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Brain Fitness • Performance • Learning • Relaxation • Rejuvenation |
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MindSpa is more effective then ever! Using MindSpa to feel relaxed and refreshed... • To use MindSpa, simply find a relatively quiet place where you will remain undisturbed for a few minutes. Simply plug the Visual Stimulation Glasses™ and the headphones into the appropriate jacks. Then choose one of the twelve proprietary programs. Sit or recline in a comfortable position. • Press the Start button to begin. The program starts after a ten second pre-session countdown, allowing time to comfortably position your body. • Put on your headphones and glasses and with eyes closed. Take several slow, deep breathes to help induce a calm and relaxed state and to help release muscle tension. • When the program begins after ten seconds, simply adjust volume and lights to a comfortable level while enjoying the relaxing dual sensory input allowing MindSpa to envelop you with deep, pulsating rhythms. Workplace Stress and Health The British Medical Journal released the findings of the largest study ever on workplace stress. The study followed more than 10,000 British civil servants over a 14-year period, and found a possible biological explanation for why workplace stress adversely effects health. Researchers from University College London discovered links between elevated levels of work stress and metabolic syndrome, which is associated with a group of factors - such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol - that increase the risk of heart disease and Type II diabetes. "Employees with chronic work stress have more than double the odds of the syndrome than those without work stress, after other factors are taken into account," the researchers reported. Male workers who suffered from chronic work stress were twice as likely to develop metabolic syndrome than those who said they had little workplace pressure. And women with chronic stress, though they were a small group in the study, were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. The researchers said it was possible that prolonged exposure to work stress affects the nervous system, and that it could reduce biological resilience, which would disturb the body's physiological balance. See the following articles for further information. See Forbes Magazine MindSpa® for personal performance enhancement
Whether your goal is to reduce the effects of workplace stress, sharpen your thinking skills and those of your children, or improve personal performance, you are most likely visiting our site because you want a quality product that will produce results you can see quickly and easily. With more than sixteen years in the field of human performance, stress reduction and accelerated learning, we can say with all confidence MindSpa will deliver the positive results you seek. We believe you will find we will outperform any comparable products that you've tried, or are contemplating, including all sorts of expensive seminars, training programs, and the wide range of self-help recorded materials on the market. Sleep and Stress Issues Many sleep issues are simply related to daily issues of stress. We tend to enter into what is known as mental loops where through an ongoing inner dialog, we go over and over problems when everything else is quiet. We are all familiar with this. It leaves us anxious and agitated making quality sleep difficult to attain. These mental loops keep our mind remaining in the high “beta” activity state. Normal beta activity is associated with regular, active thinking processes. Going over problems when we should be sleeping or trying to sleep increases the intensity of beta, which leads to stress and anxiety. MindSpa's relaxation programs help to disrupt these mental loops by generating the natural alpha state relaxation rhythms. When we are relaxed, we can fall asleep and the quality of sleep improves. For other issues, such as imbalances in circadian rhythms, MindSpa assists by providing the correct does of blue light for resetting rhythms to their proper pattern. Click here for full instructions. It means a lot to me that my mom is getting better sleep.
Thanks,
– Eric W., Pullman, WA
Frequently Asked Questions Q.: What makes MindSpa the superior product? We design our products with quality and effectiveness as our #1 criterion. It is what sets up apart from the vast majority of self-help products on the market. It is our attention to detail combined with knowledge and experience behind every element of product design that is the key to its success. An educated consumer is always our best customer. As a customer-oriented company we want to help you make an informed decision based on facts. We understand it can be confusing to go through the wide range of products and supplements available and arrive with confidence at the best solution. For those of you who would like to know the difference between claims and true research; published and peer reviewed research means that the science behind the claims has been stringently reviewed by a panel of experts, then subsequently approved for publication in a professional journal. It is a very tough and expensive process that can take years before final approval is received. Click here to review our published, peer reviewed university research We encourage you to read our customer testimonials from the world over and review our money back guarantee. We offer excellent product information, after-sale customer support. Our generous return policy provides ample time to fully evaluate effectiveness. As you have probably already noticed, we give you an unprecedented ninety day risk-free evaluation period because we are fully confident of MindSpa's superior effectiveness. We want to give you a real opportunity to experience it for yourself. And by the way, even with our 90 day policy only a handful are ever returned. We continue to invest substantial amounts of our time, money and resources in research & development to provide the best quality results attainable. Our recently introduced fourth generation MindSpa is our best ever. We stand behind our personal promise to you 100%! Q.: Why is my Programmable MindSpa is displaying "EO"? This condition is easily corrected by downloading our software available in our Bonus Download Software section. You may log in here: http://www.avstim.com/log_in.php?opr=2 Please follow the installation instructions and then upload the MindSpa library of programs included with the software into your unit. The condition will now be corrected. It is a one-time issue and will not reappear. Our apologies for any inconvenience. Q.: How can I get maximum benefit from MindSpa?
