Frequently Asked Questions

Q.:What makes MindSpa a superior product?

Q.:What is the difference between the previous MindSpa MDS-12c and the new fourth generation MDS-12d?

Q.:What is the difference between the CrystalWhite and CalmBlue led glasses?

Using MindSpa

Product Issues

Type of results MindSpa offers
The induction into higher arousal states induced by higher frequencies is theorized to provide enhanced mental activity, which can result in cognitive improvement, improved focus and attention (click here for more information).

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.

Understanding the basics: MindSpa session frequencies and their purposes
MindSpa operates by using specific frequencies of audio and visual input in carefully pre-arranged patterns.

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). Low or moderate beta corresponds to our normal waking state of alertness. This is where most routine thinking and physical functioning occurs.

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.
It is the wakeful state of relaxed and effortless alertness. Alpha waves are used for mental relaxation, accelerated learning, the creative process and peak performance. We enter into alpha during light meditation. Some other examples are performing relaxation-inducing activities such as reading a good book, staring into a nice, warm fire, sitting on a quiet beach listening to the waves, or going for a nice drive on an old country road.

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.
They represent a deeply relaxed state of free-flowing inward focus. We naturally enter into the theta state for a few minutes just before falling asleep and just before waking, when imagery is produced without conscious effort. It is also the deep meditation state and the seat of the creative process.

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.
This is where physical and deep mental regeneration take place. It is considered the dreamless, “deep sleep” state. We can sleep all night, yet wake up feeling exhausted if this cycle is missing or incomplete. Certain illnesses, medications, caffeine, and alcohol can be factors affecting our ability to enter delta during the sleep cycle.

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
What we have worked hardest at is to make using MindSpa easy and easy to understand. The benefits derived from using MindSpa are cumulative. For many, the benefits are noticeable the first time they try it with immediate feelings of calmness and restfulness. For many others, the most benefit is derived after the first several weeks of use, and continuing thereafter.

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
The use of MindSpa is very positive experience for most. We make using it easy.

• 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 or 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. 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.

Thanks to the Mindspa system in combination with Neuro Programmer I feel more relaxed than ever when doing expositions in class as I seem to have a much more organized mind.

I am really curious about other advantages this great product can offer and I hope other people will get more interested in this technology too.
- Yoerie Z., Belgium

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,
- Deborah W., New Brunswick, Canada
 

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.
This morning I went ahead with my Portuguese lesson and I could remember most of the stuff that I read. I believe this will help me very much and I will be able to testify even more.

Kind regards,
- Henry S., Luanda, Angola

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.

