THE PRINCIPLE
Entraining your brain waves puts you in a creative state
Brain waves operate at different frequencies that are associated with different states of alertness and mental activity.
Beta waves are associated with normal concentration and alertness.
Alpha waves are associated with deep relaxation and creativity.
Theta waves are associated with the half-asleep/half-awake state.
Delta waves are associated with deep sleep.
As the brain waves slow, there is also increased synchronisation between the two hemispheres of the brain. One method for guiding your brain waves to the desired frequency is entrainment. Basically, a series of tones and flashing lights match your likely brain waves and then change their rhythm and your brain follows.
The equipment consists of headphones, dark glasses with LEDs on the inside and a control unit. It can be set for different sessions and different periods of time, depending on whether you want to use it for relaxation or stimulation. You lie down or sit in a relaxed position and close your eyes (the LEDs shine through your lids).
Although formal research on the effects is limited, many people have found them useful. On Channel 5’s The Gadget Show, a model called the Mindspa was chosen by every member of the focus group over two other technologies to reduce stress. I use a basic model called Sirius for dealing with jet lag and stress and for regenerating when I haven’t had enough sleep.
However, due to the flashing lights, these machines should not be used by anyone who suffers from epilepsy, brain damage, visual photosensitivity or macular degeneration. If in doubt, always consult your doctor first.
There are a number of UK outlets where you can buy this kind of equipment, including www.meditations-uk.com. The devices range in price from approximately £99 to £275 (the one I use is one of the least expensive). If you don’t have the time and patience for traditional meditation, using a mind machine could be a shortcut to increasing relaxation, focus and creativity.
Website bonus
At www.CreativityNowOnline.com, click on the ‘Creativity Now!’ button. Bonus 6 is a closer look at my mind machine and how I use it.
