Research

Neurotraining research

Audiovisual entrainment - Brain Trainer

Audio entrainment research - Brainwave CDs

Neurotraining research

General

Peak performance

Remediation

ADHD and ADD

Autism and Aspbergers

Substance Abuse and Alcoholism

Minor Closed Head Injury

Mood Disorders

Tourettes

Ritalin

Spiritual and Personal Development

Summary for ADHD and ADD

References

Other conditions neurotraining will remediate or substantially improve for children and adults

General

Peak performance

Alpha Training and Peak Performance A New Reality book excerpt

Creativity increase and stress reduction in scientists

Peak performance for scientists, US Commandoes and athletes

Unlocking the Mental Aspects of the Golf Swing: Can Functional MR Imaging Give Us Insights? American Journal of

Neuroradiology 24:1033-1034, June-July 2003

Music performance enhanced in students Neuro Report 2003

A Way to Train the Brain Financial Times 2003 re music students research

Non-linear dynamic complexity of the human EEG during meditation

Remediation

Rating the Efficacy of Biofeedback Modalities

History explanation and research to 2000

ADHD and ADD

Abstract re meta-analysis on ADHD 2009 

Summary of latest controlled study re neurotraining and ADHD

A white paper from ISNR and AAPB outlining their position on Neurotherapy as a treatment for ADHD

EEG Biofeedback Eliminates Impulsivity

The Effectiveness of Neurotherapy for ADHD Dr Jacques Duff

Autism and Aspbergers

Neurotraining Helps Autism

Autism Linked to Mirror Neuron Dysfunction

Substance Abuse and Alcoholism

Effects of an EEG Biofeedback Protocol on a Mixed Substance Abusing Population

Neurotherapy for Chemical Dependency

The Future Psychotherapy for Alcoholism and PTSD - Dr Eugene O. Peniston

Minor closed head injury

Diagnosis and Treatment of Head Injury

Mood disorders

EEG Biofeedback Training for Depression, anxiety and trauma

Tourettes

Case Study re Tourettes

Ritalin

Ritalin Research

Spiritual and personal development

Alpha Training Closer to Zen Than Yoga Dr J Hardt PhD

Neurotraining for Healing and Spiritual Growth A New Reality book excerpt

References

• Fenger, T. N. (1998). Visual-motor integration and its relation to EEG neurofeedback brain wave patterns, reading, spelling, and arithmetic achievement in attention deficit disordered and learning disabled students. Journal of Neurotherapy, 3, 9-18.
• Kaiser, D., & Othmer, S. (2000). Effect of neuro-feedback on variables of attention in a large multi-center trial Journal of Neurotherapy, 4(1)
• Linden, M., Habib, T., and Radojevic, V. (1996). A controlled study of the effects of EEG biofeedback on cognition and behaviour of children with attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities. Biofeedback and Self Regulation, 21(1), 35-49
• Lubar, J. 0. & Lubar, J. F. (1984). Electroencephalographic biofeedback of SMR and beta for treatment of attention deficit disorders in a clinical setting. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 9, 1-25.
• Lubar, J. F., Swartwood, M. O., Swartwood, J. N., & O’Donnell, P. H. (1995). Evaluation of the effectiveness of EEG neurofeedback training for ADHD in a clinical setting as measured by changes in T.O.V.A. scores, behavioural ratings, and WISC-R performance. Biofeedback and Self Regulation. 20(1), 83-99.
• Ramos, F. (1998). Frequency band interaction in ADD/ADHD neurotherapy. Journal of Neurotherapy, 3, 26-41.
• Rossiter, T. R. & LaVaque, T. J. (1995). A comparison of EEG biofeedback and psychostimulants in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1, 48-59.
• Tansey, M. A. (1991) Wechsler (WISC-R) changes following treatment of learning disabilities via EEG biofeedback training in a private practice setting. Australian Journal of Psychology, 43(3), 147-153.
• Tansey, M. A. (1993). Ten year stability of EEG biofeedback results for a hyperactive boy who failed fourth grade perceptually impaired class. Biofeedback and Self Regulation, 18(1), 33-44.
• Thompson, L. & Thompson, M. (1999). Neurofeedback combined with training metacognitive strategies. Journal of Neurotherapy, 3,

Other conditions neurotraining will remediate or substantially improve for children and adults

