Mind machine

Mind machine consisting of headphones, a mobile control unit and stroboscopic glasses

Audiovisual stimulation devices are referred to as mind machines, which are intended to influence the user's EEG waves with the help of pulsed light and sound and thus achieve certain states of consciousness . A mind machine typically consists of headphones and special glasses that are equipped with light-emitting diodes ( LEDs ) as a light source.

The glasses create a stroboscopic effect in an adjustable range from 1 to approx. 30  Hz , while at the same time sounds are played through the headphones with a suitable frequency or frequency mixture (possibly as a pulsed sound). These (possibly binaural ) tones in conjunction with the light effects stimulate the user's stimulus processing in the specified frequency range and are intended to influence the user's mental state in this way . Depending on the setting, this stimulation should increase brain activity from deep delta waves (1–4 Hz), theta waves (5–8 Hz) and alpha waves (8–12 Hz) to fast beta waves ( depending on the setting ) on the basis of a so-called frequency-sequence reaction. > 12 Hz).

history

The forerunner of a mind machine was invented in the 1940s by William Gray Walter as an electronic device that outputs certain frequency ranges as acoustic or visual signals. Since around the 1980s, Mindmachines have been available from specialist sales companies that specialize in the sale of devices for the purpose of mental training and for customers from the esoteric area, at prices ranging from 100 to approx. 500 EUR. Studios that offered the use of mind machines (and exclusively, comparable to so-called tanning studios), however, had not found enough popularity, so that the corresponding special offers disappeared from the market again. On the other hand, relaxation rooms with mind machines can still be found occasionally in leisure facilities in the wellness area (saunas, leisure pools, fitness studios and hotels).

function

The classic Mind Machines are devices with opto-acoustic stimulation. However, there are also devices with other functions that are supposed to have an influence on the state of consciousness (see chapter: 'See also').

Frequency selection

The frequency range of the mind machines covers the range of human brainwave frequencies . The output frequency is adjustable and can be changed during a session of usually 20 to 40 minutes according to a given program and should influence the frequency distribution of the EEG waves via the so-called frequency-sequence reaction and thus influence a desired mood or state of consciousness , generate or promote.

The signal is output via headphones and / or specially prepared glasses and in this way affects the user via sensory impression. The opto-acoustic devices with glasses work with LEDs in a wide variety of colors, usually red, which can be controlled separately for each eye. A flickering light is thrown onto the (mostly closed) eye through glasses equipped with light emitting diodes. A pulse frequency (physical burst signal) is played acoustically via headphones, synchronized with the light. The (possibly binaural ) tones, which can have different frequencies per ear, are amplitude-modulated or pulsed, are played through the headphones . To generate a theta frequency, for example, the tones from the right and left ears differ by 5-8  Hz , which creates a beat signal with a correspondingly modulated frequency. In the case of amplitude-modulated or pulsed tones, the volume is modulated in the appropriate frequency (1–30 Hz). In addition, music or spoken text can be played.

A relaxation program usually starts in the deep beta range (around 14 Hz), then gradually lowers the frequency to the desired frequency, lingers there for a while to reach a frequency that is a conscious state (12-21 Hz) at the end of the session. (exception for example: sleep support or induction).

The frequency of the impulses corresponds to one of the four neurologically relevant frequency ranges and causes the brain to adapt to this frequency based on the resonance principle (also known as the frequency-following principle), as EEG measurements have shown. These four ranges are called the beta (30 Hz to approx. 13 Hz), alpha (12 Hz to 8 Hz), theta (7 Hz to 5 Hz) and delta range (4 Hz to 0.5 Hz). For example, according to some studies, self-calming neurotransmitters (endorphins) are released in the alpha range alone, which, for example, people with increased stress levels may lack.

		EEG frequency bands
Frequency band		frequency	Status	desired effects
delta		0.5-3 Hz	Deep sleep , trance
Theta	Low (theta 1)	3-6.5 Hz	Hypnagogic awareness (falling asleep), hypnosis , waking dreams
	High (theta 2)	6.5-8 Hz	Deep relaxation , meditation , hypnosis, waking dreams	Increased ability to remember and learn, concentration , creativity
alpha		8-12 Hz	Light relaxation , super learning (subconscious learning ), inward-looking attention	Increased ability to remember and learn
beta	Low (Sensorimotor Rhythm)	12-15 Hz	Relaxed outward-facing attention	Good receptivity and attention
	medium	15-21 Hz	Wide awake, normal to increased outward alertness and concentration	Good intelligence
	High	21-38 Hz	Hustle and bustle, stress , fear or overactivation	Erratic thought leadership
gamma		38-42 Hz	Demanding activities with a high flow of information	Transformation or neural reorganization

Embodiments

There are computer-aided, programmable versions in which the software is brought to execution on a personal computer, and devices in which the entire hardware and software is provided in a portable, battery-powered device. In the case of computer-aided programs in particular, individual sessions can be programmed almost as desired in terms of their course and frequency selection or combination. All mind machines also have predefined programs.

application

Mind machines are used for learning support, for relaxation, for regeneration and for generating trance .

Alpha waves are mainly used for applications in superlearning . As background music, slow pieces of music, for example Largo sentences from classical pieces of music, are mixed with the texts to be learned.

In addition, trance states can be reached very easily with the help of mind machines. They move in the theta to delta range . The delta area corresponds to a deep state of meditation , while the theta area shows strong regeneration activities. At the same time, the theta area ensures the transfer of information from the hippocampus into long-term memory .

In the transition from alpha waves to theta waves, so-called fantasy journeys can be induced.