Nutrition Nutrition is one of the five keys to a better quality of life. We have more access than ever to good advice and knowledge in this area. Invest time in becoming more knowledgeable and commit to yourself to make good choices more often. Simple! Exercise & Light Outdoor exercise, in particular, offers another very valuable element – natural light. Light has a tremendous positive impact on our overall emotional well-being. Utilize light, especially in the winter months, as a health and well-being supplement. Our physiology is light-based controlling hormone release and effecting our sleep-wake cycle. If you are conditioned to wearing sunglasses when outdoors, consider reducing use to allow receiving more benefical light. Create new opportunities within your daily routine to get your body moving. a little exercise is much better than none. The more strenuous you can build up to, the better. However, incremental changes like just taking a walk around the block after lunch, or after a long plane flight does make a positive difference. It is all relative and every little bit does help. Think of every form of exercise as a reinvestment into your long-term health and well-being. When combined with MindSpa, you will be getting double the benefits. Rest You can devote as little as 20 minutes a day. It can mean taking one break you are currently not getting during the day for a power nap. This is where MindSpa plays that integral role in your personal life-quality improvement program. The changes we are suggesting are not life-altering by any means. We are suggesting small, incremental steps. For example, consider slightly altering your sleep pattern by going to bed just a little earlier, even if it is just 15 or 20 minutes per day. In most cases, it is within your control to improve your quality of life by making slight adjustments. Solitude The fact that many of us are connected all the time by some sort of communication device or to others leaves us constantly in the "idle" position. We never really have the opportunity to turn inward. We each need some basic quality quiet time. It really is essential. MindSpa allows you to disconnect yourself completely from the outside world for these few minutes, paying pleasant, long-term dividends. Introspection It is that deeper voice that ultimately assists in guiding each of us through life. This occurs often through our dreams and through activities such as meditation or quiet prayer. The way you reach it is through stillness of thought. The doorway is through the alpha state. MindSpa can help you enter that doorway – the place of stillness that resides deep inside yourself. Finally, it is for you to decide what is best for you and not for us to tell you how to lead your life. Choose your own path. However, for maximum benefit, adjusting your lifestyle by integrating these small, but significant steps, day-by-day, it will add up to a better, more fulfilling quality of life. Q.: What is the difference between the previous MindSpa and the new sixth generation MDS-12p? In the coming months, we will be offering additional libraries of programs authored by the world's foremost AVS experts in stress reduction, sleep, focus and personal development. Previously, MindSpa contained 12 programs by Dr. Olmstead. We will have these programs available for download to the new programmable unit, plus many more libraries for modest fees. Please check our download section for further details. In addition to a number of other technical improvements, our new Programmable MindSpa generates the best sound output ever. Sound is a very important aspect toward reaching states of deep relaxation and focused attention, so we pay particular attention toward making the audio portion of MindSpa the best we possibly can. Our proprietary glasses, released in 2007 designed in conjunction with a highly respected international university is a major step forward. Our research has determined that the peripheral design of our glasses provides superior benefits and results. We determined that by placing six lights per eye along the outside edges in our proprietary oval pattern, we are able to create the most powerful results ever! In addition, we have made MindSpa even easier to use. We have also upgraded to a comfortable, high quality ear bud headset with cable retractors for neatness, added a DC input, upgraded the unit from a three AAA 4.5 volt system to a four battery, 6 volt system for better brightness and longer battery life in 2007, and have added an upgraded carrying case. Q.: What is the difference between the CrystalWhite and CalmBlue led glasses? Our CalmBlue glasses are tuned to the "action spectrum," recognized by researchers as blue light in the 460nm - 480nm range. Recent scientific evidence suggests that this specific frequency of blue light is effective for sleep, night shift work, jet lag, and help with circadian rhythm disorders such as SAD (seasonal affective disorder). In addition, our CalmBlue glasses are also excellent for late night use, use with hypnosis or relaxation CDs, and for use with those sensitive to bright