History and Background
The earliest mention of photic stimulation actually dates back many centuries with the mention of spinning light wheels. Early in the 20th century scientists developed the first EEG instruments sensitive enough to measure the minute electrical brainwave activity. Soon after the discovery of brainwaves, early experiments determined that these patterns could be altered by strobes of light blinking in the brainwave frequency range.
Dr. William Kroger was the first to publish results on the use of photic stimulation after testing Sidney Schneider's device pictured above. These devices were manufactured from 1959 through 1974 and were several times more expensive than today’s modern devices.
For additional information on the background of auditory visual stimulation, please refer to this excellent article located on the following website: http://www.brainwavesounds.com/emily_lit_review.html
The science of auditory and visual stimulation
Auditory and visual stimulation (AVS) is a method of personal development that has evolved over more than two decades from the study and use of biofeedback; a training procedure that can enable a person to alter physiological responses to induce a desired state of mind.
However, the application of AVS is quite distinct from biofeedback. In biofeedback, the object for the individual is to deliberately try to calm or train mental activity. With AVS, passive inducement occurs without the conscious effort of the individual. The frequencies of light and sound can be utilized for relaxation or stimulation purposes without the side-effects associated with other common approaches.
How AVS works
The induction into higher arousal states induced by higher frequencies of our special, broad-spectrum white LED lights is theorized to provide enhanced mental activity, which can result in cognitive improvement. The induction to lower states of mental activity through specific lower frequency rates has been found to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress thereby promoting feelings of calmness and deep relaxation, allowing the mind to operate more efficiently with greater clarity.
How AVS technology is applied
Auditory and visual stimulation is introduced primarily through the optic nerve and ears by means of computerized technology. This technology is applied to the individual through the use of specially designed glasses inset with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) set at specific angles and distances from the eye to optimize desired effect.
These lights flash at predetermined frequencies, and are coupled with specific tones that are received through headphones. The light emitting from the glasses and rate of the flicker introduced by way of the optic nerve creates a matching effect, or induction, between the mind and the set rate of flickering, thereby moving the mind to either more energetic or into deeply relaxing states. Frequencies are determined by the preferred outcome.
Frequency Following Response
The induction method by which this occurs is known as Frequency Following Response (FFR). Through this natural response mechanism, the mind matches the corresponding visual and auditory stimulus. Two common examples demonstrating a typical relaxation response are when gazing into a gently flickering flame, or the effect of soothing music upon the listener.
A Brief Background of Photic Stimulation
The World's First Commercial Brainwave Synchronizer, circa 1958-1970
The Brain Wave Sychronizer Photic Stimulator in action
The Journal of the American Medical Association published an article for the first time on the Brain Wave Synchronizer in March, 1959.
MindSpa News
uDream – Dream Dictionary Ultimate by Tony Crisp
Dream Dictionary Ultimate is the most complete dream resource guide ever produced. It is the culmination of more than thirty years work by noted author and one of the world’s most recognized and respected dream therapists, Tony Crisp. The equivalent of owning a six-volume dream encyclopedia and dictionary, it is organized to cover nearly every aspect of dreaming, dream interpretation and analysis, and the subconscious mind.
Hastens MindSpa takes the unique capabilities of the iPhone™ and iPod Touch™ to a new level by simultaneously providing auditory and visual neural brainwave entrainment with biofeedback. This is the only application to combine three scientifically proven modalities to provide deep relaxation leading to a calmer mind and better sleep.
IAmerica – The Pocket Guide to the Presidential History of the United States of America
iAmerica, is a compact yet comprehensive A to Z reference guide to the Presidents of the United States and includes a bonus guide for access to the top White House links.
Our presidential biographies contain a total of over 1800 meticulously hand-assembled Wikipedia links. It is American history at your fingertips!
iAmerica is free! Click on the iTunes logo below to visit the Apple iTunes store for more details.
iUSA – The Pocket Guide to the United States of America – Her History, People and Government
Our full-featured companion app, iUSA, is your personal portal to the United States of America. This mobile A–Z reference guide is the only mobile app to both educate and to make government resources for easily accessible.
Click on the iTunes logo below to visit the Apple iTunes store for more details on iUSA.
For the iPhone™ and iPod Touch™
Do you suffer from fear of public speaking? When you use MindSpa and practice your speeches with Public Speech, you will feel more confident, more prepared, and ultimately more relaxed when giving your presentation.
Public Speech is free! Download it today. Visit the Apple iTunes store for more details.
I have devoted 35 years to developing tools to make the human brain more user friendly. I find the MindSpa to be of the most important new tools that can open the doorway to better quality of life.I use the MindSpa on myself....I use the MindSpa on my clients. The results I get are astonishing. Better learning, sleeping, thinking...... the list goes on and on. I intend to use this device to create opportunity, success, and freedom.
Let the future be more wonderful!
DR. RICHARD BANDLER, Co-creator and Creative Genius of Neuro Linguistic Programming™
Watch an informative ten minute video by Dr. Richard Bandler!
Learn about how light and sound works and all about our Hästens MindSpa available exclusively from your local Hästens store. Click here for further information.
Free Gift
MP3 
WMA 
How a TV gadget put my life back on track
When Emily Gundle was 23, she was studying to be a lawyer at a top university and had her whole life ahead of her.
Panelists choose MindSpa unanimously as best "Stress Buster!" 
The Gadget Show
Focus group looks at a variety of stress busters
