What is it a Light/Sound Machine or Mind Machine?
A Light/Sound Machine is a device that synchronizes a set of sequencing
lights and different frequencies of sound. It was developed as an aid for
learning, relaxation, consciousness expansion and entertainment. Pulsating
lights and/or sound patterns have been used for centuries to excite people,
calm people, assist in meditation and sleep, and entertain people.
How Light/Sound Machine or Mind Machine work?
Basically, a Light/Sound machine consists of a control unit, a set of "light"
glasses and a pair of headphones. The user dons the headphones and eyewear,
selects a program and then sits back to watch the show. The control unit
issues a synchronized signal that controls a series of pleasant synthesized
beats and tones to the headphones and the LEDs in the eyewear. With your
eyes closed, this synthesis creates what can only be described as a "vivid
kaleidoscopic show" within your head. It is unlike anything you have ever
experienced and very hard to put into words!! What sort of Light/Sound Machines
does Wellness Tools offer? We are authorized distributors of the Orion,
the Proteus by Synetic Systems as well as the Muse Sharp, Nova and Nova
Pro 100 by Photosonix. Our line offers a wide array of units with all manner
of features. From the more simplisticly designed Orion to the sophisticated
smoothness of the Nova Pro 100. Wellness Tools also offers a CES tool, the
NeuroTrek Digital Pro, that can synchronize with all of our Light/Sound
Machines to bring you the capability of a truly immersive entrainment and
entertainment experience.
What sort of Light/Sound Machines does Wellness Tools offer? We
are authorized distributors of the Orion, the Proteus by Synetic Systems
as well as the Muse Sharp, Nova and Nova Pro 100 by Photosonix. Our line
offers a wide array of units with all manner of features. From the more
simplisticly designed Orion to the sophisticated smoothness of the Nova
Pro 100. Wellness Tools also offers a CES tool, the NeuroTrek Digital Pro,
that can synchronize with all of our Light/Sound Machines to bring you the
capability of a truly immersive entrainment and entertainment experience.
Encoded CDs Wellness Tools also offers an introductory 3 CD set
that contains encoded information for control of the light pulses of the
Orion unit. Listen to the sounds of nature, rhythmic and soothing music
while the embedded code drives the lights and produce a wide variety of
mental states. The Nova Pro 100, Proteus and Orion are all AudioStrobe compatible.
AudioStrobeâ is a similar technology with a large variety of CDs to choose
from, all of which are available through WellnessTools.com
Testimonial
"I am utterly speechless. I purchased a Nova Pro 100 some months after
I got my NeuroTrek. All I can say is what a combination!! Just fantastic!
The NeuroTrek adds a dimension that I didn't think was possible, a real
indescribable depth. You guys should see the expression on some of my
friend's faces when they finish a 15 minute session with this combo; they
are drop-jawed." Warren G. (New York)
The Research
Dr. Roger K. Cady, Dr. Norman Shealy in "Neurochemical Responses to Cranial
Electrical Stimulation and Photo-Stimulation via Brain Wave Synchronization."Study
performed by the Shealy Institute of Comprehensive Health Care, Springfield,
Missouri, 1990, 11 pp.:
Eleven patients had peridural and blood analysis performed before and after
the relaxation sessions using flash emitting goggles. An average increase
of beta-endorphin levels of 25% and serotonin levels of 21% were registered.
The beta-endorphin levels are comparative to those obtained by cranial electrical
stimulation (CES). This indicates a potential decrease of depression related
symptoms when using photic stimulation.
Dr. Norman Shealy, Dr. Richard Cox In `Pain Reduction and Relaxation
with Brain Wave Synchronization (Photo-Stimulation). Study performed by
the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Springfield, Missouri,
1990, 9pp.
Cerebral synchronization was obtained with photic stimulation devices and
tested on more than 5,000 patients suffering from chronic pain and stress-symptoms
during the `80s. 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. Eight patients
had blood tests before and after the sessions and showed improved beta-endorphin
levels of 10-50%. All of these relaxation results are improved when combining
the photic stimulation with relaxation audio tapes.