Remediation

Peak performance for children and adults

Spiritual and personal development

Alpha/theta meditation

Click here for testimonials

Audio-Visual Entrainment

Introduction

ADHD, ADD and learning disorders

Analysis and comments on AVE from doctors

Pre-menstral tension/stress

Migraines and headaches

Relaxation, pain management and healing

Meditation

Stress

Sleep and immune system boosting

Autism and Aspergers

General

Other studies currently underway

Notes

Introduction

Audio-visual entrainment (AVE), is a concept as old as mankind. Imagine sitting in front of a fire, watching the flickering flames and at the same time, listening to the rhythmic sounds of drums, woodwind, the wind in the trees, a babbling stream or the rain and you can get a feel for the experience of AVE. The effects of flickering light are not entirely new. There were occasional reports, even in historical times, of unusual effects caused by rhythmic flashing light, such as the sun viewed through the spokes of a rotating wheel. Modern electronics and computer chips have enabled this natural phenomenon to be utilized in a convenient manner, which lead to microwave sized units for clinical use. The miniaturisation boom in the eighties led to portable devices for home use. Devices were promoted for relaxation and stress reduction and also used for more specific remedial purposes. Impressive anecdotal reports appeared attesting to the clinical value and in the late eighties more careful scientific studies 1 were undertaken on these devices.

AVE uses specially modulated flickering light delivered by light emitting diodes (LEDs) imbedded in a set of glasses and pulsing sound via headphones. AVE tunes the limbic and central nervous systems producing brainwave and metabolic changes in the brain and body. This tuning is achieved simply via the stimulation of neural pathways, which connect the eyes and ears to the temporal, auditory and visual cortices to the limbic system. This affect was formally discovered by accident in a neuroscience lab in the 1930s and was called entrainment. Neurologists routinely use this effect to test brain function like a type of neural reflex test.

The light entrainment has a very powerful effect and can be used to sedate or stimulate. Studies have shown that flickering light powerfully drives brainwaves, 2 increases blood flow and glucose uptake in the neurons across the entire cortex.3 The input of light feeds down to the central nervous system and physically pushes on fundamental mechanisms of attention and arousal, resetting these mechanisms to produce changes in the composition of brainwave states, dominate brainwaves and neuronal metabolism across the entire cortex.

When AVE is used regularly the effects are accumulative and can permanently remediate problems or manage them in an effective, non-invasive and natural way. Studies have shown AVE to be effective in remediating headaches, migraines, insomnia, pre-menstrual tension/stress, attention deficit disorder, learning problems, stress, anxiety and depression. These disorders can be newly categorised in terms of sub-cortical arousal and attention mechanisms or slow and fast wave dominance. ADHD, depression and premenstrual tension/stress (PMT/S) are chronic low arousal problems found in different areas of the left, right and frontal cortices. Panic attacks, anxiety and aggression are high arousal problems associated predominantly with the right and frontal cortices. Headaches and insomnia are associated with high and low arousal and both hemispheres.

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ADD, ADHD and learning disorders

HR Russell, JL Carter and their associates performed extensive studies 6 of the effects of flashing light combined with synchronous sound on the performance and intelligence scores of boys with Attention Deficit Disorder. The trials, reported in (The Texas Researcher, 4:65, 1993) showed significant increases in intelligence measures, (spelling, reading, mathematics, verbal IQ), students were less dependent, had improved academic attention and interests, were less anxious, more self contained, improved their coordination and intellectual pursuits, suffered less and controlled anger better.

R Olmstead conducted a pilot study 23 using AVE with 65 clients from 6 to 45 years of age (55 males and 10 females) at the Research Centre for Alternate Medicine in Calgary. All had been medically diagnosed via the DSM-IV with ADHD and 25 were on stimulant medication. Each client had a 35 minute session once per week. Olmstead reported in the (Auditory Visual Stimulation Journal 1: 3, 4-9) that 44% of the clients were able to reduce their medication and 32% were able to stop medication completely. DSM-IV pre and post treatment demonstrated a significant improvement of cognitive and behavioural symptoms.

Elisabeth Philipos, Pepperdine University, California, and James McGaugh, University of California, Irvine, have tested the effects of Theta frequencies on learning. During their study a group of 20 students learned 1,800 words of Bulgarian in 120 hours while using Theta stimulation programs. In about 1/3 of normal time they spoke and wrote the new language.

Analysis and comments on AVE from doctors

Dr. Roman Chrucky, Medical Director of North Jersey Development Center in Totowa, New Jersey: "The machine works like a tranquilizer and the effect lasts for several days. Using the machines in Theta frequency, clients are very receptive to suggestions on behavioural aspects such as reducing tobacco, alcohol and food consumptions." Dr. Chrucky also noted during his conversations with patients that many "were more creative during the sessions."

Dr. Gene W. Brockopp, Review of Research on Multi-Modal Sensory Stimulation with Clinical Implications and Research Proposals (non-published,1984): Dr. Brockopp analysed audio-visual Brain stimulation and in particular hemispheric synchronization during EEG monitoring. "By inducing hemispheric coherence the machine can contribute to improved intellectual functioning of the brain. Like children spending most of their time in Theta, the machine allows a reduction in learning time. With adults a return into Theta allows them to rediscover childhood experiences. The machine is like a `lost and found office' for the subconscious." Dr. Brockopp conclusion is that dissipative structures allow the mind-via audio-visual entrainment-to abandon certain present neurological structures in order to maintain a higher, more coherent and flexible state of consciousness, thus allowing for improved communication of neuro-entities.

