De-Stressing with Creative Visualization & Relaxation

Triggers the brain to release the chemicals associated with pleasure, learning, memory & creativity

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. 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.

Improves Relaxation and Reduces Pain

Cerebral synchronization was obtained with photic stimulation devices and tested on more than 5,000 patients suffering from chronic pain and stress-symptoms. 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 audiotapes.

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.

Feeling of Wellbeing Lasts for Days

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 effortlessly enter 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.”

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

Improves Intellectual Functioning

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’s 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.

Dr. Gene W. Brockopp, Review of Research on Multi-Modal Sensory Stimulation with Clinical Implications and Research Proposals (non-published,1984)

Produces Deep Relaxation

“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 was indicative of deep muscular relaxation.

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

“Could Revolutionize Neurology and Medicine”

Dr. Cosgrove 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. Robert Cosgrove, Jr. of the anesthesia department of Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.

Faster than Traditional Biofeedback

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.

Dale S. Foster of Memphis State University, “EEG and Subjective Correlates of Alpha Frequency Binaural Beats Stimulation Combined with Alpha Biofeedback,” 1988

Accelerates 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.

Elisabeth Philipos, Pepperdine University, California, and James McGaugh, University of California, Irvine, have tested the effects of Theta frequencies on learning.

Migraines Relieved

D.J. Anderson used photo-stimulating goggles with variable frequency using red LEDs in order to stimulate the optic nerve, through closed eyes, right and left with frequencies between 0.5 and 50 hz. The study included seven patients who suffered a total of more than 50 migraines during the observation period. Forty-nine of these migraines were relieved (either by reducing the average duration or by increasing the frequency interval in between migraine crisis) and 36 other migraines could be stopped while using the goggles.

D.J. Anderson, B.Sc., M.B., “The Treatment of Migraine with Variable Frequency Photo-Stimulation,” in Headache, March 1989, pp 154-155

14 of 15 Headache Patients Get Complete Relief

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.

Dr. Glen D. Solomon, “Slow Wave Photic Stimulation in the Treatment of Headache-A Preliminary Report,” in Headache, November 1985, pp 444-447

Provokes Altered States of Consciousness

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.

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.

Faster, More Frequent Alpha Induction

Williams and West tested photic entrainment on two test groups of 10 people. The test group produced significantly more Alpha waves and 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.

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.

Promotes Brain Hemisphere Synchronization

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.

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.

Stimulates Immunology Functions in AIDS Patients

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 disintoxication by the liver. The apparatus also stimulates immunology functions through states of deep relaxation.”

Dr. William Harris, Director of the Penwell Foundation, USA in 1990.

Deep Relaxation and Lasting Feeling of Wellbeing

Dr. Carreau analyzed 20 patients over a period of five months. Patients were treated one per week alternately via UVA and audio-visual stimulation (30-minute sessions) for psychosomatic skin disorders. All patients experienced deep relaxation during the sessions and had a feeling of wellbeing 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 puvatherapy alone.

Dr. Olivier Carreau, Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris, on “Efficiency of the audio-visual stimulator in treatment of the psoriasis during puvatherapy,” study completed in January 1991.

What the Research has to say about
Creative Visualization and Guided Relaxation . . .

87% Fewer Hospitalizations

In a study of health insurance statistics, those who use meditation and visualization techniques had 87% fewer hospitalizations for heart disease, 55% fewer for benign and malignant tumors, and 30% fewer for infectious diseases. The meditators had more than 50% fewer doctor visits than did non-meditators.

D. Orme-Johnson, Psychosomatic Medicine 49 (1987): 493-507.

Calms Immune System

Since allergies are usually mediated by the immune system, anything that affects the immune system can affect allergies, as well. Research in psychoneuroimmunology has demonstrated that psychological interventions, including relaxation and guided imagery, tend to “calm down” the immune system and a calmer immune system appears to be beneficial for many allergic reactions.

Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Malarkey WB, Chee M, Newton T, Cacioppo JT, May HY, Glaser R. Negative behavior during marital conflict and immunological down-regulation. Psychosomatic Medicine. 1993 55: 395-409.

Relieves Insomnia Symptoms

Seventy-five percent of long-term insomniacs who have been trained in relaxation, meditation, and simple lifestyle changes can fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed.

Gregg Jacobs, Harvard Medical School, Say Goodnight To Insomnia, (Owl Books, 1999).

Lowers Blood Pressure

Meditation lowers blood pressure to levels comparable to prescription drugs for those who are normal to moderately hypertensive.

Michael Murphy and Steven Donovan, The Physical and Psychological Effects of Meditation (Institute of Noetic Sciences, 1997).

Reduces Pain by 50%

The NIH has endorsed relaxation techniques and meditation as effective for the relief of chronic pain. Chronic pain sufferers experience a reduction in symptoms of 50% or more.

J. Kabat-Zinn, L. Lipworth, R. Burney, and W. Sellers, “Four year follow-up of a meditation-based program for the self-regulation of chronic pain,” Clinical Journal of Pain 2(1986): 159-173.

Inspires Enthusiasm… Happiness

Brain scans show that meditation shifts activity in the prefrontal cortex (behind the forehead) from the right hemisphere to the left. People who have a negative disposition tend to be right prefrontal oriented; left-prefrontals have more enthusiasm, more interests, relax more, and tend to be happier.

R. Davidson, J. Kabat-Zinn, et al, “Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation,” Psychosomatic Medicine 65 (2003): 564-570.

Reduces Depression Relapses by Half

Meditation helps chronically depressed patients, reducing their relapse rate by half.

J.D. Teasdale, Z.V. Segal, J.M.G. Williams , V. Ridgeway, M. Lau, & J. Soulsby, “Reducing risk of recurrence of major depression using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy,” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68 (2000): 615-23.

Creates Calm

Meditators notice more, but react more calmly than non-meditators to emotionally arousing stimuli.

Michael Murphy and Steven Donovan, The Physical and Psychological Effects of Meditation (Institute of Noetic Sciences, 1997).

Improves Performance in Children

Middle school children who practice meditation show improved work habits, attendance, and GPA.

H. Benson, M. Wilcher, et al, “Academic performance among middle school students after exposure to a relaxation response curriculum,” Journal of Research and Development in Education (2000): 156-165.

The Ultimate in Anti-Aging!

Meditation appears to slow aging. Those meditating five years or more were physically 12 years younger than their chronological age.

R.K. Wallace, M.C. Dillbeck, E. Jacobe, B. Harrington, International Journal of Neuroscience 16 (1982): 53-58.

Produces 50% Reduction in Psychiatric Symptoms

A group of inner-city residents suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, diabetes and hypertension were trained in meditation. They experienced a 50% reduction in overall psychiatric symptoms, a 70% decrease in anxiety, and a 44% reduction in medical symptoms.

B. Roth, T. Creaser, “Meditation-based stress reduction: experience with a bilingual inner-city program,” Nurse Practitioner 22(3) (1997): 150-2, 154, 157.

Helps Cancer Patients Cope

Progressive relaxation and autogenic training improved insomnia in cancer patients; subjects had moderate or large improvements in sleep latency, duration, efficiency, quality, use of medication, and daytime dysfunction.

Simeit R, Deck R, Conta-Marx B. Sleep management training for cancer patients with insomnia. Support Care Cancer. 2004 Mar;12(3):176-83. Epub 2004 Feb 4.