Dr. Gene W. Brockopp, Review of Research on Multi-Modal Sensory Stimulation
with Clinical Implications and Research Proposals (non-published,1984):
Dr. Brockopp analyzed 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 stimulation-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.
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 stimulation machines allow access into Alpha states of
consciousness much faster than with traditional biofeedback techniques.
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 auditive 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.
Dr. Glen D. Solomon, "Slow Wave Photic Stimulation in the Treatment
of Headache-A Preliminary Report," in Headache, November 1985, pp 444-447:
Dr. Solomon works for the Department of Internal Medicine at the U.S. Air
Force Medical Center in Scott, Illinois, where 24 patients with chronic
headaches and migraines were treated with photic stimulation apparatus at
5-8 hz frequency. Fourteen of 15 patients with sustained headaches and 5
of 6 patients with chronic headaches noticed complete relief after the treatment.
Four patients treated with the same photo- stimulation apparatus showed
no reaction.
Testimonial
"To the people at Wellness Tools, I was completely skeptical at all of
these kinds of things until a close friend persuaded me into trying his
Nova Pro 100 out. I sat there for the first 15 seconds or so and thought
"how lame". From that moment forward, all I was saying was "Oh my God
this is beautiful!!" Never seen anything like this in my life...quite
the business. I bought my own 2 weeks ago and can only say, thank you
for providing these kinds of products." Mike K.(Oregon)
The Nova Pro 100 - Light/Sound Machine
Two user and hemiStim ready. Top of the line, professional
quality.
· With 100 easy to use built-in relaxation, meditation, sleep, learning,
energize, visualize, entertain and special purpose sessions. Room for
downloading up to 100 more sessions and free Light & Sound Designer software.
· Manual control mode.
· Session selections are conveniently organized in categories
· Easily adjustable thumb wheel volume and intensity controls.
· New tone; Dual monaural beats AudioStrobe* compatible. Microphone input
with volume control and much more.
100 Built-in sessions: Including the 50 Nova Pro sessions, the 10
quick mood change sessions from the Muse# and 40 new sessions.
How it works: Sessions are organized in 8 categories: relax,
meditate, sleep, learn, energize, visualize, entertain and special. Sessions
are selected by selecting a category then a session within the category
(so you don't have to wade through 100 sessions every time). In any category,
the selection process proceeds through the built-in sessions, then through
any downloaded sessions in that category.
Download capability: room for 100 downloaded sessions (or a total
of 1000 session segments).
How it works: Downloaded sessions are given a category at
download time, a single download can be 1 to 25 sessions in any one category.
The downloaded session index is automatically reorganized to keep the sessions
sorted in the intended categories, no matter what the order of download.
AudioStrobe compatible: AudioStrobe* (licensed from Tamas Laboratories)
is a registered Trademark of Tamas Laboratories in Germany, who holds the
German patent on the technology.
How it works: Signals are recorded on a music CD at a high,
inaudible frequency, to control the lights in a light/sound system. An AudioStrobe
decoder detects these signals and uses them to drive the lights of a light/sound
system, absolutely in sync with the music. AudioStrobe CDs are available
from Wellness Tools and other sources. Just connect your CD player to the
external input of the Nova Pro 100, and play the CD, with your headphones
and glasses connected to the Nova Pro 100 normally, for an amazing AudioStrobe
experience. For best results, do this while no session is running on the
Nova Pro 100.
Pitch: The Nova Pro 100 pitch is extended two octaves at the low end,
to 16 hertz (a total of 14 new pitches). The total pitch range is 16Hz to
960Hz, 6 octaves of the just scale, 7 notes/octave. Also, the pitch 2 relative
to pitch 1 mode is extended to cover P1 minus 1 to 15 hertz, as well as the
P1 plus 1 to 15 hertz provided on the Nova Pro. The low frequencies have a
very powerful effect with the standard headphones, for even stronger effects
you can use more expensive headphones. We have used the Sony MDR-V6, available
at around $79.00, with good results.
Frequency range: Stimulation frequency on the Nova Pro 100 was extended
downward by two octaves, from one hertz to 1/4 hertz. There also are three
new frequencies, 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 hertz (only three frequencies, but it is
two octaves). Frequencies go in steps of 1/4 hertz through 2 hertz, 1/2 hertz
through 10 hertz, 1 hertz through 20 hertz and 2 hertz through 42 hertz. The
Schumann resonance at 7.83 hertz is also included.
