Newsgroup: it.scienza.biologia
Titolo: Galleggiare... ma è vero?

Ciao a tutti, navigando navigando, mi sono soffermato su questo sito:
http://www.cosmicmind.it/
 che promuoveva oggetti per il galleggiamento e
diceva questo:
"Gli effetti della R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique)
sono frutto delle ricerche documentate dalla Stanford, Harvard, Yale e altre
università minori, ospedali e strutture sportive in tutto il mondo. Il
lavoro professionale e scientifico con le vasche di galleggiamento è
coordinato da un corpo centrale chiamato IRIS (International REST
Investigators Society)."
Impressioni, commenti, qualcuno che ha fatto studi del genere... sarà vera
questa cosa???
Saluti,
Paride

 
http://www.cosmicmind.it/
 che promuoveva oggetti per il
Fico il mega-vascone!!! Cmq io mi rilasso da me sotto la doccia tutte le
sere senza da' soldi a nessuno!! ;-))))
Ciao
Andrea
-- 
"Io ne ho viste cose che voi Umani non potreste immaginare..."
Blade Runner
"La sequenza non è che l'inizio"
J. Craig Venter - Celera Genomics

 ha scritto nel messaggio
news:oa4Eb.7864$wM.5...@news1.tin.it...


 ha scritto nel messaggio
news:oa4Eb.7864$wM.5...@news1.tin.it...

Ciao Paride,
io posso darti qualunque informazione sul galleggiamento REST visto che
gestisco uno dei pochissimi centri di galleggiamento italiani, a Roma.
Ho già affrontato su vari newsgroup questo argomento, è ho trovato parecchia
ostilità e reticenza.
Il galleggiamento REST è qualcosa di molto diverso da un comune bagnetto
caldo, come molti supponevano, e i suoi effetti particolari possono essere
sperimentati da chiunque lo provi.
Ci sono persone che sono venute da Cosenza, Pescara, Marche per provare
questa particolare condizione di assenza di stimolazione sensoriale... e per
loro ne è valsa la pena.
Ci sono centinaia di metodi per rilassarsi, su questo non discuto. Ma una
sessione di galleggiamento è in grado di offrire la più profonda sensazione
di rilassamento fisico e mentale che si possa immaginare. E' chiaramente una
questione di gusti, di come uno vuole spendere i propri soldi e del tempo
che si ha a disposizione.
Per conto mio sono un ricercatore che fa questa cosa per passione e posso
dirti che "i ricami e il misticismo" che riguardano la vasca non sono
affatto un'invenzione commerciale... da quasi un anno di esperienza diretta
posso dirti che nella vasca accadono veramente fenomeni straordinari che
mettono in discussione molti degli assunti materialistici dello scientismo
occidentale.
Al di fuori dei vari articoli scientifici che esistono sull'argomento,
secondo me in ultima analisi ciò che conta è l'esperienza di chi prova
questa terapia e di chi è disposto a farsi 2 ore di traffico per
sperimentare ogni settimana la pace più assoluta che si possa immaginare.
Resto comunque a disposione di chi è scettico o è interessato
all'argomento...
Il sito del mio centro è 
www.oceanmind.it
Saluti
Andrash

 Al di fuori dei vari articoli scientifici che esistono sull'argomento,
Se non ti disturba, me li potresti citare? Quì siamo in
it.*scienza*.biologia i riferimenti a studi sono quasi obbligatori :-)
[cut]
grazie!
--
Ciao,
Paride

 it.*scienza*.biologia i riferimenti a studi sono quasi obbligatori :-)
Hai perfettamente ragione, quindi scusa la prolissità ma te ne cito alcuni,
se hai la pazienza e la voglia di leggerli (in italiano non esiste niente
perché siamo mille anni luce indietro). In ogni caso per me è molto più
interessante quello che non si può monitorare: ciò che accade nella
coscienza.
Saluti
Andrash
EFFECTS OF FLOATATION REST ON SERUM CORTISOL IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITICS
Betsy A. McCormick, Doré R. Shafransky, Thomas H. Fine, and John W. Turner,
Jr.
Medical College of Ohio
Rheumatoid arthritics (RA) is a painful debilitating disease involving
synovial lined joints effecting millions worldwide. Currently treatment is
pharmacological and expensive. The etiology is unknown but one cause may be
a defective hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis resulting in abnormal
cortisol levels. Additionally since psychophysiological changes which occur
during relaxation are often opposite of responses to various disease states
of RA, it is likely that relaxation training can benefit RA patients. This
study examined the effects of two specific relaxation technologies on
cortisol in RA, autogenic training (AT) (n=7) and floatation REST (n=7). The
former is psychophysiological self-control therapy. The latter is a potent
mediator of relaxation. Previous REST studies demonstrated decreased levels
and variability in cortisol. Serum levels of cortisol were measured using
RIA. No significant differences in cortisol across, between groups, or in a
time-group interaction occurred.