Pre-menstral tension/stress

DJ Anderson and his colleagues at The Royal Postgraduate Medical School Hammersmith, London, reported in the (Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 17(l):76-79, 1997) on an open study 7 of 17 women with confirmed, severe and long standing PMT were treated with flashing light. The device was portable and used by the women at home for 15 minutes per day, every day throughout their menstrual cycle. Most of the women had previously tried other PMT treatments without success and were consequently sceptical. The seventeen women experienced a median reduction in their PMT symptoms of 76%. At the end of the trial twelve of the women could no longer be considered to have PMT. The level of improvement is greater than that reported for any other PMT treatment, be it fluoxetine (Prozac), hormones, relaxation, or vitamin and herbal supplements, concluded Anderson.

Migraines and headaches

G Soloman reported in (Headache 25:444-446 1985) a peer reviewed journal, on a preliminary study of flashing light as a treatment for muscle contraction headaches.4 Fourteen out of the fifteen patients with acute muscle contraction headaches reported complete relief of their headaches. DJ Anderson had considerable success using a flashing light device with migraine patients, using the device mainly in the higher range of frequencies. In another study,5 also reported in (Headache 29:154-155) Anderson reported that of a total of 50 migraine headaches in seven patients 30 were ‘stopped’ and all but 1 of the remainder were ‘helped.’ The median duration of headaches was reduced and the interval between migraine headaches appeared to be reduced. Subsequent work found that 15 minutes per day was effective as a preventative.

Relaxation, pain management and healing

Norman Shealy and colleagues at the Shealy and Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, performed a number of studies 8 of flashing light, as a method for relaxation and for reduction and management of chronic pain. A detailed study on 92 patients indicated that 88 obtained relaxation results higher than 60% after 30-minute sessions at 10 hz. Thirty patients had sessions in Theta (5 hz) and experienced relaxation states of 50-100% after five minutes as well as improved pain relief. Eleven subjects had peridural blood analysis pre and post ten minutes of AVE, which produced significant and instantaneous increases in serotonin (21%), norepinephrine, dopamine, growth hormone, oxytocin, luteinizing hormone, cholinesterose, progesterose, prolactin and a decrease in melatonin and beta endorphin (25%). Successful studies 9 of pain reduction in TMJ patients have also been jointly conducted by N Thomas of the University of Alberta and D Siever of Comptronic Devices Limited.

Bruce Harrah-Confort, Ph.D., Indiana University, "Alpha and Theta Response to the MindsEye Plus," 1990: The study included 15 persons between the ages of 24 and 38 years old who were asked to relax via auto-suggestion with headphones dispensing a synthetic sound (100 cycles at 60 hz) and then to use the audio-visual stimulator MindsEye Plus. EEG graphic analysis showed that the first relaxation method did not alter the EEG-trace significantly vs. normal. MindsEye Plus users had, however, strongly improved Alpha and Theta tracings and experienced profound relaxation. There were also signs that would validate hemispheric synchronization during the experience.

Dr. Olivier Carreau, Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris, on "Efficiency of the MindsEye Plus audio-visual stimulator in treatment of the psoriasis during UVA therapy," study completed in January 1991. Dr. Carreau analysed 20 patients over a period of five months. Patients were treated once per week alternately via UVA and audio-visual entrainment (30-minute sessions) for psychosomatic skin disorders. All patients experienced deep relaxation during the sessions and had a feeling of well-being during the entire day. Five patients claimed that this feeling lasted for the following 2-3 days. Patients with combined therapy did better than with UVA therapy alone.

Meditation

Joseph Glickson, Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, "Photic Driving and Altered States of Consciousness: An Exploratory Study," in Imagination, Cognition and Personality, vol. 6(2), 1986-87, pp 167-182: Four persons were exposed to photic stimulation in the 18, 10 and 6 hz ranges. A frequency response was established by two subjects during the initial session according to EEG measurements. These persons had an altered state of consciousness, and reported their visual and auditory experiences. The two other subjects had similar experiences during follow-on sessions. The study concludes that photic entrainment provokes altered states of consciousness according to the applied frequencies.

Paul Williams and Michael West, Department of Psychological Medicine, University Hospital of Wales and University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, Cardiff, Wales, "EEG Responses to Photic Stimulation in Persons Experienced in Meditation," in electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 1975, 39, pp 519-522: Williams and West tested photic entrainment on two test groups of 10 people. The test group produced significantly more Alpha waves and has smaller Alpha blocking compared to the control group familiar with traditional meditation techniques. Alpha induction was realized faster and more frequently within the test vs. the control group.