These devices are also used as sleep aids, as sleep substitutes, to increase concentration , to reduce muscle tension, pulse and blood pressure as well as for autosuggestion and hypnosis aid . Applications in addiction treatment are also known.

All of the above states can be achieved without the use of mind machines, but it often requires years of practice.

Disadvantages and dangers

disadvantage

The application or the design of new Mindmachine programs is mostly carried out in user circles according to traditional "recipes" and the control of the mode of action is almost entirely subjectively by ascertaining changes in the state of mind and subjective perceptions. A quantitative survey, for example through accompanying QEEG examinations, is limited to exceptional cases (see also section “Clinical Studies” ). Nevertheless, the occurring effects are to be regarded as reproducible and clearly perceptible - but not precisely quantified in a subjective survey and can also be observed from person to person in different, individual forms.

hazards

Mind machines should not be used on people with a tendency to epilepsy , as they can trigger corresponding seizures. Sudden frequency transitions or disturbances that can lead to temporary disorientation and uncontrolled movements are also uncomfortable.

Clinical studies

• A double-blind study entitled "The Effect of Repetitive Audio-Visual Stimulation on Skeletal Motor and Vasomotor Activity" was conducted by Dr. Norman Thomas at the University of Alberta . Two groups with so-called hypnosis-resistant people were tested, one of which was stimulated optically and acoustically at 10 Hz and the other group was asked to imagine a calming image and to relax “normally”. The EEG, muscle tension and finger temperature were measured. The result showed that the control group felt relaxed without biostimulation, but that the measurement data did not support this and that the muscle tension had increased. The users of the Mindmachine showed a significant, measurable relaxation effect that lasted beyond the session. From this, Thomas concluded “that auto-suggestive relaxation is less effective than audio-visual production. It seems that audio-visual stimulation is a simple hypnotic method for otherwise resistant people. "
• The anesthetist Dr. Dr. Robert Cosgrove of Stanford University, School of Medicine, conducted research on optical-acoustic stimulation in 1988. In a resume he writes that this method “… causes a lot of relaxation in most people. The effectiveness was so evident that we are considering using the sedative properties of such devices on patients before and after surgery. We are also investigating their usefulness in combating chronic stress. "In addition, Cosgrove sees great potential in the stimulation machines in the emphatic promotion of optimal cerebral performance:" The long-term effects of regular use of these devices for maintaining and improving brain performance, as well as in relation the possible slowdown in the wear and tear of the brain, traditionally associated with aging, seems extremely exciting to us. "
• Dr. Bruce Harrah-Conforth from Indiana University also conducted a study to investigate the effect of optical-acoustic mind machines. The stimulation of the brain could be clearly demonstrated in the EEG. This phenomenon, which Harrah-Conforth calls brain entrainment , could not be detected in the control group that was exposed to " pink noise ". He comes to the conclusion that "brain entrainment [...] is extremely effective in inducing changes in consciousness and is downright foolproof".

criticism

In the heyday of mind machine technology in the early 1990s, opinion, shaped by the relevant media, was strongly oriented towards popular literature, such as the book Megabrain by Michael Hutchison . In the course of this media processing, which was possibly also partly driven by marketing motives, considerable hopes were aroused for possible effects of mind machines that were not in line with reality. Above all, there should be mentioned general wishes regarding intelligence enhancement, age retardation, life extension, cancer prevention and psychological wellness. The limited commercial success of the mind machines, therefore, appears to be the most obvious consequence of those exaggerated promises.

Although at least audiovisual mind machines showed clear and comprehensible neurophysiological effects, such as a strong tendency to sleep or trance states of the test subjects under stimulation in the theta area, it must not be disregarded that the frequency with which the brain oscillates is only one of many variables that determine its function. Therefore, it can rightly be doubted whether it is possible, with the help of the vibration frequency alone, to move the brain into a more desirable functional area, which is appropriate for all conceivable life situations. Exactly this hypothesis was and is being motivated by the marketing bodies of the mind machine manufacturers.

Mind machines in their current form, apart from their contraindication in epilepsy, seem to be a relatively harmless field for neurophysiological self-experiments. On the part of the consumer, in the course of long-term use, it only seems to be a certain amount of getting used to the sedative effects. Concepts for mind machines, which influence the brain in a multidimensional way, are still pending despite appropriate approaches, for example in the form of electroencephalometric biofeedback ( neurofeedback ).

See also

• Cranial electrical stimulation

literature

• Uwe and Gordana Gerlach: Modern Mental Techniques; New ways to deep relaxation and well-being , expert Verlag, Renningen-Malmsheim, 1995, ISBN 3-8169-1087-4
• Michael Hutchison: Megabrain - Spirit and Machine , Sphinx, Basel, 1989, ISBN 3-85914-233-X
• Michael Hutchison: Megabrain Power , Hyperion, New York, 1994, ISBN 1-56282-770-7
• David Siever: Audio-Visual Entrainment: History, Physiology, and Clinical Studies. In: James R. Evans (Ed.): Handbook of Neurofeedback - Dynamics and clinical Applications , Haworth Medical Press, Binghamton, 2007, ISBN 978-0-7890-3360-4 , chap. 7, pp. 155-183

Web links

• Mindmachines: History of Audiovisual Stimulation
• Instructions for cheap DIY programmable audiovisual machine (Engl.)
• open-source Java binaural Beat Brainwave Mind Machine program
• Mind Machine FAQ by J.Brad Hicks

swell

1. ↑ John N. Demos; Getting Started with Neurofeedback; WW Norton & Company, Inc., New York; ISBN 0-393-70450-5 ; Chapter 14, pp. 202-208.