John W. Turner, Jr., Ph.D., Dept. of Physiology and Molecular Medicine,
Medical College of Ohio, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43699
-------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTS OF RESTRICTED ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULATION THERAPY ON CORTISOL, PAIN
AND INDICES OF INFLAMMATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITICS
Thomas H. Fine, MA, Betsy McCormick, BA, Dore Shefransky, DO, and J.W.
Turner, PhD. Medical College of Ohio, Department of Psychiatry and
Department of Physiology.
This proposal examines specific effects of Restricted Environmental
Stimulation Therapy (REST) and Autogenic Training (AT) on rheumatoid
arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic, painful and debilitating disease which
effects millions worldwide. The proposed study examined the effects of AT or
REST and AT on RA-related measures in rheumatoid arthritics. All sessions
are 40 minutes. One group received AT while a second group received AT+REST.
In this study individuals were monitored for changes in erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Plasma Cortisol, and
reported pain. Measurements were made at baseline, during treatment and post
treatment follow up. No significant differences were found between groups or
across sessions for cortisol, CRP, or ESR. Pain measurements showed a
significantly greater decrease across sessions in the REST + AT group than
in the AT group. The study supports the use of REST as an intervention for
RA related pain. The mechanism of this effect remains unclear.
-------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTS OF SIX HOURS OF LIGHTED AND LIGHT-FREE DRY FLOATATION RESTRICTED
ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULATION (REST) ON CHANGES IN ABSORPTION AND MOOD STATE
Tim Justice, Arreed Barabasz, and Mike Trevisan
Washington State University, Pullman, WA
This study investigated the effects of dry flotation Restricted
Environmental Stimulation (REST) on transient mood states as measured by the
Profile of Mood States (POMS) and on absorption as measured by the Tellegen
Absorption Scale (TAS). Thirty subjects were assigned to either a lighted
REST condition (N=10), a light-free REST condition or a no treatment control
condition (N=10). Experimental participants floated supine on a salt water
filled bladder using dry flotation REST (Relaxation Dynamics, Boulder, CO)
for six hours. Participants in the lighted REST condition wore Ganzfeld
goggles while participants in the light free REST condition wore a sleeping
mask. Pre-to post REST and 2 week follow-up results showed that participants
exposed to dry flotation REST in the lighted condition had a significant
decrease in absorption. No significant changes were found for participants
in the light free REST or control condition. Participants in the light free
condition reported a decrease in anger pre to post REST.
-------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTS OF DRY FLOTATION REST ON HYPNOTIZABILITY, EEG AND SKIN CONDUCTANCE
IN LIGHTED AND UNLIGHTED CONDITIONS
Marianne Barabasz, Arreed Barabasz, Jennifer Darakjy-Jaeger, Timothy
Justice, Katherine Anderson, Mike Trevisan
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
The effects of dry flotation restricted environmental stimulation (REST) on
hypnotizability, EEG and skin conductance were tested in lighted and light
free conditions. Washington State University community volunteers (N=30,
ages 18-30) were assigned to lighted (N=10) REST, unlighted (N=10) REST or
control (N=10) conditions after participation in hypnosis maximizing
(plateauing) experiences (a minimum of 12 inductions prior to the
experiment). The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form C (SHSS:C)
(Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962) was administered prior to the experimental
or control condition, after the 6 hour exposure to the condition and at a
two-week follow-up. EEG and skin conductance level (SCL) data were collected
during REST. Participants exposed to both lighted and unlighted dry
flotation REST significantly improved their SHSS:C scores from pre to post
and from pre to follow-up confirming Barabasz's (1982) theory of REST
responding. Lighted and unlighted REST participants produced significantly
higher SHSS:C scores at both posttest and follow-up than participants
exposed to the Control procedures. The unlighted group showed significantly
higher SHSS:C scores than the unlighted REST group. Consistent with Barabasz
(1982), EEG alpha densities showed a U shaped curve while SCL responses
showed an inverted U curve during REST. Consistent with Suedfeld (1980),
these data support an arousal adaptation response to REST.