Dale S. Foster of Memphis State University, "EEG and Subjective Correlates of Alpha Frequency Binaural Beats Stimulation Combined with Alpha Biofeedback," 1988: Mr. Foster's conclusions indicate that the combination of binaural sounds with audio-visual entrainment machines allow access into Alpha states of consciousness much faster than with traditional biofeedback techniques.

Tsuyoshi Inouye, Noboru Sumitsuji and Kazuo Matsumoto, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Osaka University Medical School, Japan, "EEG Changes Induced by Light Stimuli Modulated with the Subject's Alpha Rhythm," in Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 1980, 49, pp 135-142: Seven of nine persons undergoing the test obtained occipital Alpha of both hemispheres and concurrently coherence and phase between right and left occipital EEG. These results tend to confirm a hemispheric synchronization tendency by subjects using photic stimulation in the 10 hz (Alpha frequency) range.

Alan Richardson and Fiona McAndrew, Department of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia, "The Effects of Photic Stimulation and Private Self-consciousness on the Complexity of Visual Imagination Imagery," in British Journal of Psychology, 1990, 81 pp. 381-394: Three levels of photic stimulation (6, 10, 18 hz) were employed to induce visual imagination imagery in 40 female undergraduates, half of them with habitual interest in their own internal states and half without such interest. More complex images would be reported (1) under the averaged 6 to 10 hz condition, (2) under the 6 vs. the 10 hz condition, and (3) under the high PSC (Personal Self-Conscious scale) than under the low PSC condition. The study concludes that further studies on guided imagery will be undertaken.

Stress

Dr. Norman Thomas and David Siever, University of Alberta, Florida. Several publications, notably: The Effect of Repetitive Audio/Visual Stimulation in Skeletomotor and Vasomotor Activity, 1989: "We stimulated one of two groups of 30 people with a brain- stimulation device to test relaxation levels, using 10 hz frequency while observing their muscular tension with an EMG and their index skin temperature. The second group had to relax without machines via traditional means of autosuggestion. Most of the people in the second group said they felt relaxed while demonstrating greater tension (EMG) and lower skin temperatures, both of which are stress and nervous tension indicators. The group using the machine obtained deep relaxation state going beyond the programmed 15 minutes. EMG curves confirmed relaxation of the cortex due to the frequency adoption response."

These findings were also verified by James Greene and Dr. E.J. Baukus of FOCUS Human Research Development in Bourdonnais, Illinois. The muscular tension curve of the trapezius muscle during a MindsEye (audio-visual mind-machine) indicative of deep muscular relaxation.

Dr. Robert Cosgrove, Jr. of the anaesthesia department of Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, proceeded in 1988 with multiple experiences with the same devices and concluded that states of deep relaxation are obtained with these machines. "We are very optimistic about the possibilities of calming our patients before and after surgery. By the way, we already treat chronic stress affected patients. Thus, our EEG analysis shows that optimal cerebral functioning can be obtained with regular use of such audio-visual apparatus. The machines could eventually slow the decreasing cerebral performance with the elderly. This type of machine could revolutionize neurology and medicine.'"

Dr. Thomas Budzynski in "Biofeedback and the Twilight States of Consciousness," in G.E. Schwartz and D. Shapiro eds., Consciousness and Self-Regulation, vol. 1, New York, Plenum 1976 and non-published studies at the Biofeedback Institute of Denver, 1980: Using a first-generation prototype, Dr. Budzynski concluded that "these devices produce a distinct relaxation state. Programming the device between 3 and 7 hz, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the patients to enter--effortlessly-a state of hypnosis. They terminate the sessions relaxed and with a feeling of well-being." Also, "the device has a calming effect on nervous or anxious patients. In a majority of cases the patients feel relaxed and calm during a period of three to four days after the session. It happens that the subjects have a reminiscence of childhood experiences, particularly when in Theta. They related their experiences which we incorporated into our psychotherapeutic program."

Sleep and immune system boosting

Richard E. Townsend, Ph.D. of Neuropsychiatric Research, U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, "A Device for Generation and Presentation of Modulated Light Stimuli," in Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 1973, 34, pp 97-99: The author describes a system allowing generation and presentation of modulated light stimuli with variable frequencies and wave forms. He concludes the possibilities of stimulation and positive responses during sleep-preparation and insomnia troubles.

Dr. William Harris, Director of the Penwell Foundation, USA in 1990: Preliminary studies with audio-visual brain stimulators used by patients with AIDS indicate that "the devices are extremely efficient in terms of providing mental clarity, improved sleeping patterns (for sleep preparation and sleep duration) allowing for better physical detoxification by the liver. The apparatus also stimulates immunology functions through states of deep relaxation."

Autism and Aspergers

The follow is part of an article by Julian Isaacs PhD, who is a researcher/clinician with neurotechnologies. Recent Studies in Light and Sound Megabrain Report: The Journal of Mind Technology Vol.2 No.2 p9 1992.

