The most significant and impressive studies conducted in our laboratory were those in which the subject was listening to Focus 12 tapes. As mentioned, shortly after listening to these tapes the subject’s brain-wave activity showed signs of synchrony in the beta range. To discover if he could enter the same state without the aid of the tapes, a more complex single subject design (ABAB’A) was used. I combined three baseline phases (A) with two treatment conditions (B and B’). During the initial baseline, the subject’s EEG was recorded. The subject was then asked to meditate using his own technique. A second baseline was established; then the subject was asked to count from one to twelve and stay in Focus 12 (B’). A final baseline was established after this phase was completed. The subject’s baseline recordings showed asynchronous activities across the cortex. During the meditation phase (B), an increase in high alpha and beta activities was noted. However, there were no signs of hemispheric synchronization. Shortly after the subject entered the second treatment phase (B’), that is, self- induced Focus 12, there were clear indications of whole-brain synchrony. Therefore, at this stage, one may suggest the tentative hypothesis that it is possible to summon the beneficial and perhaps extraordinary effects of Hemi-Sync at will. To achieve this, one needs some exposure to the Hemi-Sync signal and perhaps needs to learn certain verbal cues.
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Hemi-Sync® Journal 1991-4 (Fall) · 03 The Mysteries of Hemi-Sync® - Beyond Brain Entrainment.pdf
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In several other studies, using the HUMAN PLUS Access Channel command, it was established that subjects who had exposure to H-PLUS® tapes were able to synchronize their brains by merely counting from one to eleven and quietly saying the words: “Access Channel open.” Thus far, a total of four H-PLUS studies have been conducted. The first study showed full beta synchrony at Focus 11, the Access Channel. The second and third studies showed synchronous alpha activities, while the most recent study in this series showed synchronized theta across the cortex. Again it was objectively demonstrated that one need not become dependent on these tapes to benefit from them. Hemi-Sync and Autogenic Training Autogenic training (AT) is one of the oldest Western approaches to psychophysiological reconditioning and is considered one of the most effective relaxation techniques, with a sound and well-established theory. The term “autogenic” is derived from Latin autos (from within) and genos (generated and developed). AT helps bring about positive and therapeutic changes that are generated from within. Hundreds of published studies have investigated the effectiveness of this technique in treating a variety of psychosomatic and stress-related disorders. Studies of the effects of AT on cortical activity have shown that after prolonged practice (a minimum of six months) there is a tendency toward hemispheric synchronization, similar to that
seen in experienced meditators. During the past several years, I have modified and expanded the standard autogenic exercises for our clinical purposes at The Gateway Institute. Last year, I began studying the combined effects of AT and Hemi-Sync by adding some theta to the background of these tapes. Two patients who had listened to these tapes for approximately six weeks underwent EEG testing. Again a simple ABA reversal design was used for these studies. During the baseline phase (A) subjects were asked to simply rest in a recliner. They were then asked to repeat two autogenic phrases for approximately one minute. A final post- treatment baseline was established after this phase. In both cases, subjects’ EEG activities moved from asynchrony to full synchrony. One subject’s EEG showed synchrony in theta, while the other showed synchrony in alpha. Again it was documented that after exposure to Hemi-Sync one can induce synchrony at will once certain verbal associations and cues are established (i.e., autogenic phrases). Conclusions The phenomenon of hemispheric synchronization has been attracting the attention of researchers and clinicians for some time. Of various technologies and procedures which purport to induce bilateral synchrony, Hemi-Sync appears to be the most effective approach, as well as being one of the safest, accomplishing what it claims to do. However, many questions concerning Hemi-Sync remain unanswered. Without a doubt, only well-designed