-------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTS OF REST AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT VIDEOS ON RECOVERY FROM INDUCED
STRESS
Daneil Christensen and Marianne Barabasz
Washington State University
This investigation tested the effects of dry flotation REST and videos of
Unthreatening Natural Environment (UNE) scenes on recovery from general
stress and induced stress. Hypnotizability was considered as a moderator
variable. High and low hypnotizable subjects were randomly assigned to one
of four groups: 1) REST/UNE (N=8 Highs; 8 Lows), 2) REST only (N=8 Highs; 8
Lows), 3) UNE only (N=8 Highs, 8 Lows) and, 4) No treatment control (N=8
Highs; 8 Lows). A 10 minute videiotape of woodworking accidents was used for
standardized stress induction. Participants spent 50 minutes in their
assigned conditions. Stress arousal was measured using the Subjective Units
of Disturbance Scale (SUDS), the Tension-Anxiety (T-A) subscale of the
Profile of Mood States (POMS), skin conductance level (SCL) and peripheral
skin temperature (PST). Physiological findings showed that the two REST
groups demonstrated lower arousal (p<.05) as measured by SCL during the
recovery period than the UNE Only and No-Treatment control groups. The
addition of the UNE videotape in the REST/UNE group did not add additional
benefits. The three treatment groups demonstrated lower self-reported
anxiety (SUDS ratings) over the course of the experiment than the
No-Treatment control group. Hypnotizability was unrelated to stress recovery
or imaginitive involvement experiences. The SCL findings add to the growing
body of data demonstrating the efficacy of REST in reducing physiological
arousal. This is the first study to use a standardized stress induction
stimulus. SCL measures demonstrated that REST is effective in recovery from
induced stress and further reduction of stress over time. The expected
beneficial effect of exposure to UNE scenes was not supported.
-------------------------------------------------------
THE EFFECTS OF DRY FLOTATION REST ON MARKSMANSHIP PERFORMANCE: MORE DATA
Arreed Barabasz, Marianne Barabasz, Dennis Warner and James Bauman
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
This research used dry flotation REST (Relaxation Dynamics, Boulder, CO) and
controlled for relaxation and guided imagery confounds present in previous
research on REST enhancement of performance. In phase one, ten students
enrolled in a University marksmanship class who were exposed to one hour of
REST showed significantly higher accuracy scores than 10 matched classmate
controls who were exposed only to one hour of relaxation training. In phase
two, Bauman (1995) employed 48 university marksmanship students to compare
the effects of wet flotation REST, dry flotation REST, relaxation training
and control conditions. Treatment participants were exposed to one 50 minute
session per week for two weeks. All participants received the same
instruction in marksmanship and fired the same number of practice shots. The
dry flotation REST group performed significantly better at follow-up than
the marksmanship practice only control group.
-------------------------------------------------------
REST EFFECTS ON HUMAN PERFORMANCE
Marianne Barabasz and Arreed Barabasz
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
This comprehensive review of over twenty experimentally controlled studies
begins by placing sensory deprivation research and Professor Peter
Suedfeld's introduction of the term REST into historical perspective. Next,
a brief theoretical basis of REST effects on human performance is described.
Non-sports related research on REST effects are reviewed including complex
problem solving, scientific creativity, mood states, complex psycho-motor
tasks, instrument flight crew performance, signal detection, learning of
chemistry and piano performance. Sports performance research includes
studies involving both recreational and professional player, includes
gymnastics, basketball, tennis, skiing, rifle marksmanship and darts. The
research show increasing levels of sophistication and controls while
demonstrating both the effectiveness and limitations of chamber, dry
flotation and wet flotation REST. It is striking to note that comparability
of results despite the involvement of dozens of different researchers
testing REST in a wide variety of human performance tasks.
-------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTS OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY AND REST ON SOCIAL ANXIETY
Patrick O'Toole and Marianne Barabasz
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
The effects of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) message and REST
plus the REBT message presentation on the reduction of social anxiety was
tested. Because hypnotizability has been shown to be enhanced following six
hours of chamber REST (A. Barabasz, 1982), it was examined as a moderator
variable for both REST and REBT. Irrational beliefs were measured using the
Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT). Social anxiety was measured using the
Interaction Anxiousness Scale, the Shyness Scale and a behavioral measure of
individual participant's personal sense of anxiety. Participants were
matched on standardized hypnotizability scores and then distributed among
treatment groups to ensure that each group was equivalent. Participants were
assigned to 1) REST plus REBT-derived message, 2) REBT therapy only 3) REST
only or 4) a no treatment control. Following the initial series of
assessments, participants spent 6 hours in the assigned condition. Both
within and between group comparisons were conducted on pre-, post- and one
month follow-up test scores. Post-experimental hypnotizability testing, and
inquiry of general experience and imaginative involvement were conducted to
check for changes in hypnotizability levels, content and adherence to
treatment protocol. The results will be discussed.
