Audio Visual Stimulation (AVS) technology influences your brainwaves and is an extremely effective, non-invasive method of rapidly re-educating your brain’s natural balance
Rhythmical binaural beats, a number of pulsating light sources are used. This has a synergistic effect, compounding the training benefits.
Audio Visual Stimulation (AVS) system, Light and Sound Relaxation system or a “Mind Machine” is a microprocessor controlled device designed to create relaxation or other mood changing effects through the use of sound and light stimulation. The user selects a session, puts on headphones and stimulation glasses, and sits back and enjoys the experience, which can be for relaxation, stimulation, meditation or just plain fun depending on the session.
Brain wave training has been found to yield excellent results in facilitation of human memory, attention span, and relaxation (Hutchinson, 1994). Furthermore, this research has been demonstrating brain-wave training as an effective intervention in impaired levels of functioning due to ADHD, learning disabilities, physical brain trauma, & psychological trauma (Ochs, 1993).
Entrainment is the process of synchronization, where vibrations of one object will cause the vibrations of another object to oscillate at the same rate. External rhythms can have a direct effect on the psychology and physiology of the listener.
Audio-Visual Stimulation as a Treatment for Chronic Pain
This pilot study by Mike Twittey and Dave Siever was to test the effectiveness of the DAVIDTMseries of light and sound devices as a treatment for chronic pain and the psychological stress associated with chronic pain. The study included participants experiencing pain as a result of motor vehicle accidents, arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and temporal mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). The majority of the participants suffered from fibromyalgia and many of the participants had multiple pain complaints. At the onset of the study, there were fifteen participants, however two participants withdrew before treatment began and were not included in this study. During the study, one participant withdrew because of terminal illness and two more withdrew because of non-compliance with treatment.
What is audio-visual stimulation?
The principle of audio-visual stimulation is based on the stimulation of the central nervous system with specific visual and audio signals. These signals influence the brain in various ways depending on the sounds delivered by the headphones and the light signals that are displayed over one’s entire field of vision by the LED mask.
Imagine the calming effect of a flickering, crackling camp fire. With the right settings, MindLights’ effects on your mental state are similar but are much more powerful and specific. Beyond this, there are many different areas of application.
Audio/Visual Stimulation and Brain Growth
By Thomas H. Budzynski, Ph.D.
The Aging Brain
As the brain ages it may lose some of its neural circuitry. Specifically, we experience a shrinkage and reduction in the number of dendrites, the filament-like extensions of the axons or main nerve fibers. In normal circumstances the dendrites of a given axon connect with the dendrites of many other axons, thus fostering full communication of information. As these connections shrivel with age, the communicating ability decreases. We find ourselves forgetting names of people, and then names of things and facts. Short-term memory begins to fail, e.g., going into the next room to get something and then forgetting what you are there for. We find it more difficult to follow instructions or to memorize material. These symptoms can start in our 40s. That’s discouraging news; the good news, however, is that the more we can stimulate our brains, the more we can slow down this process and even reverse it. Dr. Diamond’s amazing old rats
At UCLA Dr. Marion Diamond examined the maze learning ability of aged rats and found the usual deficits in keeping with their advanced age. However, when she took half the rats and increased the stimulation in their environment, their learning ability and other aspects of their functioning improved significantly. When the brains of both groups were later examined, Dr. Diamond was amazed to find that the brains of the stimulated group actually weighed more and had more dendrites than the control group who received no more than the usual stimulation. Dr. Diamond concluded that the unusual stimulation promoted the dendritic growth that contributed to the extra density and weight of these brains. Does this happen in humans?Large scale studies have not yet been done in this area of interest; however, Dr. Harold Russell, a Texas researcher and clinician, has completed a number of individual case studies on brain injured and aged individuals. Dr. Russell and his colleagues Drs. Carter and Ochs are exploring the use of audio/visual stimulation with such clients. Although their results are anecdotal (not part of a controlled study), preliminary indications are still impressive: in almost all of the case studies of stroke or other brain damaged victims, whose conditions had “plateaued” a number of years earlier, significant progress was made after using the stimulation daily over a period of months. Again, this research is still preliminary and firm conclusions cannot be rendered at this time. In other words, there is no research yet available with humans that conclusively proves (or disproves) that audio/visual stimulation is useful for damaged or aging brains. It is noteworthy that Diamond and her former graduate student Allison McKenzie, Ph.D., found that brain damaged rats (stimulated strokes) recovered more quickly and more fully if stimulated regularly than the control group which received no special stimulation. Finally, Dr. Diamond also discovered that the stimulated rats developed a stronger immune response than those not stimulated.