light. Q.: What is the difference between the MindSpa MDS-7 and MDS-12? Using MindSpa Q.: How often should I use the MindSpa? We suggest allowing at minimum a few hours between programs to gain maximum benefit. We have numerous reports from people experiencing immediate positive results. Expect to experience optimum results after several weeks of regular use. Please be patient. We are aiming to help you make long-term quality of life improvement. This takes a little bit of time and commitment to regular use on your part. Q.: Can I suffer any harm if I open my eyes during a program? Q.: Why do my eyelids flicker with the lights? Q.: What is the best way to sit during a program? Q.: May I lie down and what happens if I fall asleep? Product Issues Q.: Why is nothing happening when the unit is switched on? Q.: The lights or the sound are not functioning properly. Q.: The battery symbol is displayed or the display is dim or the unit seems to be malfunctioning. Q.: Why is there a loud clicking sound in the headphones? Q.: Why am I getting sound from only one side? Q.: Why am I only getting light out of one side, or one bulb is out? Active Sync - Expanded Instructions Converting Sound Files There are a variety of digital sound file formats that can be used to transfer your AVS session to an audio player or CD. Here are the most common formats and their relation to AVS: Converting wav to MP3 files WAV Files – WAV files are usually what is exported from AVS software. This format is as high quality as it gets, and is standard enough that it will be compatible with every media player or CD burning software on the market. Unfortunately, WAV files also take up a lot of space: an hour long AVS session in WAV form can easily fill up your audio player. With audio CDs, however, this is not an issue, since it is the length of the song, not the format of the sound file that consumes space on an audio CD. WMA and OGG Files – WMA and OGG files are basically the same as MP3s with one exception: they tend to work better with AudioStrobe. If you are in the market for a portable audio player like an iPod, choose one that supports WMA or OGG files if you can. To use MindSpa in Active Sync Mode™
Computer Hardware Specs Sound Card – Most personal computers come with a sound card, with the exception of some computers used in offices. Any sound card will work for AVS, though some do require some additional configuration (see the Computer Configuration section below). Be aware that some sound cards emit a static that can interfere with ActiveSync. You will quickly find out if your sound card does this after plugging your MindSpa into the computer. If the LED glasses light up immediately, even without an AVS session running, you have a problem. If you experience this you may want to consider investing in a USB Sound Card. They are very small and inexpensive and do not emit static. (Note that the sound card will not affect how sessions burnt to a CD or transferred to an MP3 player will function. Microphone – You will need a digital microphone if you want to record your own affirmations or hypnosis scripts. For most purposes we would recommend a USB microphone instead of one that plugs into your sound card. USB microphones tend to be more reliable and less can go wrong since they do not need to pass through a sound card. To get higher-quality recordings, make sure you are in a quiet environment (turn off fans or air conditioners) and be sure to use recording software that incorporates noise reduction filters. Doing this will give you clear, crisp, near-studio quality recordings at a fraction of the cost. Computer Configuration Sound Card Configuration – High end sound cards come with lots of wonderful options such as 3D effects and reverberation. If you were playing regular old music this would add a sense of realism to your listening experience – as if you were in a concert hall. Unfortunately, these same settings can decrease the effectiveness of your AVS session. 3D effects, for example, will cause the right and left stereo channels to blend, eliminating the binaural beat effect. Reverberation and echo will decrease the precision of sound pulses and in severe cases may cause frequency doubling. You should be able to turn these effects off by adjusting the settings of your sound card. Consult your sound card’s manual or website for more information. System Volume Control – The brightness of ActiveSync is controlled by the volume of the sound. The most common problem people have using ActiveSync from a computer is that their system volume needs to be turned up. Low volume can cause the lights to be too dim, and in some cases can keep one or both sides of the LED glasses from lighting up at all. Instruction for converting files from wav to other formats 1. First register and sign in to our free download section. Download the MindExplorer Converter and unzip the files. The MindExplorer Converter program allows you to convert these .mxs files into .wav files. After conversion to wav format you can burn to CD or rip them to MP3, OGG or WMA format using third party programs. 2. Now download the bonus programs and make note of the directory you store them to so you can point the ME Converter to the correct folder. To download each series in zipped format, click on the links below. These may be unzipped with any of the common decompression programs. Optionally you may click on each program to download individually. 3. To convert from .wav to other digital audio formats please follow the instructions below. (See converting sound files) Sorry, the MindExplorer Converter is not Mac compatible at this time. All programs ©2003 - 2008 A/V Stim, LLC |