-------------------------------------------------------
ENHANCING ROWING ERGOMETER PERFORMANCE THROUGH FLOTATION REST
Sean Richardson
University of British Columbia
The examination of the effectiveness of flotation Restricted Environmental
Stimulation technique (REST) as a performance enhancement tool in sport has
produced positive results. However, previous studies using flotation REST to
enhance gross motor performance combined the technique with imaginal
practice, confounding the effect that REST-only might have on performance.
Although more recent studies have examined the effects of flotation
REST-only on athletic performance, they have only looked at fine motor
activity. This study tested the effects of flotation REST-only on rowing
ergometer performance, a gross motor activity. Furthermore, this study
attempted to ascertain, through carefully constructed questionnaires, the
reasons why athletes might or might not benefit from including a period of
flotation REST in their training regime. Subjects (n=40) were a group of
male and female, novice and varsity university rowers. Subjects were matched
based on previous ergometer competition scores and then randomly assigned to
either a flotation REST condition or chamber/relaxation control condition.
All groups were exposed to two administrations of either one of the
conditions and were pre- and post-tested on a 1000 meter rowing ergometer
trial; difference scores were compared. The study also coincided with
intra-team ergometer competitions, allowing the experimenter to compare
scores form a source external to the study. The results are discussed in
terms of which sports might benefit form flotation REST and under what
conditions it may best be applied.
-------------------------------------------------------
ALTERED STATES: FROM FICTION TO FACT: INTRODUCING THE ALTERED WAKING STATES
INDUCTION METHOD
Richard Bonk, M.Ed.
Wellness Center Etc., Inc.
Although REST has been the subject of a multitude of research studies and
has been shown to be useful in clinical applications much of the public's
awareness of the floatation experience stems from the movie Altered States.
And, it is often in the hope of producing unique, stimulating and
consciousness altering states that many people decide to float. For many
individuals, floating becomes a "done that," once in a lifetime experience
when they emerge from the Epsom salt waters relaxed though certainly not
significantly "altered." However, many regular floaters often experience
heightened states of awareness and unusual mental phenomena. In an effort to
examine these unique states in a controlled setting it was important to
develop a technique in which these ephemeral states could be reliably and
regularly facilitated. Following is the 1) an introduction to the Alternate
Waking States Induction Method (AWSIM), a technique which has proven
effective in the engendering of "altered" states of consciousness in
individuals while floating, 2) initial findings of AWSIM research, 3) a
brief overview of significant phenomena observed with reference to
categorization thereof, 4) implications and possible applications, and 5)
suggestions for further research.
------------------------------------------------------
AUDITORY SIGNAL DETECTION IN VARIOUS LEVELS OF RESTRICTED ENVIRONMENTAL
STIMULATION
David Eichorn
University of British Columbia
This study was designed to measure how various degrees of reduced
stimulation (REST) influence the detection of a tone presented in noise. Six
groups of subjects experienced three degrees of reduced stimulation in two
different environments, a typical REST chamber and a flotation tank. The
three degrees of reduced stimulation were silence, music, and recorded text.
Light was also present in the conditions with auditory stimulation. The
groups comprise a continuum of stimulation including a near-complete lack of
stimulation (flotation REST), condition with visual and auditory stimulation
encourages cognitive (central) stimulation (chamber with lights on and
recorded text that must later be paraphrased). The detection task was
presented to subjects once during the first ten minutes and again during the
last ten minutes of a one hour and twenty minute period spent in one of the
REST conditions. The results highlight the importance of considering the
type of stimulation being reduced in all REST experiments and the value of
using a well-established cognitive measure to track the effects of REST.
-------------------------------------------------------
A COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF REST FLOTATION,
PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION, AND LIGHT-SOUND STIMULATION RELAXATION TRAINING
Ernesto A. Randolfi, Ph.D.
Subjects (n=63) were randomly assigned to three methods of relaxation
training (restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST) flotation,
progressive relaxation, and light-sound stimulation), or a control group to
assess the effects of periodic exposure to relaxation. All subjects were
scheduled for 45 minutes sessions three times a week for three weeks. Pre
and post measurements included serum cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides,
blood pressure, and self reported measures of anxiety, depression, and
physical stress symptoms. No significant differences (p<.05) were found on
analysis of covariance for group means of post test scores when pretests
were used as the covariate. Significant (p<.05) reductions in pre to post
anxiety scores were found for three treatment groups using a paired t-test,
but not the control group. Both the REST flotation group and the progressive
relaxation group demonstrated significantly lower depression scores, and the
flotation group reduced physical symptoms of stress. Subjects with pre-test
cholesterol levels above 180 mm/dl were selected for additional analysis,
those in the REST flotation group (n=10) significantly lowered total
cholesterol (p=.042) and LDL (p=.034) levels by a mean of 18.5 mm/dl and
14.3 mm/dl respectively.