“The first two studies I shall review were conducted by Dr Ruth Olmstead of San Diego. In her ‘Autism Study’ she informally documents case studies of three autistic individuals, two children and a man. Autism is a little understood condition with early childhood onset where individuals appear to be out of contact with their environment, unable to integrate sensory inputs or to learn very effectively, do not relate to others and are difficult to manage. The condition is also very resistant to treatment so that improvements of any sort are rare and therefore potentially significant. Dr Olmstead used a DAVID 1 device and found marked improvements in all three cases she treated. Her first patient was a boy of eleven, described as a low functioning autistic with very poor communication skills who showed violent mood swings and frequent tantrums when she first encountered him (his father had to hold him down on the floor for 20 minutes during the first meeting!). After a total of 29 sessions of 35 minutes over a period of eight months Dr Olmstead reported that she, “witnessed remarkable changes in his alertness level and his ability to handle his environment without tantrums and aggressive behaviour. He has not only demonstrated affectionate behaviour with his father––previously not seen––but has also initiated personal contact with me, including hugs, taking and holding my hand, and clearly showing pleasure in arriving for his sessions.”

The second patient, a 28 year old man, had much better initial functioning but found it very difficult to communicate emotionally and lacked confidence in his ability to learn. After 21 sessions over a period of 10 months he became better able to integrate his internal states and half way through treatment enrolled in a community college and ‘surprised himself’ with his ability to keep up with the written text and his ability to comprehend instructions.

The third patient, another boy, had been evaluated as borderline autistic. He had very poor speech articulation and vocabulary, frequent tantrums and abnormal eating and sleeping patterns. After 16 DAVID 1 sessions over a period of nine months he was much calmer and no longer hyperactive, exhibited greatly improved speech articulation and vocabulary and had normalised his sleeping patterns. “ These results are very promising and certainly deserve follow up by other professionals treating autistic patients.”

General

Ronald Lesser, Hans Luders, G. Klem and Dudley Dinner, Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, "Visual Potentials Evoked by Light- Emitting Diodes Mounted in Goggles," in Cleveland Clinic Quarterly, vol. 52, No. 2, Summer 1985, pp. 223-228: A comparison of stimulation by stroboscopic lights and LED diodes shows that both methods have similar effects. LED stimulation may be preferable in intensive care units or during surgery because the type of stimulus is less disturbing.

Takeo Takahashi and Yasuo Tsukahara, Department of Neuropsychiatry of Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku, Japan, "Influence of Red Light and Pattern on Photic Driving;' in Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, 1979, 127, pp. 45-52: With a study group of 108 persons the authors conclude that red light emitting diodes (LEDs) produced stronger entrainment than white LEDs.

Other studies currently underway

Notes

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Audio Entrainment

The Effects of Hemi-Sync® on Electrocortical Activity: A Review of Three Empirical Studies
More Papers

The Effects of Hemi-Sync® on Electrocortical Activity: A Review of Three Empirical Studies

by M. R. Sadigh, PhD, Director of Psychology, The Gateway Institute and P. W. Kozicky, MD, Founder and Director, The Gateway Institute

We wish to dedicate this paper to Robert A. Monroe: a man whose love and compassion for humanity have forever changed and expanded the definition of human consciousness.

Introduction

Bilateral hemispheric synchronization is a phenomenon which has been attracting the attention of researchers and clinicians for sometime. It has been approximately thirty years since a number of studies showed that adept meditators tended to bring about a state of phasic hemispheric synchrony while in deep meditation (see Carrington, 1977). In a classic and often cited study, Banquet (1973) demonstrated that advanced TM meditators could indeed achieve total brain synchrony after minutes of repeating a mantra. However, even in adept meditators the dominant brain-wave frequency in which the state of synchrony takes place is almost impossible to predict and/or control.

Banquet (1973) suggested that during meditation a greater equalization of the functioning of the hemispheres tends to take place. This relative shift in hemispheric dominance (from left-brain dominance to whole-brain dominance) may result in therapeutic effects which are likely to enhance mind-body integration and overall improvements in physical and emotional health. Because of a reduction in cognitive activities during moments of whole brain synchrony, it is believed that negative thinking, self-punitive thoughts and excessive worrying are apt to slow down and consequently a reduction in cognitive anxiety is experienced (Carrington, 1977; Sadigh,1991; Schwartz, Davidson, & Goleman, 1978).

Delmonte (1984) suggested that creative intelligence requires the synthesis and collaboration of both the analytic and the spatial/intuitive halves of the brain. Again, it appears that this left-brain-right-brain synthesis can be achieved almost at will by adept meditators, especially those who practice TM.

