Audio Visual Stimulation (AVS) Technology plays a large role in the cognitive revolution that is sweeping through the 21st century. Although the use of sound and or light for healing, relaxation and achieving altered states of consciousness (ASC) has been used for centuries, it’s only recently that the scientific community has reawakened to its phenomenal potential.
AVS Technology is related to EEG Neurofeedback and Biofeedback technology. While EEG Neurofeedback is more of a precise system of brainwave stimulation (BWS) reading and delivery, AVS provides a more general application of BWS. EEG Neurofeedback is also much more complicated of a system to work with and as a result it requires specialized, extensive training for usage. Not to mention EEG Neurofeedback is also a much more expensive system to work with. The good news is that you can achieve similar results, though more general with an AVS system and if you decide to go into the field of EEG Neurofeedback, you will have learned much of the information through your study and experience with AVS technology.
There is a difference between biofeedback and AVS. Biofeedback is used to condition the nervous system, while AVS stimulates specific patterns of activity in the brain. With biofeedback you become aware of processes normally unavailable to conscious inspection. The awareness includes understanding how it feels to increase or decrease the selected process (a state of relaxation or arousal). In the end, both will get you to the same destination but the journey differs.
Benefits of Using AVS
Although results vary with the individual, the results on a whole have been favorable. Some of the benefits of sound and light brain entrainment reported are:
– Increases in I.Q. especially in children with ADD
– Improved memory and attention span
– Reduction of stress
– Better results in meditation (deeper trance achieved)
– Pain management and relief
– Addiction relief
– Replace lost sleep, reduce fatigue
– Higher scores on tests
– Improved cognitive ability
– Accelerated learning
– Easier access to hypnotic state
The more control you can acquire over your brain states, the more emotional and mental control you acquire over your life.
Brainwave Frequencies overview
A brainwave is an electrochemical rhythm which occurs across the surface of the brain known as the cerebral cortex. This rhythm measures cortical arousal which reflects a corresponding state of mind. A brainwave is measured on the surface of the scalp where all the bioelectrical activity occurs. The cerebral cortex makes up 80% of the brain’s mass. This biochemical electricity is produced in the brain through frequencies measured in hertz. “Hertz” is measured as beats per second.
We categorize groups of these frequencies according to the range that is associated with various states of mind. These frequencies correspond to normally four measurable groups of frequencies – Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Note: High Beta (24 – 70 Hz) is referred to as “Gamma”. Low Beta (12 – 15 Hz) is referred to as “SMR”.
Even though all four frequencies are found in the brain at all times, there will always be one or two dominant frequencies. Through entrainment, our goal is to make the desired frequency a dominant frequency at the desired time.
When creating a program, it’s best to use the range of frequencies in the target area instead of producing segments focusing on one frequency because A) habituation easily occurs when you only use one frequency, thus making the treatment less effective, and B) not every person responds the same way to a frequency. For example, while 10 Hz may produce the desired result in one person, 11 Hz will produce the same in another person.
Source: Urzua, O. 2023