Duty cycle, Phase: Duty cycle control from 1/8 to 7/8 in steps of 1/8
is provided. There are six selectable phasing relationships between the four
stimulation channels (two eyes, two ears) in the pulsed tones. Light phase
is also controllable in the binaural beat modes.
Tone selection: There are 7 sound tones, utilizing the two frequencies
F1 and F2 and pitches P1 and P2.
·PFr, pulsed frequency. Pitch P1 is pulsed at frequency F1. The pulsed
tones provide a beep beep sound at the selected frequency F1 while the lights
are blinking at the F1 rate.
·PSu, pulsed surf. A surf sound is pulsed at frequency F1.
·PCh, a pulsed chord with controllable chord separation from a minor
third to a full octave.
·bb, binaural beats sends different pitches to two ears (pitch P1 to
the left ear, Pitch P1 plus frequency F1 to the right ear) and the sound source
direction detection mechanism in your auditory system picks up the difference
frequency F1, while the lights blink at the F1 rate.
·bbS, binaural beats with surf, a soothing surf sound is the background
for binaural beats.
·dbb, in dual binaural beats there are four tone generators running
at once, the left ear receives pitches P1 and P2 mixed together, the right
ear receives pitch (P1+F1) mixed with pitch (P2+F2). This gives two binaural
beat ranges at the same time, and provides for monaural beat possibilities.
New ·dSb, dual monaural beats,
Monaural beats occur when two closely spaced pitches are mixed in the same
ear, beats are heard at the difference of the pitches. The dual monaural beat
tone, new and unique to the Nova Pro 100 , sends P1 and P1+F1 to the left
ear, creating monaural beats at F1, and P2 and P2+F2 to the right ear, creating
monaural beats at F2. In addition, the left eye lights blink at the F1 rate,
the right eye lights at the F2 rate, for a true dual stimulation frequency
experience.
Two user ports: ports for two simultaneous users (Headphone/glasses
combinations are available at a special price for the second user). The drive
circuitry handles the second user with no degradation from one user performance.
Four system control choices. The Nova Pro 100 synthesized stimulation
can be controlled by a selected built-in session or downloaded session, manually
from the keyboard, or remotely via a COM port connection from a computer.
When the system is in manual mode it accepts commands from both the keyboard
and the COM port.
Ramps (gradual changes in frequency and pitch -- yes, we ramp pitch)
can now be commanded in the manual mode, from the keyboard or the COM port.
Specify a ramp time (up to 10 minutes), specify the target frequencies and
pitches (two of each in the dual binaural beat and dual monaural beat tones),
and command the ramp to start. The frequency and pitch display follows the
ramp to three digit accuracy or to 1/8 hertz as it progresses.
Microphone input with volume control is provided for voiceover during
a session. A balanced input amplifier with 1% resistors for noise cancellation
accepts dynamic mikes, or electret mikes with their own power source, with
1/8 inch mono connectors. We have used the Radio Shack 33-2001A dynamic mike,
and the 33-1060 electret mike with good results.
New glasses drive circuit provides positive control over the current
through the glasses, four circuits for the right and left sides for the two
pairs of glasses, with 1% resistors for current matching. The Nova Pro 100
glasses polarity is "CG" (for common ground).
The Nova Pro feature of providing a constant voltage charging circuit to protect
the battery is continued on the Nova Pro 100. The AC adapter can be connected
permanently without damaging the battery. The AC adapter input is protected
against voltage reversal (if an adapter with negative tip is connected accidentally),
and against a short time accidental connection of a higher voltage adapter
up to 26 volts. A 9 volt AC Adapter with 300 milliampers of current capacity,
positive inside 2.1 mm connector is provided. A 2.5 mm connector will also
work, and a higher current rating is OK. Higher voltage adapters connected
to the Nova Pro 100 for a long time however, will overheat the input regulator
and may eventually burn it out.