Frequently Asked Questions Q.:What makes MindSpa a superior product? Q.:What does "EO" mean in my display? Q.:What is the difference between the previous MindSpas and the new Sixth Generation MDS-12p? Active Sync issues and converting audio files Using MindSpa for maximum effectiveness Special Considerations Before Use Type of results MindSpa offers 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. Entering the alpha state on a regular basis Through passive induction provided by MindSpa we can enter the beneficial alpha each day. Over time, we adjust to this more natural state and become more relaxed as a result. The key is use on a regular basis so that the mind begins to readjust to being relaxed. The best part is that it is actually very easy to do. Understanding the basics: MindSpa session frequencies and their purposes Frequencies are measured on two scales: Cycles per second, also referred to as Hertz (Hz), and amplitude, which is the intensity. This is easy to understand. Ocean waves are an example of cycles (wave frequency) and amplitude (wave height/intensity).
Beta
frequencies are measured from approximately 13 to 40 hertz (Hz) High amplitude, fast beta generally reflects a state of heightened anxiety or stress. This is associated with the “fight or flight state.” When this state is maintained for extended periods, it leaves us feeling drained of energy. Over time, it can erode our physical and mental well-being. This state, when dominant, results in high levels of external attention. When paired with negative or stressful psychological stimuli, it can produce emotions associated with agitation. Based on Dr. Olmstead's research demonstrating effectiveness, Mindspa includes several high frequency beta sessions for cognitive enhancement, focus and attention. These frequencies have can be very beneficial when used as suggested below. Alpha
frequencies are measured from approximately 8 to 12 Hz. The majority of MindSpa programs utilize alpha frequencies. Three interconnected elements comprise overall health and fitness: good food, quality exercise and mental relaxation. Just like proper nutrition and exercise is important to our physical health, "entering and being in the alpha state" is very beneficial in many ways, including learning how to easily let go of mental tension and stress. Think of the alpha state as a form of passive exercise. By entering the alpha state on a regular basis over a prolonged period, the mind attunes to this state and you will find yourself generally feeling better with more energy and feel mentally sharper. With time, you will find yourself able to enter the alpha state at will. Theta
frequencies are measured from approximately 4 to 8 Hz. With the exception of trained long-term meditators, the majority of us enter theta for short bursts of a few seconds to a few minutes. Theta induction generally takes place when we are in a deeply relaxed alpha state. So by progressing over a period of weeks into deeper alpha states, it will help in allowing you to enter the creative theta state. Theta is not so much a goal as a side benefit of alpha training. Children with the condition described generally as ADD (attention deficit disorder) are known in many cases to display an overabundance of theta activity in the waking state in place of what is considered normal, dominant beta activity. MindSpa offers a simple, effective and safe alternative method for entering and remaining in the beta waking state as described below. Delta
frequencies are measured from approximately 0.5 to 3 Hz. MindSpa does not utilize delta frequencies in its programs. We suggest you be wary of products or recordings claiming to induce delta without providing direct proof of effectiveness. The delta state is the deepest stage entered through the natural sleep cycle rather than through so-called induction methods. Unlike the beta, alpha and theta states, delta is not directly induced. We enter it through the window of deep, restful sleep. MindSpa can help to promote the natural regenerative sleep cycle through the cumulative effect of our relaxation and stress reduction sessions designed to quiet and calm the over-active mind. The Mind Spa is a blessing to us. Psychologists say retirement and relocation can affect a person with almost as much upheaval as death or divorce. Now with these life changes taking place, my husband and I are in need of ways to alleviate stress. We noticed Mind Spa's positive affect immediately and it's fun and easy to use. I feel the program physically