Light and sound mind machines normaly consist of a pair of opaque goggles with built-in flashing lights, and normally a pair of headphones with synchronized beeping sounds. Studies have shown that if the flashing lights and beeping sounds start at something close to your current "dominant frequency" and then slowly change the "beat frequency," it "entrains" your brain to the desired frequency. So for example, if you entrain to alpha frequencies, you experience some of the same benefits as experienced meditators. And, of course, many of the same effects as hemisynch can be achieved by the sound synthesizers in a light and sound mind machine. Alternatively, most of the better light and sound mind machines include sound inputs so you can mix the headphone synthesizers with your choice of music, environmental, or HemiSynch-like tapes or compact disks.

EEGs show that at any given time, your brain produces distinct waveforms in four frequency groupings, called beta waves (14 to 30 Hz, pronounced hertz, meaning cycles per second), alpha waves (8 to 13 Hz), theta waves (4 to 7 Hz), and delta waves (1 to 3 Hz). When we say that you are "in beta state" (which you normally are), what we're saying is that that's the dominant set of frequencies, the ones with the highest amplitudes. Beta is associated with alertness, with the highest frequencies in that range often described as "fight/flight" mode. Alpha frequencies have long been associated with meditation and relaxation. Theta waves are considered by some to be associated with a dreamy, creative states. Delta waves are generally strongest when you're asleep.

Why do they work?

Perhaps better questions are: "Why do we enjoy music... why is a flickering flame hypnotic?" Light/sound systems are the technological synthesis of centuries of exploration and a few years of neurological experiments. They capture the essence of how we relax, enjoy a good song, or visualize the presence of a communal campfire. All without driving to the woods or hiring a band.

If you are searching for relaxation, for the elusive moments of calmness and clarity, for a quick break in a hectic life, these tools are a fresh approach that are working for a lot of people and most likely will work for you. Your mind and your body work better when calm, and not stressed, relaxation is good for you.

When you need to access different states of functioning, you can select a pre-set session that combines scientifically designed sequences of pulses light and sound frequencies. For instance, if you want to slow down and relax deeply or sleep, you would choose a program from the list provided with the L/S device, sit or lie back with the LED glasses and headphones on, and let the flickering lights and sounds capture your brainwaves and gently lead them into letting go.

If you felt fuzzy and unable to focus, you might choose an energizing program that uses faster, Beta frequencies that can sharpen your thinking and stimulate your energy.

Most people need to learn to relax deeply and let go of the stresses and concerns of their life, even for a brief period like 15 - 30 minutes once or more per day for a while. Often sleep will not provide this kind of release and rest. Light/Sound devices can induce the Theta state in which the mind can shut down and allow the body to rest profoundly. A week or so of daily sessions can create some amazing differences in our ability to handle stress and respond in more creative, less reactive ways. When coupled with tapes/CDs that have properly scripted change messages, mind machine users have found that they think more clearly and positively, feel happier and calm, and have more energy and fewer health problems. You will start to have more times in which you perform optimally, like a well-conditioned athlete in the "zone."

Your brain uses the stimuli to create imagery in much the same way it uses your memory and psychological systems to create imagery during dreaming. You can now program your own sessions to get the type of stimuli you respond best to.

Can I use it for learning?
L/S systems can accelerate learning in several ways: before studying, during, and after. Before studying, if you feel spacey and unable to concentrate, try an energizing, Beta session. During studying, try an alpha rhythm with just the headphones alone if you have to read. If you want to learn taped material, use a deep relaxation session and let the words sink in to your subconscious. When you study the written material later, you will find that you understand it at a deeper level and can recall it easily. After a study session, try a deep relaxation program and let yourself drift off. This has been found to "set" the material for better recall.

Become successful?

Studies have shown that when we can imagine ourselves taking steps to create a desired change and are able to see, hear and feel the result of those steps, then success is not only possible, but likely. Imagery differs from visualization in that it utilizes all of the senses; smell, sight, hearing, touch, taste. Those who believe they lack visual skills will find that imagery is more comprehensive and thus more effective in bringing about change. Imagery, used in conjunction with hypnosis, has been used to reduce pain, to supercharge a sluggish career, overcome the fear of flying, accelerate healing and much more.

Your subsconscious mind can do amazing things when you give it a chance. Here's how to do it: first, find those sessions and frequencies in your manual,which create a state of deep relaxation(Alpha-theta). Once you have spent some time in this state, you will have more energy and less demands on your body/mind. Next, when you start to get relaxed during a session, visualize yourself doing or having what you desire."The Secret" makes similar suggestions...Make this visualization as real as you can, full of colors, feelings, sounds, smells, etc. Then just let go and trust your subconscious mind to make it happen for you. You may be amazed to find that reality will become more and more like you pictured it with little effort on your part!

Sleep deprived? A delta session could be your answer. These are sessions in the 0.5-2 Hz frequency range.

What about my moods?
Light/sound technology can interrupt negative emotional response loops. Examples of such "loops" include moderate levels of anger, worry, sadness, irritability and depression. Let{s say that you{ve had a tough day at the office. On your way home a driver cuts sharply in front of you without signaling, nearly causing an accident. You arrive at home with a "short fuse", growling at your children or spouse. You realize that you are experiencing an undesirable mental state, but don't know quite how to change it. You will have the ability to reset your mood by choosing a L/S program to stabilize your emotions and move you to your desired state of mind.

Humanity has been aware of how outside stimulation can affect the mind long before recorded history. We can share that same awareness by sitting around a campfire. Watching the flickering flames creates a soothing, calming sensation within the mind. This same affect is also experienced with rhythmic drumbeats. The continuous, repetitive beats tend to have a calming affect, while faster repetitions create a more energetic sensation. Within the twentieth century, researchers have developed this awareness into highly beneficial instrumentation.

Enjoy your Journey