NEURO-TECHNOLOGY

Recent advances and discoveries in the field of neuroscience have enabled scientists and researchers to learn more about the brain than ever before. New discoveries such as the fact that brain activity can be altered by external sources including electromagnetic fields, various frequencies of sound and light, and technological devices have started a revolution in brain research. For example, by flashing the light frequencies of a photo-sonic brainwave synchronizer at specific frequency rates (beta, alpha, theta, delta) to the visual cortex and hippocampus brain centers via the photoreceptors of the eyes, and also feeding pulsating sound frequencies to the vestibular system, cerebellum, limbic system, and cortex via the nerve endings of the ears, specific altered states of consciousness may be induced in the user.

Similarly, by using highly sensitive instrumentation such as an electroencephalogram (EEG), it is possible to measure the brain’s electrical activity and simultaneously have the device ‘feed back’ said activity in understandable images and/or sounds. This data can then be used by researchers to observe and monitor the brain states of subjects, and even help change them, if desired. In my book, Into The Void various brain technology devices are presented and discussed, which are available today, and which may be used to facilitate exotic modified mind-states, such as lucid dreaming, hypnagogia, transcendence, etc.

Because of my research, I have used a number of different consciousness technology tools, including photo-sonic brainwave synchronizers, neuroelectrical stimulators, binaural frequencies, and biofeedback devices. What follows are some of the devices that were used during the research and experiments as depicted in Into The Void.

 

PHOTOSONIX NOVA PRO 100: This is the only brainwave wave synchronizer I have found that features dual-binaural beats. With binaural beats each ear hears a separate frequency, and then a third ‘phantom’ beat is created and heard by the brain. For instance, if the right ear is presented with a tone frequency of 104 Hz., while the left is presented with a tone frequency of 100 Hz., the brain will then automatically subtract the difference between the two and hear a tone frequency of 4 Hz. (This is almost the same modus operandi of Hemi-sync audiotapes and CDs.) In contrast, with dual-binaural beats, each ear hears a mixture of two tones. This results in chords, and consequently makes the tones sound very musical as well as richer and fuller. Thus, complex ‘dual beats’ occur, and the result is a fascinating and swirling array of 3-D-like surround sound effects. This unit is one of my favorites. I especially enjoy its delta sessions, because they tend to color my inner voyages with sort of a spacey flavor. It features 100 preset programs with space for another 100 user-made programs. Like the D.A.V.I.D, the NOVA PRO 100 can also be programmed either by hand or with a windows-based 95/98 computer.

 

D.A.V.I.D PARADISE XL: This brainwave synchronizer features 35 preset sessions and can be programmed either by hand or with a windows 95/98 computer. It also has 4 music modulation programs that allow users to play an audiotape or CD in synchrony with the flashing lights and/or sounds. The sound choices in the XL are: digitized heartbeat, surf (white noise), pulsed pure tone, and binaural beats (both with variable pitch).The D.A.V.I.D Paradise XL also features independent right eye/left ear rate control. This enables the user to experience two different brainwave states of brain stimulation simultaneously. This effect is very effective in inducing independent hemispheric stimulation — which means one can slow down the left brain’s activity to say 5 or 6 hertz, while increasing the right’s hemisphere to say 20 Hz. This increases the chances of successful lucid dreaming, and allows for interesting ‘spatial’ effects when combined with pharmacological substances.

 

DREAMLIGHT: This is the device pioneered and designed by Dr. Stephen LaBerge and his colleagues at Stanford University. This unit is a sophisticated biofeedback computer that features a microprocessor as well as a sleep mask, which houses photoelectric sensors. These detect one’s eye movements during REM or dreaming sleep. Once the device detects that one is dreaming, it will give a preprogrammed cue that the user learns to recognize inside the dream. In turn, this signals the dreamer to become lucid. This cue can be adjusted in a wide variety of parameters according to the user’s choice, including: brightness, volume, speed and length of cue, type of cue (ramp up, ramp down, random, regular), cue delay, flash frequency, and alternating (right/left) flashes. This unit also features a reality test button that helps determine whether one is awake in the real world or dreaming and ‘awake’ inside the dream world. It can even store dream data from up to ten nights.

