| Effective jet lag relief using MindSpa
Our Guarantee
We make this simple offer and invite you to use MindSpa as our guest, obligation free, for ninety days.
When used as suggested, we guarantee you will recover more quickly and comfortably from the effects associated with long distance - multiple time zone travel than through virtually any other method. If you find otherwise, feel free to return it for a full refund of your purchase price.
Circadian Rhythm Balance
Patented Protocol for Circadian Rhythm Balance and Alignment
Our Internal Body Clock
Light is a powerful regulator of the human circadian system, the “body clock.” The circadian rhythm is the internal 24 hour clock controlling physiological changes that occur with the natural light-dark cycle of the day.
The SCN or suprachiasmatic nucleus acts as the central processing system for our body clock. It is located in a part of the brain, the hypothalamus, just above the point where the optic nerves cross. Light reaches photoreceptors in the back of the eye, the retina, generating signals that travel along the optic nerve to several areas of the brain including the SCN, which is a non-visual part of the brain. In addition to sleep/wake cycle regulation, the SCN also plays a primary role in hormone secretion, and body temperature and blood pressure regulation among other daily functions.
In the presence of light, or the lack thereof, signals from the SCN travel to various parts of the brain, including the pineal gland. The pineal gland is responsible for controlling production of the hormone melatonin.
Melatonin is the sleep hormone. Melatonin levels normally increase in the absence of light. Exposure to specific light frequencies suppresses melatonin production for several hours. Melatonin makes us feel drowsy and plays a role in mood change. However, this only begins to describe the critical role Melatonin plays in regulating body function. We suggest further independent reading on its role. Here is one of many links: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/melatonin-000315.htm
The Retina and our Body Clock
In just the past few years, scientists discovered a specialized set of cells in the retina that respond specifically to the action spectrum. Until this discovery, for about the last 200 years it was believed the retina only contained two types of specialized photoreceptors, the rods and cones.
We now know the retina contains three types of specialized photoreceptors that respond to the visible light spectrum. Visible light ranges from approximately 370 nm to 730 nm. These photoreceptors consist of the rods, cones and the recently discovered light/dark receptors.
The rods are the most numerous photoreceptors and the most sensitive to light, but are not sensitive to color. The retina contains approximately 110 - 125,000,000 rods. They are primarily responsible for dim light vision. The rods peak in the blue range and have almost no response to red light. Known as the scotopic photoreceptor system, the peak wavelength sensitivity is 507 nm, the green/blue-green color range.
The cones are color sensitive and divided primarily into red and green cones with a small percentage of blue cones. There are approximately 6.5 million cones in the retina divided into approximately 64% red sensitive cones, 32% green cones, and 2% blue cones. The blue cones are more sensitive to light than the red or green cones. The cones are responsible for high resolution vision known as photopic photoreceptor system. The cones have a peak wavelength sensitivity of 555 nm, the green spectrum.
The melanopsin receptors, also referred to as the light/dark photoreceptors, discovered just a few years ago are sensitive to the narrow blue wavelength action spectrum. These are independent of the classic rod and cone photoreceptors used for vision, and are not part of the visual system. They are active even with eyes closed and while asleep. It is theorized that blue sky exposure is how these ganglion cell photoreceptors evolved their specialized purpose.
These photoreceptors regulate circadian rhythms primarily via melatonin secretion. When exposed to this specific band, melatonin production is suppressed for several hours.
The Melatonin Action Spectrum
A specific component of natural sunlight, short wavelength blue light in the narrow 446-483 nanometer (nm) wavelength is the melatonin action spectrum. Researchers recently discovered that this specific blue wavelength plays a major role in aligning and resetting the body clock through melatonin suppression. As this is also the wavelength of the clear, blue sky, it follows that exposure to the sky.
Approximately 460-470 nm is the peak light range for melatonin suppression. The MindSpa CalmBlue glasses are tuned within a few nanometers of the peak frequency range making them very effective for resetting the body clock.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Circadian rhythm disorders are typically are related to sudden and/or extreme changes in the relationship between exposure to environmental light and activity. For example, circadian rhythm disorders are known to be associated with change in geographical location (jet lag), aging, and night activity (night time shift workers).
Another common type of circadian rhythm disorder is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by symptoms such as lethargy and depression during the winter seasons when the duration of daylight is reduced. Due to decreased light exposure melatonin production continues during the waking hours.
Symptoms much like jet lag are common in people who work nights or who perform shift work. Because shift work schedules are at odds with powerful sleep-regulating cues like sunlight, they often become uncontrollably drowsy during work, and they may suffer insomnia or other problems when they try to sleep.
Shift workers have an increased risk of heart problems, digestive disturbances, and emotional and mental problems, all of which may be related to their sleeping problems. The number and severity of workplace accidents also tend to increase during the night shift. Recent evidence suggests it may be possible to reduce shift-related fatigue by exposure to specific frequencies of blue light in the workplace, minimizing shift changes, and taking scheduled naps.