What you get: System unit, 1 pair of stimulation glasses, 1 pair of
Pro headphones, AC adapter, computer cable, Light/Sound Designer disc, free
Light/Sound Librarian software and additional session libraries to download
from this web site, stereo cord, manual, packaged in a roomy shoulder strap
carrying bag, with four fitted compartments that keep all items separate with
plenty of room to add glasses and headphones in a convenient way. 30 day money
back guarantee*, 1 year warranty. (* Restocking charge may apply)
220 AC adapter Note: The Nova Pro 100 is also available with 220AC
Adapter (the Continental European version only). Ordering with this AC Adapter
will add $5.00 to your cost. When ordering without an AC Adapter $5.00 will
be deducted from your cost (you will need to purchase a 9V 300-500 ma with
the "positive inside" adapter).
This is our BEST and most popular L/S Machine!
Comes with either Tru White, Cool Blu, Indigo, Ultra-Green or Spectrum Pro
Glasses. Call us for your selection
Medical Disclaimer for ALL Light/Sound Machines
Seizure and Medical Device Information
Facts about Photosensitive Epilepsy - Be especially aware of this if you give
demos or run a spa.
The information here is mostly from the definitive book on the subject, "Photosensitive
Epilepsy", by Harding and Jeavons. In addition, some information from web
sites about photosensitive epilepsy is included.
· Photosensitive epilepsy is a relatively rare condition, affecting about
one person in 4000. Persons with photosensitive epilepsy can have seizures
triggered by flashing lights, such as the glasses lights in a light/sound
system. It is important to warn people about this, both for their own safety
and to avoid lawsuits.
· About 5% of persons with epilepsy problems are photosensitive, or 1 in 4000
from the general population. In the photosensitive population, about 75% have
a first seizure before age 20 (affected persons are most sensitive in the
teenage years). Also, photosensitivity goes away spontaneously in about 25%
of the photosensitive population by age 25. So in the population over 25 who
have not had a seizure, we would expect about 1 in 20,000 to be photosensitive
and not know it. All light/sound equipment gives warnings to persons with
known epilepsy, which is overkill since 95% of them can use the equipment
with no ill effects. Most light/sound equipment does not communicate the 1
in 20,000 chance of a person with no previous seizure experience being photosensitive.
This rises to as high as 1 in 4000 for children and teenagers. Be sure your
clients understand this and are willing to take the risk.
· About 50% of first seizures are caused by watching television. TV manufacturers
do not post seizure warnings, but TV is accepted as a fact of life that people
have to learn to live with. Light/Sound systems have not achieved this lofty
status.
· Photosonix products all have seizure warnings on the manual, and inside
the glasses. For people purchasing systems this should be adequate warning,
but in a demonstration situation where you set the subject up for a session,
they will normally not see the manual. It is important to communicate the
warning in this situation, and you are responsible for doing so. If you run
a "spa" type operation, selling sessions to the public, it is especially important
and signed waivers are recommended. See your attorney for proper wording in
your state/country. You may want to use signed waivers for demo situations
as well.
· In some states, including California, doctors treating a patient who has
had a seizure are required to report to the department of motor vehicles,
and the patient may lose driving privileges for a short time.
· To keep from sounding so grim about all this, keep in mind that a person
who is photosensitive will probably have a seizure sooner or later anyway,
and sitting or lying down having a light/sound session is a pretty safe place
to have a first seizure, much better than while driving a car. Once a person
knows they are photosensitive, it is relatively easy to avoid seizure-inducing
situations. Having a first seizure does not make future seizures any more
likely.
Medical Applications of Light/Sound systems · Light/Sound systems are
very good at helping users to relax, and relaxation has many medical benefits.
In addition, light/sound systems are used by many practitioners as a tool
for treating patients. However, light/sound systems are not approved as medical
devices and no medical claims can be made for them. Photosonix systems come
with a statement in the manual that the system is not to be used for relief
of any medical condition, and that professional help should be obtained for
any such condition. · It is acceptable to tell people that the machines are
good for relaxation and that relaxation has many beneficial side effects.
It is also acceptable to tell people about books or articles where medical
benefits of light/sound are reported, but not to claim any of those benefits
for Photosonix machines. |