The power of visualizationIn regard to the immune system, almost everyone has heard that it can be strengthened by any number of alternative medicine procedures, most of which involve visualization. If even half of what we have heard is true, then something remarkable is happening. Why should certain images we hold in our minds affect how strongly our immune system reacts to antigens? Experts still argue about whether or not this effect actually exists and if it does, why. However, a number of these experts believe that visualized images are processed primarily in the nondominant (usually the right) hemisphere. This hemisphere does have a stronger link to lower subcortical emotional centers than does the dominant (left) hemisphere. The final link between the emotions and the immune system has already been established, i.e., negative, hopeless, despondent types of feelings seem to weaken immune functioning. Conversely, does it make sense that if we feed in positive, affirming thoughts and images we can activate or strengthen the immune system? Getting inside your brainYou may know that a new and successful neurotherapy procedure for addiction involves the carrying of a structured image into a theta state. This process requires that 1) a theta state is available and 2) that the image is kept in the mind until the theta state is obtained. This combination of a particular EEG state, plus the precursor of the desired goal in imagery form, appears to have resulted in perhaps the most successful addictions program yet devised. The clients in this unusual program first receive training in relaxation and then get alpha/theta EEG neurofeedback in order to acquire the skill of self-generation of the theta state. If one can overcome a difficult addiction problem with imagery held in a theta state, could one use such a sequence for changing physical structures? More
Direct effects of audio-visual stimulation on EEG
Abstract
In the course of 2 months, 25 repetitions of a 20 min audio-visual stimulation (AVS) program with stimulations at 17, 9, 4, and 2 Hz were applied to 6 volunteers. EEG data were recorded from 6 scalp locations prior, during and after AVS. In order to identify direct and transient changes in EEG under influence of AVS, total power, relative frequency band powers and magnitude-squared coherences were estimated. Intense brain wave entrainment as a direct reaction to AVS was significant through increase of spectral powers and coherences around the stimulating frequency bands in the occipital areas, spreading also to the central and frontal regions. However, these excitations were ‘short-lived’. On the other hand some signs of interhemispheric cooperation (coherences in the narrow bands around 2, 4, and 17 Hz at parieto-occipital areas) remained increased during the investigated 3 min after AVS. As going through further AVS sessions the driving response progressively enhanced for 2 and 4 Hz stimulation in centro-parietal locations. Progress was also found in the left and right hemisphere synchronization examined by coherences. In perspective, the results contribute to deeper comprehension of photic stimulation approaches as a technique of guided entrainment of the brain waves or intermediate increase of hemispheres’ synchronization.
Keywords
Audio-visual stimulation (AVS)Electroencephalogram (EEG)Brain wave, Coherence
Open-Loop Audio-Visual Stimulation (AVS): A Useful Tool for Management of Insomnia?
Abstract
Audio Visual Stimulation (AVS), a form of neurofeedback, is a non-pharmacological intervention that has been used for both performance enhancement and symptom management. We review the history of AVS, its two sub-types (close- and open-loop), and discuss its clinical implications. We also describe a promising new application of AVS to improve sleep, and potentially decrease pain. AVS research can be traced back to the late 1800s. AVS’s efficacy has been demonstrated for both performance enhancement and symptom management. Although AVS is commonly used in clinical settings, there is limited literature evaluating clinical outcomes and mechanisms of action. One of the challenges to AVS research is the lack of standardized terms, which makes systematic review and literature consolidation difficult. Future studies using AVS as an intervention should; (1) use operational definitions that are consistent with the existing literature, such as AVS, Audio-visual Entrainment, or Light and Sound Stimulation, (2) provide a clear rationale for the chosen training frequency modality, (3) use a randomized controlled design, and (4) follow the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and/or related guidelines when disseminating results.
Keywords: Audio visual stimulation (AVS); Brainwave entrainment; Insomnia; Neurofeedback; Pain; Sleep.
Research on Audio-Visual Stimulation
The effects of audio-visual stimulation on the human body and mind have been investigated in many scientific surveys and studies. Examinations by electroencephalogram (EEG) show altered brain waves as a reaction to both visual and acoustic signals.
The results of various clinical studies prove that AV stimulation has positive effects on stress and anxiety, the ability to focus mentally, and can significantly reduce pain associated with various diseases.
In a survey of patients suffering from migraines and tension headaches, 49 out of 50 patients claimed they felt less pain after the stimulation. 36 patients even claimed they had no pain left at all.
The University of Hamburg has successfully treated patients with tinnitus with audio-visual stimulation for many years.
Collura, T.F. (2001). Application of repetitive visual stimulation to EEG neurofeedback protocols. Journal of Neurotherapy, 6(1), 47-70.
Frederick, J.A., Timmerman, D.L., Russell, H.L., & Lubr, J.F. (2004) EEG coherence effects of audio-visual stimulation (AVE) at dominant and twice dominant alpha frequency Journal of Neurotherapy, 8(4), 25-42.
Huang, T.L., & Charyton, C. (2008) A comprehensive review of the psycholo gical effects of brainwave entrainment. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 14,5.
Anderson, D. (1989) The treatment of migraine with variable frequency photic stimulation. Headache, 29, 154-155.
S. Tönnies (2006) Entspannung für Tinnitusbetroffene durch Photostimulation. HNO 2006 · 54:481–486
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169260710002890
https://mindalive.com/pages/audio-visual-stimulation-as-a-treatment-for-chronic-pain
Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_machine
See also: Research on Audio-Visual Stimulation, Hemi-Sync, Brainwave synchronization, Binaural beats, Dreamachine, Electroencephalography, Neurofeedback, Human enhancement, Neural oscillations, Evoked potential, Event-related potential, Induced activity, Ongoing brain activity, Psychedelic drug.