 

BT-6 BRAIN TUNER: The late Bob Beck’s Brain Tuner stimulates vivid dreaming, which in turn can lead to lucid dreaming. This device consists of a small base unit the size of a pack of cigarettes, and an electrode headset that is attached behind the ears. (It may also be attached to the temples with optional electrodes.) Once attached it sends an electrical current into the brain; but the current is in the microampere range. According to bioelectric research this current is similar to the current produced by the body’s cells. And when the brain is electrically stimulated at appropriate frequencies and amplitudes, the body responds by increasing its manufacturing of endorphins — the bodys own natural opiates — as well as other neuro-chemicals, including dopamine, enkaplins, etc. Moreover, psychiatrists have found that neuroelectrical stimulation produces states of euphoria and well being, deep relaxation, and heightened awareness. The BT-6 features a pulse modulation button that controls the rate of the output between 111 Hz., 7.83 Hz., and 1 second on and 1 second off, and a pulse width adjustment between 550 and 220 microseconds. An automatic shut-off timer (18, 33, and 63 minutes) is also featured. Unlike the simple sine waves used in other neuroelectrical devices, Beck’s BT-6 uses an exclusive waveform, which according to him bathes the brain with over 250 frequency harmonics. The device also greatly increases levels of dopamine in the brain. This is perhaps the best neuroelectrical stimulator.

 

OASIS: This is the only stereo neuroelectrical stimulator available on the market today. It works either alone or in conjunction with the D.A.V.I.D or Photosonix brainwave synchronizers. However, for it to work in stereo, a dual-brainwave frequency stimulation must be used. In other words, unlike the BT-6, which sends one signal of electro-stimulation to both brain hemispheres, the Oasis — when hooked-up to a D.A.V.I.D, for example — sends two separate stimulation signals, one to each brain hemisphere. This allows for extremely weird cognitive experiences while under the influence of psychedelics. (One of them is described in chapter 5 of Into The Void.)

 

HEMI-SYNC AUDIOTAPES/CD's: These audiotapes facilitate what scientists call hemispheric synchronization — a state of whole brain synchrony pioneered by Robert Monroe, founder of the Monroe Institute, and author of many OBE classics including Journeys Out Of The Body. In this altered state of consciousness, both the right and left sides of the brain are not only balanced and integrated, but the brain’s electromagnetic energy and brainwave activity become more organized and coherent. Research has revealed that theta brainwave activity (the state that most of these audiotapes target) triggers the formation of new and more complex neural pathways. This effect, known as “Long Term Potentiation,” is said to be paramount to retrieving data from the subconscious mind. It should be noted however, that the Monroe Institute does not recommend that any substances be used in conjunction with their audiotapes or CD’s. Although I have noticed that some interesting synergies do occur from their combination with psychopharmacological substances.

 

MIND MIRROR III: This legendary electroencephalograph (EEG) has two channels that perform real-time analysis of fourteen frequency bands (delta through beta) in each brain hemisphere simultaneously. These readings are then presented as patterns, which are displayed on the Mind Mirror’s LCD display or on a computer screen, via a fiber-optic cable and special MS-DOS/windows program. Moreover, digital filtering allows for excellent bandwidth in each frequency. Another useful feature is that it offers an impedance meter, which insures good electrode contact and therefore eliminates possible false readings. Researchers may record full sessions to a PC hard drive, or up to the last twenty minutes of a session on the Mind Mirror itself, which can later be downloaded to a PC. This allows for tracking the progress of brainwave training over multiple sessions. This is a professional-grade high quality EEG specifically created and designed to measure altered states of consciousness.

THOUGHTSTREAM: This compact biofeedback unit accurately measures tiny changes in the conductivity of the skin as a result of different thoughts and moods. These readings are taken through finger probes that are then processed into audio and visual signals. The ThoughtStream features eight LED’s that descend (change color) through twenty-five relaxation levels. For example, every session begins with all LEDs emitting a RED glow, but change color (ORANGE, YELLOW, and GREEN) according to one’s change in skin resistance-state of relaxation. In other words, when one relaxes, the skin resistance to conductivity goes up; as one becomes aroused, the skin resistance to conductivity goes down. By using this device then, one receives immediate feedback about how certain mental activities and/or exercises increase or decrease stress and relaxation levels. The ThoughtStream also features a calibration process that allows for the unit to be set to the right sensitivity level of each individual that uses it. This feature also enables a user to change the sensitivity level and make it harder to change the LED’s from all RED to all GREEN. Thus allowing for the development of deeper states of relaxation.