in my brain as pleasure endorphins; it feels like a brain massage. It's so easy to use and I can relax in a recliner or in bed, so I am not putting a strain on my spine and herniated disks. We have practiced meditation for years but it's always been sort of sporadic as a discipline. With Mind Spa we can get into an elevated mind state that is helping us tremendously with focus and relaxation. I love that I can plug my meditation or hypnotic CD's and Tapes into auxiliary input jack and use these tape simultaneously with the light and sound Mind Spa programs. I love that there are 40 hours of free downloads available. We will also use some of these programs. I bought the blue glasses for evening use as the white light is so exciting and beautiful and as I'm sensitive; the blue glasses are more relaxing. I am so happy we decided to buy the Mind Spa and because of its ease of use. I know we will continue to benefit from it for many years and I recommend it to all my friends. - Barbara S., St. Petersburg, Florida Starting Out - Relaxation and Stress Reduction Change can be subtle, such as change in attitude toward daily life, feeling listless, angry, tired, or stressed. Because change is subtly taking place with regular use, it is after the first several weeks where you can look back and will notice positive results. So please do pay attention to how you respond. We say this often and recommend regular use for best results. Make it part of your routine. There are no exact rules for use. As a general guide, we suggest using MindSpa, at minimum, three to four times per week. You can gain benefit by using MindSpa every day, and if you like even two or three times a day should your schedule allow. We provide our own highly effective Progressive Relaxation™ method to help train your mind to reach deeply relaxed states. Each of the first eight programs moves you, one step at a time, into deeper states. Progress through the programs at your own, natural, comfortable pace. Our progressive training technique really does make it that easy for you to realize positive results. We believe keeping it simple is best! There are no hard, fast rules on which program is best to use at any particular moment. It is a personal technology that you will naturally customize to fit your lifestyle as you become more familiar with it. Here are some general suggestions for use. We have received many positive reports starting out as follows: MindSpa Session Suggestions • For relaxation use our progressive relaxation sessions 2 - 8. We suggest for many to start with program 3 in the morning and session 7 in the evening for the first two weeks. After two weeks you can progress through each of the programs 4 - 8 as each is deeper than the previous one. We recommend using our CalmBlue glasses in the evening. • For mental sharpness, we suggest using session 9 during the day once every two or three days. (Night use can be too stimulating for some and may cause sleep issues.) You can use any of the relaxation programs on alternate days. After several initial sessions of using session 9, you can move to the next higher frequency program, session 10, again, once every two or three days. If you find you would like even a higher mental stimulation level you can use session 12 once every three days. • To assist with focus and attention, use sessions 11 and 12 on an alternate basis every three days for a period of at least six weeks. Keep the lights as bright as is comfortable. Session 11 starts with low beta frequencies and progresses to high beta. Session 12 starts at high beta frequency and progresses to the beta frequency range. These two sessions act as a form of stretching exercise for the mind resulting in better mental balance. It is theorized, and subsequently demonstrated in Dr. Olmstead's research as an effective method for the improvement of the most common focus and attention issues in children and adults. • To help relax into sleep, we suggest using the MindSpa Progressive Relaxation System™ over a period of at least four to eight weeks on a regular basis. As mentioned, the effects of using MindSpa on a regular basis are cumulative. There are a number of causes for lack of sleep and associated sleep difficulties. We focus on what we believe are among the primary causes - mental stress. So we address the underlying issue rather than the outward result. Stress can manifest itself at night as an overactive mind. In other words, that internal dialog we each carry on inside overwhelms our ability to get a good night's rest. As you use this technology to help reduce stress, you are simultaneously conditioning your mind to be quieter, especially at night. This results in reducing mental chatter. It is a simple but very powerful process. We are gratified to report receiving positive feedback from many MindSpa owners, even from those who have suffered from poor quality sleep for years. Our optional CalmBlue glasses are highly recommended because of the more subtle calming effect they offer especially with evening or late night use. And of course, everything is returnable. We stand 