Green and Green (1989) believed that long term biofeedback and relaxation training resulted in a harmonious relationship between the two hemispheres which facilitated control of the autonomic nervous system. This control can especially be helpful in the treatment of a variety of stress related and psychosomatic disorders. The authors also suggested that such states of bilateral synchrony may indeed bring about positive changes in psychophysical health as well as therapeutic alterations in underlying personality characteristics which may interfere with healthy growth and development.

Ornstein and Thompson (1984) criticized the Western emphasis on intelligence in terms of written or spoken word. They believed that perhaps the reason we have difficulties expanding our standards of education is because of this overemphasis on the potentials and abilities of the analytic/verbal brain. Studies investigating whole-brain synthesis clearly suggest that human knowledge, intelligence, and well being may very well be achieved as the two brains begin to function as one--in unison and in synchrony. Table 1 summarizes some of the documented characteristics of the two hemispheres.

Table 1

But how can we achieve whole brain synchrony without needing to become involved in the prolonged practice of meditation and meditative exercises? Can such states be induced and maintained by the use of technology? To answer these questions, let us now turn to the examination of Eastern and Western approaches which attempt to bring about whole-brain integration and synchrony.

From East to West: In Search of The Synchronized Brain

The beneficial effects of hemispheric synchrony suggested in the current literature have motivated a large number of researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs to discover more effective and practical ways of inducing such a state. Empirical research with some forms of meditative practices has shown that a synchronized brain state may be achieved after literally years of practice. Furthermore, it has been established that only certain forms of meditation result in such a state. Practices that suggest focused attention such as TM seem to be the most effective ways of causing whole-brain integration. As it was indicated earlier, synchrony achieved during these practices appears to be limited to certain specific frequencies and states of consciousness which cannot be easily controlled or modified by the meditator.

A few years ago, we had the opportunity of mapping the cortical activity of an adept meditator who had been regularly practicing and teaching TM for approximately fifteen years. The subject's EEG activity during baseline showed an asynchronous state throughout the cortex. The primary cortical activity was that of high-frequency Alpha activity combined with some Theta and Beta waves especially concentrated in the left temporal lobe. Once a stable baseline was achieved, the subject was asked to practice his mantra meditation. Shortly after this, the subject's cortical activity began to slow down and signs of phasic-bilateral synchrony became apparent. Within a matter of minutes the subject's primary cortical activity was that of low frequency Alpha across the cortex. This is consistent with similar observations reported in the literature (i.e. Banquet, 1973). After the subject stopped meditating, his cortical activity began to resemble that of the pre-meditation state.

This was actually the first time we witnessed a fully synchronized brain induced by meditation in our neuropsychological laboratory. The results and findings of this experiment were both exciting and sobering. We asked ourselves, "Do we need years of training in meditation before we can achieve whole-brain synchrony? If so, how many years?"

In months to follow, by using our computer-analyzed EEG unit, we began testing and experimenting with a variety of equipment, gadgets, tapes, special vibrational sounds, musical notes played on synthesizers, resonating bowls and gongs all of which claimed to entrain the brain into a synchronized, enhanced state. The results of our investigations were at best disappointing. Study after study, such devices and sounds failed to result even in a slight movement in the direction of hemispheric synchronization or enhancement of any brain-wave frequencies.

In the early months of 1989, we began studying the effects of a specialized audio technology, known as Hemi-Sync, which purported to bring about hemispheric synchronization by inducing a Frequency- Following Response within the brain (Monroe,1982). Unlike other modalities tested so far, Hemi-Sync was based on a sound and scientific method of brain entrainment. We designed three studies to measure and investigate the effects of the Hemi-Sync signal on electrocortical activities.

The First Hemi-Sync Pilot Study

Subject and Procedures

The first subject who participated in our Hemi-Sync pilot study was a 20 year-old right-handed white female. She volunteered to participate in the study. The subject had some exposure to tapes containing the Hemi-Sync signal in the past, although she stated that she did not listen to such tapes on a regular basis. During the experiment the subject was seated in a comfortable recliner in a dark room. Gold-plated EEG electrodes of a 16-channel grass EEG model 8-10c were attached using a modified "10-20" system electrode placement. The EEG unit was then interfaced with the HZI computer system for analysis and dynamic brain mapping.

Method

A simple, single subject reversal design (ABA) was used in this study. In other words, the experiment consisted of three phases: the baseline (A), exposure to Hemi-Sync, or the treatment phase (B), and finally a post-treatment phase similar to that of the baseline phase (A). During the baseline phase the subject's cortical activity was measured while she rested in a recliner. Once the baseline was established, the subject listened to a special Hemi-Sync tape known as Introduction to Focus 10. The subject's EEG was again recorded during this phase. After completing the treatment phase, a post-treatment evaluation of the subject was made while she was merely resting in the recliner.

