Mind machines (also called light and sound machines or AVS (Audio Visual Stimulation)) are devices that are used to cause relaxation and stimulation to the brain of the user. They are designed, primarily, to encourage the user to experience stimulation, which matches known brainwave patterns; to relieve stress, promote focus, and give a general feeling of well-being.
Mind machines have been around for years, I bought my first machine 25 years ago and is still going strong.
In the past these Mind Machines have been Known by other names i.e.
- Light and Sound Machines
- Meditation Machines
- Mind (brain) Hacking machine
- Self Exploration Devices
- Meditation Aid Machines
They can consist of four parts; a pair of glasses or goggles, headphones, some models are equipped for CES (cranial electrical stimulation) and a programmed handset.
On wearing the glasses, you will see either flashing lights or moving colours (depending on the make and model). The experience of wearing the glasses does vary on the program you choose (some glasses can be used with your eyes open and others your eyes should remain closed) but in my opinion, the effect on your mind is the
same; it is how your brain responds to the flashes, which in turn, creates the swirls of colour and other patterns.
The earphones allow the user to hear beats or tones, which are in sync with the flashing lights from the glasses. This helps to coax your mind to follow the beats in order to experience the desires states of mind; sounds or music can be added (some devices have music included, whilst others have an inbuilt heart beat, to help you to control your breathing, a few even have both).
The CES is an attachment that come with some select devices. This consists of two cables (which are attached normally to your ears) when activated the cables sends a low voltage 100zh charge through your brain and can be used in conjunction with mind machine sessions (please always read the manufacturers guidelines for their use).
Every handset has an array of user friendly buttons, which with minimal practice, can be used out of the box. The handsets come with several different sessions already pre-programmed. These programmes allow for different experiences, of how your brain responds when it is entrained to the various installed programs. With some models, the handset can be connected to a computer, which then allows the user to customise more programs. With this, you can also control the intensity of the light and the volume, to suit your comfort levels.