100% behind our products! • Use with recorded materials. MindSpa can offer excellent assistance when using various types of recorded materials such as hypnosis and self-improvement programs. MindSpa can help move your mind into the optimal calm, quiet state where this material can be most effective. Determine the length of the program you are planning to listen to, then choose a relaxation session of approximately the same length. You may use the patch cord to mix the recorded material along with MindSpa's built-in sounds, or just simply bypass the unit and listen directly to the recorded material while running one of the relaxation programs with just the glasses on. I am absolutely fascinated with the brand new unit you guys created. The lights are much more intense which allows me to go into a deeper trance much easier. I am currently a student at California State University, Fullerton. I really wish I had these Multi-Purpose glasses when entering college. I have had a very difficult time reading since leaving high school because a lack of concentration. I could easily read a textbook and find myself reading the same paragraph over and over again and still not being able to remember any portion of the paragraph. After one hour with the glasses I was simply amazed. The combination of lights and sounds had me so focused that I was able to read an entire chapter while my girlfriend played video games in the same room. Over the past four years I have secluded myself while studying in hopes of staying on track but it wasn't the environment around me at all, it was my mind. To say the MindSpa is a miracle may sound corny, but to someone who has experienced such hardships in learning as I have, it really is a miracle! I tell almost everyone I meet about the product. As you can see, I love this machine and I really hope it helps me in my future with hypnosis and NLP. Thank you, How to gain maximum benefit from MindSpa Use MindSpa in a quite place where you will not be disturbed. Set the volume low enough just to be comfortably heard. Set the light intensity at a level that is bright but also comfortable for you. Begin the program and close your eyes. As you enter each session, take a couple of long, slow deep breaths low into your abdomen. This will help you release tension. There will always be time to analyze the experience later. Allow the thoughts in your mind to float freely like clouds in the sky. This is a special time for deep relaxation. After the first few minutes you will begin to feel yourself entering a calm, focused state of awareness. Just let go! When using it during the day, it is natural to drift into a light sleep as this is part of the MindSpa process. This is your "power nap!" You may optionally use relaxing music with your session. You may connect it through the unit via the auxiliary input, or directly into your tape or CD player, bypassing the unit. Learning, self-help and visualization programs are also an excellent addition to your sessions. The MindSpa manual Fully describes the MindSpa system in detail. (download in pdf format, 858kb) I want to say how much I am enjoying my MindSpa; I've had it for about three weeks now, and am still using the relaxation programs, and I have noticed not only a reduction in my general stress levels (especially work-related stress, which has been a constant in my life for years) but also a general increase in alertness and well-being. I find the relaxation programs work especially well when I combine them with yoga-based deep breathing; I finish a session feeling both relaxed and invigorated. All the best, It is really fantastic stuff! I received the parcel yesterday and upon having a session in the first program I experienced an overwhelming rejuvenating power. In the recent past I have been getting tired so easily and could usually have difficulties when waking up. To my amusement I experienced total relaxation the whole night and I was able to wake up with vigour and strength. Kind regards, Disclaimer A/V Stim, LLC, and Ruth Olmstead make no implicit or overt claims for cure or treatment of any medical or psychological disorders. No expressed or implied medical claims are made for A/V Stim products. These products should not be used for the relief of any medical or psychological condition. Special considerations before beginning use
A/V Stim, LLC, NeuroTech, Inc, and Ruth Olmstead make no implicit or overt claims for cure or treatment of any medical or psychological disorders. No expressed or implied medical claims are made for A/V Stim products. These products should not be used for the relief of any medical or psychological condition. Relaxation Programs Program 2 Program 3 Program 4 Program 5 Program 6 Program 7 Program 8 Stimulation/Performance Enhancement Programs Program 10 Program 11 Program 12 Click here: MindSpa manual in pdf format
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![]() ![]() RoHS lead-free compliant FCC and CE approved - Official AVS Supplier to the NLP™ Community - - Endorsed by Dr. Richard Bandler - |
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