Results

A close examination of the subject's baseline data showed an asynchronous mixture of Alpha, Theta, and Beta activities. The Beta activity was especially evident in the frontal lobes. The cortical activity during the treatment phase, on the other hand, was completely different. Full phasic hemispheric synchronization was observed across the cortex. The subject's primary brain activity was that of synchronized Theta. The secondary activity was that of synchronized Alpha activity. The results of the treatment phase were quite astonishing since it is rather difficult to achieve and maintain a fully synchronized Theta state. During the post treatment phase, the subject's EEG activity began to resemble that of the baseline phase with one exception: the frontal Beta activity was completely gone. This possibly indicates that a normalization of cortical activity might have had happened due to the treatment (e.g., Hemi-Sync.). The significance and the importance of our findings from this study motivated us to design other similar studies.

The Second Hemi-Sync Study

Subject and Procedures

The subject was a 42 year-old right-handed white male who volunteered to participate in the study. He also had listened to Hemi-Sync tapes in the past but indicated to us that he had not been practicing with such tapes for sometime. Experimental procedures used in this study were exactly similar to those used in the pilot study.

Method

A simple reversal design (ABA) was also used in this study. However, the treatment phase (B) consisted of listening to a different Hemi-Sync tape known as Free Flow 12. This and the Focus 10 tape are standard exercise tapes that are available through The Monroe Institute.

Results

The subject's cortical activity consisted of asynchronous Theta and Alpha waves during the baseline phase. However, a few minutes after the subject began listening to the Focus 12 tape, his cortical activity began to show bilateral synchronous Beta waves. The subject was able to maintain such high power synchronized state while he was listening to the tape. The remarkable shift in brain wave patterns and the phasic synchrony which was induced by the Hemi-Sync signal can be appreciated by examining the strip-chart recordings made during the session. The induction of such a hyper-synchronous state by means of audio signals is indeed unique and virtually unheard of in the literature.

The subject's cortical activity returned to an asynchronous, but a more normalized state during the post-treatment phase. Because of the significant findings of this study, we decided to replicate this study at a later date.

The Third Hemi-Sync Study

During our third study we virtually replicated every condition, procedure, and methodology used in the second study. Again, the same subject's brain wave activity was recorded during the baseline phase (A). He then listened to the Focus 12 tape while his cortical activity was being monitored and recorded (B). Finally, the subject rested while post-treatment recordings were made (B).

The results and findings of this study were virtually identical to those observed in the second study: asynchronous mixture of Theta and Alpha waves during the baseline phase followed by highly synchronized Beta activity across the cortex during the treatment phase. There was also a return to asynchronous Theta/Alpha activity during the post-treatment phase. The only difference between this and the previous study was that it took the subject even less time to produce synchronized brain waves. This may indicate that the more an individual is exposed to the Hemi-Sync signal, the easier it will for him/her to achieve whole-brain integration.

Discussion and Conclusions

It has been documented that each day we experience brief moments of bilateral, phasic hemispheric synchronization. This phenomenon is however quite rare and outside the conscious control of the majority of us. Even certain adept meditators who seem to induce such a state while meditating, do not appear to have any control over the brain wave frequency at which such synchronization occurs. Furthermore, it may take many years before a serious meditator can achieve full cortical synchrony. Even after years of practice, of course, there are no guarantees that one may experience this unique phenomenon.

Because of the beneficial and therapeutic effects of whole-brain integration, a number of various pieces of equipment, recorded sounds, and technologies are now available which promise and claim to induce such a state. Unfortunately, based on our empirical studies, we have found that none of these approaches seem to even entrain the brain toward a state of synchrony. Thus far, we have been able to document that the only effect technology that indeed results in bilateral hemispheric synchronization is that of the Hemi-Sync signals developed by Robert A. Monroe.

Study after study we have been able to demonstrate that after brief periods of exposure to the Hemi-Sync signal subjects' brain began to enter a state of phasic synchrony. This state appears to be similar to what is cortically experienced by some meditators except for the following exceptions:

• First, unlike meditation, Hemi-Sync does not require years of practice. We have been able to demonstrate in our laboratory that after virtually minutes of exposure to the Hemi-Sync signal, full cortical synchrony is achieved.
• Second, while the hemispheric synchrony experienced during meditation appears to be limited to a certain range of brain wave frequencies, Hemi-Sync appears to induce a variety of synchronized states at almost any frequency. In other words, the Hemi-Sync signal is capable of facilitating a variety of states of consciousness ranging from deep sleep to focused concentration and beyond.
• Finally, after periods of exposure to the Hemi-Sync signal, we have observed that a phenomenon of cortical normalization tends to occur. This beneficial effect appears to be unique to Hemi-Sync since we have not observed anything similar to this with our meditation subjects.

