About Mind Machines and
our Brain with its Oscillatory Set-up
In order to understand how Mind Machines work, we need to understand the function of our brain waves.
Depending on the current state of consciousness, our brain operates at a certain wave level. These waves are the frequency of our brain activity. The frequency is the unit of measurement for the motion of the electric surges through the brain cells, similar to the working frequency of a computer's CPU. In this case however, a higher frequency does not necessarily mean a better state of consciousness. The different frequencies cause different states of consciousness, all of which have their own qualities.
The "general awareness of permanent alert" (Fritz Perls) is the so-called Beta State. The brain oscillates at a frequency of 30 to 13 Hz (waves per second). The usual symptoms of this state are watchfulness, analytic problem solving, tension, stress, hectic activity and imbalance. At 30 Hz at the latest, nervousness and panic begin. Everyone knows these states, which occur, for example, when working with one's hands, driving a car, playing soccer, going shopping, discussing, etc. Creativity and learning ability are unfortunately on a low during this state.
Alpha State is defined as a frequency from 12 to 8 Hz. In contrast to the Beta State, the Alpha State is a calmer state. It is characterised by (-)light watchfulness, easy concentration, heightened learning and memorizing ability, as well as a feeling of unity of body and mind. This relaxed and balanced yet energized and wakeful state is experienced during light meditation.
According to a hypothesis which up to now has held up under examination, the Alpha State – in contrast to the Beta state - produces self-calming neurotransmitters. People who are unable get into the Alpha State on their own because of their highly strung overexitement (possibly because of ADS), are lacking them.
In the Theta State, a meditative state, the brain oscillates at 7 to 4 Hz. It is characterised by deep relaxation, high creativity as well as strong(-) imagination ie. easy access to a visionary world. We experience it during sleep and deep meditation. It enables us to fantasize. Long lost memories return, as though it were only yesterday.
Theta waves are also caused by psychedelic drugs (like THC, LSD). During this state, one has access to potential otherwise unknown. Associations and interconnections are recognized in an integrated way, or in greater context.
Delta State (3 to 1 Hz) is a state of deepest realxation. We experience it only rarely during deep sleep, trance or deep hypnosis. Extracorporeal experiences also happen during the Delta State. Electrons move through entire agglomerations of neurons at the same time.
The EEG and Hemisync
An EEG can measure these states. Or rather, EEG measuring has made scientific research possible in the first place. To understand the connections between brain waves and states of consciousness, please take a look at these illustrations:
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In 1946, Grey Walter found out that EEG curves hold far more information if the brain is stimulated rhythmically, especially through a flickering lamp. During the first experiments, a ray of light was sent through a moving wheel. Then an electric strobe was used, and the values improved. As expected, every flash of light caused a characteristic electric reaction in the brain. Using this technique it was hoped to discover more about how the brain works as well as finding a key to treating illnesses. Walter found out that flickering stimulation and brain waves need to be exactly synchronized to be effective. This brain wave synchronization was later named frequency-following-reaction by Robert Monroe.
This means that the brain waves - if the frequencies of the light are similar to the frequencies of the brain - tend to follow the stimulation within a few minutes.
As the brain produces several frequencies, a multiple frequency order gives better results. This principle (frequency-following-reaction) is what makes Mind Machines work. This method, also called photo stimulation, began as a cylindrical object with holes, which turned around a light source and patterned the closed eyes of the user with strobe flickering. This is similar to staring into a fire for several minutes. The changing lights cause visions and stimulate thought processes. Mind Machines can stimulate the different brain waves for different purposes.
Another connection to states of consciousness is in the separation of brain activity in the two hemispheres of the brain. Using an electrode cap with 20 electrodes and computer software, a monitor can show the patter of brain waves in the different areas of the brain by means of colors. Beta and Alpha waves are usually found in the left hemisphere and Theta and Delta waves in the right.
Presumably for this reason, the right half of the brain was called the "complete" half, and most people have no conscious access to "complete" experiences (the theory (--) that tasks are strictly separated is increasingly doubted today). The greater the imbalance of the distribution in the hemispheres is, the more hectic the person is, unbalanced and unable to deal with stress. The symptoms are similar to a predominace of Beta waves (see above). On the other hand synchronization of the hemispheres brings about mental clarity. Colors are seen more intensely, self-confidence is greater, an inner distance to routine is felt, social situations are handled more securely etc. - to mention just a few of testers' reports. Up to now there there has been no relevant scientific study. 70 to 80 % of the testers confirm a noticable effect in hundreds of studies.
The Hemi-Sync-Method is based on the above mentioned frequency-following-reaction, stating that the brain will follow a certain auditory frequency. As the frequencies corresponding to the calmer states lie below the human ability to hear (30 to 18000 Hz), 10 Hz can be perceived by playing a sound of 400 Hz into one ear and 390 Hz into the other.
The result is that we hear the impulse frequency of the difference between the two frequencies. Both hemispheres of the brain become synchronized.
The Hemi-Sync-Method is not only used by Mind Machines but in the media particularly(tapes, CDs), which are often underlaid with barely perceived Hemi-Sync signals of special music, suggestions or similar. The Hemi-Sync effect occurs if one listens via earphones. This offers plenty of uses in (-) areas such as relaxation, creativity training, aids to imagination (--), short sleep, recovery programs, even up to special areas such as strengthening self-confidence (in this case special Hemi-Sync signals at Alpha and Theta produce a state receeptive for suggestions), combating allergies, assistance in giving up smoking, and much more.