Sunlight also causes other changes in the body, such as increases in serotonin production. Serotonin neurotransmitter production increases when a person is exposed to sunlight. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and mood swings. Along with using MindSpa, it is important to get as much light as possible every day for health, balance and general well-being. This becomes even more necessary in the winter when light levels are low.
Using Program 00
For general well being and balance use each morning shortly after waking up for a minimum of a one-half hour dosage though 45 to 60 minutes is preferred. Time of year and location play an important role. If you are receiving low exposure to natural light use more often to maintain circadian balance.
For general sleep-related issues such as going to sleep and waking up early, use every morning. One-half hour to one hour per day, each day should be sufficient for most. This is known as an advanced phase response, meaning going to sleep earlier than usual.
If you are falling asleep too early and/or waking up too early, known as delayed phase response, use in the late afternoon or early evening. We do not suggest use close to bedtime as this may cause trouble falling asleep. Use for 30 – 60 minutes a minimum of two to three hours before retiring to bed.
Long term changes require a minimum of use every day for a minimum of one-half hour, and preferably two sessions in the morning of one-half hour each. Continue use for at least one month and preferably three to four months of regular daily dosages to experience long term benefit. We recommend consulting a medical professional before beginning any long term program.
Light is the most powerful method for resetting the internal clock when travelling. For jet lag British Air offers an excellent jet lag calculator for calculating when you need light exposure and when you should avoid light. http://www.britishairways.com/travel/drsleep/public/en_us
For common circadian related disorders such as seasonal affective disorder, use Program 00 early in the morning or upon awakening for a minimum of 45 – 60 minutes every day during the winter months.
MindSpa is compact, lightweight and easy to use!
MindSpa's 12 proprietary programs by Dr. Ruth Olmstead
(Now available as a download option)
Relaxation Programs
Program 1
Alpha Recharge 10 minutes
Low beta/mid-alpha 13 – 10 Hz
Program 2
Light Alpha Relaxation 22 minutes
Mid-beta to mid-alpha 15 – 10 Hz
Program 3
Deep Alpha Relaxation I - 23 minutes
Low-beta to low alpha 13 – 8 Hz
Program 4
Deep Alpha Relaxation II - 23 minutes
Mid-beta to low alpha/high theta 14 – 7 Hz
Program 5
Theta Induction I - 24 minutes
Mid-beta to theta 16 – 6 Hz
Program 6
Theta Induction II - 23 minutes
Low beta to low theta 14 – 4 Hz
Program 7
Theta Induction III - 30 minutes
Low beta to low theta 14 – 4 Hz
Program 8
Theta Induction IV - 40 minutes
Mid-beta to theta 15 – 6 Hz
Stimulation/Performance Enhancement Programs
Program 9
Memory Enrichment - 21 minutes
High to low beta 17 – 13 Hz
Program 10
Cognitive Enhancement - 22 minutes
High to low beta 35 – 13 Hz
Program 11
Advanced Attention for Children - 35 minutes
Low to very high beta 13 – 40 Hz
Program 12
Stimulus Reduction/
Advanced Focus for Adults - 35 minutes
Very high to low beta 40 – 13 Hz
Click here: MindSpa manual in pdf format
All programs ©2004- 2008 A/V Stim, LLC |
MindSpa helps you recover quickly from long flights!
The MindSpa Personal Development System®
Perfect for the global traveler. MindSpa can be a remarkably helpful tool for alleviating jet lag and the associated weariness and fatigue resulting from long flights. After use feel relaxed, refreshed and reinvigorated. Like having your own personal spa!
Programs by Dr. Ruth Olmstead
The lightweight MindSpa Personal Development System® can be a tremendous aid in overcoming the effects associated with jet lag. With programs developed by a leading psychologist, Dr. Ruth Olmstead, it works by providing specific frequencies of non-invasive auditory and visual input to the eyes and ears.
Click to see specific instructions for jet lag use below
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.
Being airline crew...flying time zone's, long travels etc, etc, Mindspa and Neuro-Programmer have been very useful tools me.
Thank you once again and all the best.
– Raman B., airline cabin crew, Netherlands
Travel preparation and reducing jet lag effects
Please note: The following program suggestions are for our previous MindSpa models, not for the new MDS-12p. Please purchase and download the original 12 MindSpa programs for the MDS-12p.
Rest
The best way to start is with plenty of rest. Plan ahead so the day before your trip you are prepared and have reduced to a minimum stress producing events and responsibilities in your life.
Reset your watch
When moving through multiple time zones, from the moment you board your flight, immediately place yourself in your new time zone. Start by immediately resetting your watch to you next destination time.
Hint: Begin several days in advance to be aware of your time zone destination. Take note the three major meal times and the times you will be rising and sleeping. During various times in the day visualize yourself at the destination and what you would be doing.
Program 10
Use MindSpa Program 10 at what will be your normal wake-up time at your destination. After completing the session, go to the back of the plane and do five or ten minutes of stretching exercises to help activate your mental and physical functioning. If the blinds are shut, open them to get some daylight (assuming it is daylight outside the plane).
Program 11
If it is daytime upon arrival, use either Program 10 or 11 when you reach your final destination to increase alertness an active your mind.