MindSpa's proprietary programs are more effective then ever! 8 deep relaxation and 4 stimulation programs. Provides everything you need for effective results! Workplace Stress and Health Among the greatest contributors to stress is the workplace. Our quality of life is directly related to our health. When we do not feel good, or we develop chronic conditions, our ability to perform our jobs and our quality of life both suffer. The British Medical Journal released the findings of the largest study ever on workplace stress, January 21, 2006. 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 January 20, 2006 Times of London MedPlace Today 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 helps to disrupt these mental loops by helping to generate the natural alpha state relaxation activity. When we are relaxed, we can fall asleep and the quality of sleep improves.   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? • A.: With several decades of combined experience in this field, utilizing the best science available, we set out to make MindSpa the most effective product of its kind for stress reduction, cognitive improvement, focus, attention, and deep relaxation for producing better quality sleep. We also recognized the need to design and build a product that is easy to use right out of the package. 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 knowledge and experience behind every element of product design that is the key. In extensive consultation with psychologist Dr. Ruth Olmstead, we determined that these 12 sessions included with MindSpa are the optimal number for providing maximum results in balance with ease of use. We stand behind our guarantee that these proprietary sessions will help you experience noticeable positive improvement, and ultimately enjoy a better, more enriched quality of life with regular use. 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 available and arrive with confidence at the best solution. So it will help you to understand how self-help recordings and light and sound sessions are created in similar appearing products, and why MindSpa is superior. With a minimum of knowledge, people lacking qualifications can churn out their own light and sound sessions, or record their own self-help, hypnosis, or binaural tracks in a matter of hours. Some seemingly similar devices on the market offer a long list of so-called "features," and in some cases dozens of built-in sessions or recorded titles. However on closer inspection you will see they are authored in many cases by unqualified or under-qualified individuals. You have heard the saying; "Junk in, junk out!" Well this is quite pervasive in the self-help, personal development field. Bottom line: Many of these so-called self-help companies appearing by the dozens hope to have you purchase based on marketing and empty promises rather than substance. Over many years we have reviewed hundreds of products and worked with many companies and individuals for our own education and understanding toward building the most effective product possible. While there are a several good companies, many of these so-called self-help products are just copies of the real thing, providing little or no real long-term benefit. Poor quality products play to the uneducated consumer by obscuring the fact that they lack any real science. Furthermore, several products had been developed more than a decade ago. It's exactly like using ten year old software on your computer, but in this case it is your brain. We would be happy to help you choose a range of recorded and software products that will work well in conjunction with MindSpa. If you need more convincing, we do encourage you to visit other web sites and suggest that you start by looking for their testimonials and published, peer reviewed university research. Price, features, promises are secondary. Use the criteria we suggest and you will discover very little substance. Once you get beyond the the hype, you can make educated decisions about what really works, and is best for your particular needs which we believe will lead you back to MindSpa. 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. We encourage you to read our customer testimonials from the world over, and review our money back guarantee. Most competitors have few testimonials to offer, scant product information, little or no after-sale customer support, and at best, a one month return policy. This barely gives you enough 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.: What is the difference between the previous MindSpa MDS-12c and the new fourth generation MDS-12d? • A.: Our proprietary new glasses, designed in conjunction with a major international university is a major step forward over all other designs. 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 life, and finally we made sound quality improvements. Q.: What is the difference between the MindSpa MDS-7 and MDS-12? • A.: This is a product discontinued in 2003 that initially contained seven programs. We have made substantial improvements since then and should not be directly compared to our current products. Authorized MindSpa distributors do not offer this product any longer. If you see it for sale on sites such as eBay, be aware it is no longer covered under our warranty. Q.: What is the difference between the CrystalWhite and CalmBlue led glasses? • A.: White provides full spectrum light which is effective for relaxation, imagery and visualization. They are also suggested for use with our stimulation programs #9-12. Our CalmBlue glasses are excellent for late night use, use with hypnosis or relaxation CDs, and for use with those sensitive to bright light. The white light glasses work under most lighting conditions. The blue work best in areas with little or no external light due to the more subtle light frequency. Using MindSpa Q.: How often should I use the MindSpa? • A.: The key to the best results is regular use. You may use MindSpa every day or even more than once a day if time permits. When using the stimulation sessions, just as with physical exercise, give your mind time to revitalize after this exercise. Use the stimulation programs no more than once every two or three days. 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? • A.: No, there is no harm in opening your eyes while the lights are flickering. The total brightness relative to even a small flashlight is quite low and there is no heat or radiation output. Q.: Why do my eyelids flicker with the lights? • A.: Your nervous system is responding to light levels that are too high. Reduce the brightness of the lights so that they are at a more comfortable setting for you. Q.: What is the best way to sit during a program? • A.: Place yourself in a comfortable position and allow yourself a few moments to settle in before beginning a program. Keep your legs and arms uncrossed; sitting in an open position will help to reduce muscle tension. When starting a program, take a few deep breaths deep into your abdomen. This helps release some tension and promotes relaxation and focus. Q.: May I lie down and what happens if I fall asleep? • A.: You may assume any position you find comfortable. Maximum benefit is gained by remaining in a relaxed, yet aware state. Benefits are still gained when you fall into a light sleep state. Sometimes a deep state of relaxation feels like you are asleep. If you find you wake up at the end of program, you were not actually asleep but in a very deep, calm state. Product Issues Q.: Why is nothing happening when the unit is switched on? • A.: If the unit is brand new, check to make certain the clear protective tab has been removed prior to use. Turn the unit on again. If the unit still does not function, remove the batteries and reinsert. Also check to make sure the batteries are inserted properly. If the unit still does not function, try replacing the batteries with a fresh set of AAA alkaline cells. Q.: The lights or the sound are not functioning properly. • A.: Check to make sure the jacks are fully plugged into the unit. On occasion, a new jack can be a little stiff at first use and require a little extra push. Also, check to make sure you have each accessory plugged into the correct jack. Please note that the end of the light jack is color coded. Q.: The battery symbol is displayed or the display is dim or the unit seems to be malfunctioning. • A: This indicates the batteries have reached the end of their useful life. Replace your batteries with fresh AAA alkaline cells. Q.: Why is there a loud clicking sound in the headphones? • A.: Check to make certain the headphones are plugged into the correct jack. Q.: Why am I getting sound from only one side? • A.: Check to make certain the headphones are fully plugged into the jack. If this does not solve the issue, try another set of headphones. If those are operating properly, then the MindSpa headphones are defective. Contact us for a replacement. They will be sent at no charge. If both sets of headphones provide sound out of only one side, then your unit is defective. Contact us for a warranty replacement or repair. Q.: Why am I only getting light out of one side, or one bulb is out? • A.: Check to make certain the glasses are fully plugged into the jack. If any problem persists, contact us and we will replace your glasses under warranty at no charge. 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 ©2003 - 2006 A/V Stim, LLC

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