Since we first demonstrated that Hemi-Sync does indeed do what it purports to do, we have continued our experiments with this fascinating brain entrainment modality. We are now documenting some the beneficial effects, both emotional and cognitive, that are induced as a result of moments of brief exposure to Hemi-Sync (see Sadigh, 1991). Studies with larger samples are needed in order to investigate individual differences and how Hemi-Sync may affect specific brain wave activities in different individuals.

References

• Banquet, J. P. (1973). Spectral analysis of the EEG in meditation. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 35, 143-151.
• Carrington, P. (1977). Freedom in Meditation. New York: Doubleday.
• Delmonte, M. M. (1984). Electrocortical activity and related phenomena associated with meditation practice: A literature review. International Journal of Neuroscience, 24, 217-231.
• Green, E., & Green, A. (1989). Beyond Biofeedback. New York: Delacorte Press.
• Monroe, R. A. (1982). The Hemi-Sync Process. Unpublished Manuscript, The Monroe Institute.
• Ornstein, R., & Thompson, R. F. (1984). The Amazing Brain. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
• Sadigh, M. R. (1991). Hemi-Sync and insight-oriented psychotherapy. Hemi-Sync Journal. Vol. IX No. 2, 1-2.
• Schwartz, G. E., Davidson, R. J., & Goleman, D. T. (1978). Patterning of cognitive and somatic processes in the regulation of anxiety: Effects of meditation versus exercise. Psychosomatic Medicine, 40, 321-328.

More Papers

• Binaural Beats and the Regulation of Arousal Levels by F. Holmes Atwater Abstract from document published in "Proceedings of the IANS 11th Forum on New Arts and Science" © 2001 by the International Association on New Science 1612 Windsor Court, Fort Collins, CO 80526
• Hemispheric-Synchronization During Anaesthesia: A Double Blind Randomized Trial Using Audiotapes for Intra-Operative Nociception Control by P. Kliempt, D. Ruta, S. Ogston, A. Landeck, and K. Martay Summary from Anaesthesia, Vol. 54, No. 8, pp. 769-773, 1999 © 1999 Blackwell Science Ltd.
• Binaural Auditory Beats Affect Vigilance Performance and Mood by James D. Lane, Stefan J. Kasian, Justine E. Owens, and Gail R. Marsh Abstract from Physiology & Behavior, Vol. 63, No. 2, pp. 249-252, 1998 © 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.
• Accessing Anomalous States of Consciousness with a Binaural Beat Technology by F. Holmes Atwater Abstract from the Journal of Scientific Exploration © 1997 by the Society for Scientific Exploration
• Inducing States of Consciousness with a Binaural Beat Technology by F. Holmes Atwater Abstract from the Proceedings of the Eighth International Symposium on New Science © 1997 the International Association for New Science
• Auditory Brain Wave Stimulation in Treating Alcoholic Depression by Gilbert O. Sanders, Ed.D. and Raymond O. Waldkoetter, Ed.D. Independent research; edited version of original manuscript published in 1997 by the journal Perceptual and Motor Skills
• Music and Hemi-Sync® in the Treatment of Children with Developmental Disabilities by Suzanne Evans Morris, Ph.D. Independent research; edited version of original manuscript published in 1996 in the journal Open Ear
• The Hemi-Sync® Process by F. Holmes Atwater Research from The Monroe Institute
• The Facilitation of Attention Utilizing Therapeutic Sounds by George Guilfoyle, Ph.D., and Dominic Carbone, Ph.D. Independent research presented at the New York State Association of Day Service Providers Symposium, October 18, 1996, Albany, New York
• Peak and Other Exceptional Experiences During the Gateway Voyage by Todd J. Masluk, MA, EdM Independent research conducted at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, California; edited version
• EEG and Subjective Correlates of Alpha-Frequency Binaural-Beat Stimulation Combined with Alpha Biofeedback by Dale S. Foster, Ph.D. Independent research conducted at Memphis State University, Memphis, Tennessee
• Enhancing Learning Environments (Research) by James Akenhead Independent research by the Superintendent of Schools, Marlington School District, Alliance, Ohio
• Hemi-Sync® Into Creativity by Chok C. Hiew, Ph.D. Independent research conducted at the University of New Brunswick
• An Empirical Investigation Into the Effect of Beta Frequency Binaural Beat Audio Signals on Four Measures of Human Memory by Richard Cauley Kennerly Independent research conducted at West Georgia College, Carrolton, Georgia
• The Hemi-Sync® Phenomenon: In Search of Empirical Theories by M. R. Sadigh, Ph.D. Independent research conducted by The Gateway Institute, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
• The Effects of Hemi-Sync® on Electrocortical Activity: A Review of Three Empirical Studies by M. R. Sadigh, Ph.D. Independent research conducted by The Gateway Institute, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
• Binaural-Beat Induced Theta EEG Activity and Hypnotic Susceptibility by D. Brian Brady Independent research conducted at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona

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