Programs 2 - 8
During the next two to three days, use the relaxation programs to help you reduce mental activity before going to bed. These programs can also be helpful for napping if you find yourself hitting a low point in the afternoon during those next two to three days. You should feel very refreshed after using them.
Additional Jet Lag Programs
A/V Stim has developed an additional series of free programs specifically designed for executives on the go that can be easily downloaded. With over fifteen years experience and well over one million miles of travel, you will find these additional programs to be of invaluable assistance while traveling.
Download five additional specially designed jet lag programs with complete instruction at no additional cost.
Get plenty of fluids
Drink plenty of water and nonalcoholic beverages during the flight. 8-16 ounces per hour is generally recommended. The air is very dry inside a plane causing dehydration which leads to fatigue and causes jet lag recovery to be unnecessarily prolonged.
Alcohol on long flights
It is best to avoid alcohol when traveling on long flights. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. Alcohol will accelerate dehydration and play havoc with the resetting of your internal body clock.
Sunlight
The single most powerful aid to resetting your internal clock is sunlight. Frequently, when you leave on a long overseas trip covering six time zones or more, it is nighttime at your destination. You should keep the blinds down or wear an eye mask and try resting even if you are not sleepy. Just winding down will help after all the involvement getting to your flight. If you arrive during the day, get as much sunlight as possible or practice. Even if you go straight into meetings, situate yourself facing the window.
Light And Its Relationship To Travel
Light is a vital nutrient; without adequate amounts of it we become unbalanced, unmotivated, and depressed. Research findings at the University of Illinois report that athletes who received adequate light experienced an increase of 20% of strength and athletic performance over those who did not receive adequate light input. Further research states that adequate exposure to light decreases lactic acid retention while increasing strength, energy, endurance and the ability of the blood to absorb and carry oxygen.
Traveling through multiple time zones over an extended period of hours can rob the traveler of light, resulting in lack of necessary amounts of nutrient coming to the body through the eyes and skin. We have long believed that the eye has only one purpose: vision. We now know that seeing is only one task for the eye and that every cell in the body relies on the light brought in through the eyes.
As the light ray strikes the eye, the photoreceptor nerves are stimulated and translate the light rays into electrical impulses. Some of these impulses travel to the visual cortex where they create visual images that affect the visual cortex, which controls motivation. The remainder of these impulses travel to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain controlling the pituitary and nervous systems. These systems are the key to growth hormones. Regardless of age, growth hormone is needed for building and repairing muscles. The nervous systems control stress, anxiety, reaction and many other components which are necessary for a peak performance. Light impulses also travel directly from the eye to the brainstem which controls the equilibrium, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems.
Just as a reduction in the proper level of fluids or nutrition can cause fatigue, lack of sufficient light can also be debilitating. If you want to operate at maximum level mentally and physically, it becomes necessary for you to be exposed to adequate light stimuli. In this regard, MindSpa can play a positive role.
Movement and stretching
It is very important to move about the cabin, though your seat mates may not appreciate this. Sitting still for long periods of time in flight causes discomfort and can lead to swelling of the legs and feet. Get up about once every hour or so especially during the daylight destination hours and d some minor stretching exercises. Sitting for long periods of time on a flight can create a number of well-documented difficulties. While sitting, you can also do a series of stretches to keep your blood flowing.
Sleep and rest
It is best to try to sleep at nighttime destination time. Reduce your mental and physical activities at these times even if you do not feel drowsy or ready to sleep.
Inevitably you will feel drowsy during a long flight. If you are the kind of person who can sleep on a plane, by all means go ahead and get some rest. If sleep is difficult for you, try using Programs 7 or 8 which can be very effective in helping you to relax into sleep. You will want the volume to be at levels higher than normal because the airplane noise will tend to drown it out. If desired, use a calm relaxing music tape/CD by itself, or in combination with the internal MindSpa sounds.
Caffeine
At morning destination time, if it is light outside, try to soak up some daylight perhaps at the back of the plane as to not disturb others who may be sleeping. This is the only time during your flight you should drink caffeine for jet lag as it can be very powerful when used in this manner.
The day of arrival can be tough; if possible keep your schedule open. Once you arrive at your destination, think of sunlight as a much-needed nutrient for your body, and absorb as much natural daylight as possible. Do not nap during the day of arrival. Go outside and stay active. Eat at regular meal times at your destination. Avoid any kinds of stimulants, such as caffeinated beverages or foods (this includes chocolate, caffeinated tea, coffee or colas) during this first day and do not drink caffeinated beverages until the morning following your arrival. Caffeine can cause your body clock to remain on your home time when used improperly. If you are a regular coffee or tea drinker, your body will really crave it that first day of arrival when it is morning, home time.
You can overcome the effects associated with jet lag in a fraction of the time it takes most people if you follow these simple rules and use MindSpa.
Use MindSpa risk free for 90 days!
We are very confident you will get real relief from jet lag with MindSpa so we invite you to try MindSpa on a full 90 day trial basis. If for any reason whatsoever, you are not completely satisfied with MindSpa, return it for a full refund.
* We ship most orders same day by Priority Mail in the US and DHL Express internationally.
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