What is a Light & Sound instrument?

A light and sound instrument is a mind entrainment tool. The method by which this entrainment occurs is known as the Frequency Following Response (FFR). Through the use of audio (headphones) and visual (eye frames with LEDs) stimulation, listeners are gently guided into specific states of mind. Each audio beat and light pulse is a specific frequency. Our minds "think" in terms of frequency. Brainwaves change frequencies based on neural activity within the brain, be it by hearing, touch, smell, vision and/or taste. These senses respond to activity from the environment and transmits that information to the brain via electrical signals. Hearing and vision are considered favorable senses for affecting brainwaves safely. By presenting these beats and pulses to the brain, within a few minutes, the brain begins to mimic or follow the same frequencies as the stimuli (the beats and pulses). This process is referred to as entrainment. In essence, these instruments speak to the mind in it’s own language- the language of frequency.

The Frequency Following Response that the mind experiences through light and sound stimulation provides a focus for the brain. This focus safely quells any internal dialogue or "brain chatter", and enables the listener to reach more quickly and effectively the optimum state of mind targeted for the task at hand (i.e. energizing, learning, relaxing, etc.).

So a light and sound instrument can entrain your mind to experience different levels of your consciousness. As such it is a tool, but it is a very enjoyable tool. For a whole new musical experience combine your favorite cassette or CD with a light and sound session. You can actually see, as well as hear, the music as it travels along your brainwaves. It is also for exercising your mind. After all, your brain is like a large muscle. Use light and sound to train your brain to run faster and more efficiently; to show you how to find and access your "zone" and to help clean up that mental fuzz that occasionally interrupts our mental clarity.

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.

Although scientists knew flickering light and audio beats affected our frame of mind, they were unable to prove how that interaction existed. Then in 1924, Hans Burger, a German psychiatrist, published pictures depicting electrical activity of the human brain. From the discovery of these "wavy" lines emerged a new scientific field called electroencephalography.

These wavy lines are simple to visualize. Just picture a series of peaks and valleys, much like the skyline of a mountain range. When you are asleep, those peaks and valleys are at both their highest and lowest points and appear to be spread out. As you gradually awaken and become more alert, the peaks and valleys begin to shrink in size and are spaced closer together. Then when you are in your normal waking state, this "mountain range" is at it’s smallest level, with very little space separating the peaks from the valleys.

During the 1940's several researchers, including W. Gray Walter, utilized powerful electronic strobes with new versions of EEG instrumentation to alter brainwave activity, producing states of profound relaxation and imagery. In 1949, brainwave signals were brought to the screen with the invention of the Tuposcope. This breakthrough allowed the tracking of brainwave patterns (Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta). Within five years, hundreds of hospitals were compiling EEG’s. In the 1950's and 1960's, research on Zen and Yoga meditators showed a predominance of alpha and theta waves during meditation. These findings were made through the data collected by researchers including M.A. Wanger of the University of California at Los Angeles; B.K. Bagchi of the University of Michigan School of Medicine; and B.K. Anand of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi (Ditson-Sommer 1995). During the late 1960's and into the 1970's interest in producing altered states without chemicals increased. Alpha EEG feedback by Dr. Joe Kamiya at Langley-Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute in San Francisco aided in initiating the age of biofeedback. Others, including Jack Schwarz and Richard Townsend, continued their investigations of rhythmic light and sound combinations, with emphasis on hemispheric brain synchronization and EEG entrainment (Budzynski 1991). It was during the decade of the 1970's that the first patent was obtained for a light and sound instrument. This occurred in 1974, with the patent obtained by Seymour Charas. He was a scientist at New York City College and for reasons unknown, never put his device into production (Hutchison 1990).

In the 1980's there were major breakthroughs in microelectronics. From this came the development of instruments that contained various programs of sound frequency changes and light intensity modulation. In a study by Marchal Gilula, M.D., of Life Energies Research Institute of Coconut Grove, Florida, clinical research on Multiple Afferent Sensory Stimulation (MASS) was conducted. His research found that light and sound (MASS) equipment elicited an 80% subject response with deep states of mind and body relaxation (Ditson-Sommer 1995).

For the past several years, clinical devices utilizing light and sound stimulation have been successfully used in relaxation and learning enhancement. For the general public, small portable units became available. Still, this technology is so new that the majority of us do not know how to use it. Those that do know are using it for commercial purposes, ranging from audio/video cassettes and CD’s to seminars.

How Are Frequencies Associated With Brainwaves?

Brainwaves are the electrical wave patterns generated in every person’s brain. These waves vary according to level of consciousness, subconsciousness and unconsciousness and are characterized by four distinct types of brainwaves. Each of these electrical wave patterns have distinctly different ways of perceiving, processing, learning and knowing information (Hoiberg 1989). All of these brain waves are produced at all times. However, a predominance of a specific desired brainwave state can be created at will, which allows a person to potentialize his or her capabilities towards achieving human excellence.

Brainwave frequencies are described in terms of hertz (Hz), or cycles per second, which are measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG). The four general categories of brainwave frequencies and their main characteristics are:

Gamma brainwave frequencies are a high frequency pattern beginning at thirty-five hertz. There has been some evidence that gamma frequencies are associated with states of peak performance. Most light and sound instruments have the capability to generate gamma frequencies. While in this brainwave state, sensations are centered on being mentally, emotionally and physically "charged" or extremely energized. These frequencies are the highest known brainwave patterns, but are considered to be part of the beta frequency category.

Beta brainwaves are the next highest frequency pattern, ranging from thirteen to thirty-four hertz, and can be separated into three sub-categories. The first is high beta, ranging from nineteen to thirty-four hertz. When high beta is the dominant brainwave state, anxiety and stress are most likely to occur. The second sub-category is mid beta, with frequencies ranging from fifteen to eighteen hertz. Mid beta is characterized by action, with focus on external surroundings. The third is SMR beta (Sensorimotor Rhythm), ranging from thirteen to fifteen hertz. While in this state, focus is also on external surroundings, but the individual is more relaxed than in mid beta. Within SMR is fourteen hertz, which is gaining attention from researchers and clinicians utilizing EEG/neurofeedback instrumentation. The true benefit of creating fourteen hertz in humans has yet to be determined, but a recent study at the University of California at Los Angeles found that felines can produce fourteen hertz at will, while humans cannot.

Generally speaking, beta brainwaves are characterized by logical, analytical and intellectual thinking, verbal communication and awareness of surroundings.

Alpha brainwaves are a frequency pattern ranging from eight to twelve hertz. They most commonly occur when we are calm and relaxed, yet mentally alert. These brainwaves are also present during daydreaming.

Theta brainwaves range from four to seven hertz, characterized by being deeply relaxed and inwardly focused. This brainwave state is also associated with rapid learning and the assimilation of new information with high retention, heightened motivation to activate goals, bursts of creativity, insight and new behavior patterns.

Delta brainwaves range from five-tenths to three hertz and are associated with being extremely relaxed, characterized by sleep.

Researchers have proven that brainwave frequencies determine what brainwave state is being experienced at any given time (Budzynski 1991). By measuring the production of brainwaves through the utilization of EEG (electroencephalogram) equipment, the frequencies that produce these various brain states can be tracked on a computer monitor. As mentioned earlier, these frequencies are generated in every person’s brain, and are the result of outside stimulation that has been passed to the brain via electrical signals from our different senses. Light and sound instruments stimulate the neural activity of our vision and hearing, and can safely guide our minds to produce specific frequencies that are associated with the four general brainwave categories (Hutchison 1992).