful events like public speaking, examinations and long trips. (From iProducts.ws website)



InnerPulse Light & Sound Mind Machine
http://www.inner-pulse.com/
The InnerPulse Light & Sound "Mind Machine" includes 64 built in relaxation, meditation, sleep, learning, energizing, visualization, entertainment, breath pacing, Improv and specialty performance sessions and room for downloading up to 25 more! Sessions are organized in 11 categories: relax, special, meditate, sleep, learn, energize, visualize, entertain, breath pacing, improv and downloaded. Sessions are selected by selecting a category then a session within the category (so you don't have to wade through all sessions every time). In any category, the selection process proceeds through the built-in sessions in that category. The InnerPulse provides a separate intensity control of the two sides, allowing breath pacing, sine wave stimulation and different left/right levels. Independent control of left and right light intensity-used in hemispheric specialization and control of bi-color glasses (one color can be controlled separately from the other). A choice of sine wave control of the lights (a pleasant gradual ramping or decrease of the lights, very soothing to the eyes), square wave or PhaseErase control (lights flashing in different intervals, continually changing pulse timing). (From Amazon website)