Did a quick session where we tried out the AVE (Audio-Visual Entrainment) for 15 minutes. The AVE is basically a set of glasses with a bunch of blinking white lights. The other piece of it is a set of headphones playing relaxing music that also has a distinct rhythmic pattern in both ears, almost like a rapid heartbeat. So you put on the headphones, close your eyes and put on the glasses. Then you just lay back and chill for 20 minutes (we only did 15). In theory, this thing stimulates specific brain waves and essentially exercises them. Supposedly, this type of therapy can address ADHD and control it without medication.
It was extremely relaxing. I caught myself falling asleep a few times. I happen to snore and there were a few times where I sort of heard myself start to snore and snapped back awake. Unfortunately, I had already taken Ritalin this afternoon. Otherwise, I’d be curious to know if it put me in the same frame of mind that medication does but in a completely natural way. Since I’d already taken it, there’s no way for me to know.
I’m still very skeptical though. I trust that there are positive results from doing this sort of therapy on a regular basis. What I’m not sure about is that there benefit is any greater than simply turning on some Pink Floyd, a psychedelics light, and taking a 20 minute power nap. Would there be any significant difference? I’m not certain. Or even without the lights and music, would just mediating for 20 minutes on a daily basis make a significant difference to a child with ADD?
I’m pretty sure that Sharper Image sells a set of glasses that just flashes lights in different patterns. Do you really need to get the official AVE glasses in order to have a significant effect or will any set of dark sunglasses with Christmas lights taped to them be comparable?
I wish I had some answers to go along with all these questions. Tomorrow morning I’m going to be meeting one of the presenters a bit early and she’s going to give me a tour of the EEG Neurofeedback machine. Maybe I’ll badger her with some of these things I’m wondering about and see if I can get some answers.