-------------------------------------------------------
THE BENEFITS OF FLOTATION REST RESTRICTED ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULATION
(THERAPY) IN A PAIN MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Roderick A. Borrie, Ph.D.
South Oaks Hospital, Amityville, NY
A pain management program that incorporates regular flotation REST is
described with emphasis on the rationale for flotations use. Results from 57
patients receiving 354 flotation REST sessions as part of stress management
and pain management programs will be presented in the form of PANAS scores,
pain, tension and relaxation ratings from before and after each session.
Case reports demonstrating the therapeutic use of flotation with a variety
of physical problems will be presented with a discussion of specific
benefits resulting from flotation. The problems of using flotation in a
health care setting will also be discussed.
------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTS OF RESTRICTED ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULATION THERAPY (REST) ON
SEROLOGICAL MARKERS OF INFLAMMATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.
Doré R. Shefransky, A. Betsy McCormick, Thomas H. Fine and John W. Turner,
Jr. Medical College of Ohio
Toledo, Ohio
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory multisystem connective
tissue disorder. Relaxation therapy is beneficial in a variety of rheumatoid
diseases. This study explores the effect of REST on inflammation with
previously diagnosed RA measured by erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and
C-reactive protein (CRP). Fourteen volunteers in RA participated in a
controlled clinical trial; half underwent flotation REST with a taped
message while controls underwent autogenic relaxation with the same message
in a reclining chair. ESR and CRP were measured pre, post, and during
treatment. The mean ESR decreased in the REST group and slightly increased
in the autogenic control group. Neither change was significant (p>.05,
t-test). CRP values changed little in either group across study. Individual
REST subjects were consistent in exhibiting decreased ESR across the study,
suggesting a potentially significant effect of REST, masked in this study by
a small group size. The preliminary results encourage further investigation.
Funded by Medical College of Ohio.
-------------------------------------------------------
TREATMENT OF PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESS THROUGH MENTAL TRAINING AND FLOATATION IN
OXYGENATED MAGNESIUM SULFATE SATURATED BATHS
Dr. Schurbruck, M.D., Dr. Bergman, M.D. Juergen Tapprich
Problem: Treatment of psoriasis, a psychosomatic illness that presents in 2%
of the general population.
Subject: 56 year old female presented in July, 1996 with chronic psoriasis
(documented since 1987).
Method: Combined use of oxygenated, magnesium sulfate saturated isolation
tank bath and psychological training such as meditation techniques,
visualization, and self-image reconfiguration. Patient participated in ten
weekly sessions during which she was given training in the above, floated
for an hour, and underwent 5-10 minutes of ultraviolet light therapy.
Results: After three sessions, patient reported feeling significantly
better. After 8 sessions, patient was free of visible manifestation of
psoriasis. After 10 sessions, patient reported feelings of general
well-being and absence of skin disturbance. She expressed interest in a six
month follow-up session.
Discussion: The positive results offer hope for the psychosomatic patient.
In the past, patients have had to travel to varied geographic locations
(e.g. The Dead Sea) for salt-saturated bathing. The favorable combination of
psychological training and physiological treatment has not to our knowledge
been documented. We believe the effects of the use of chemical-free,
salt-saturated oxygenated baths, auditory stimulation in sensory isolation,
kinesthetic feedback (gravity reduced environment) and ultraviolet therapy
have a synergistic effect offering relief from and control of this
debilitating disease.
------------------------------------------------------
LISTENING TO BINAURAL BEATS TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTS OF RESTRICTED
ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULATION THERAPY
F. Holmes Atwater
Research Director, The Monroe Institute
Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) offers both
physiological benefits and access to propitious states of consciousness.
Listening to binaural beats in a REST-like environment gives rise to an EEG
frequency-following response (FFR) which theoretically may enhance these
effects or engender similar psychophysiological state changes. A critical
point, however, is that a FFR to binaural beats in archetypal brain-wave
frequencies has not been comprehensively demonstrated using apropos
evoked-potential EEG protocols. A study was designed t determine if a 7 Hz
(theta) binaural beat would engender a 7 Hz FFR and if a 16 Hz (beta)
binaural beat would engender a 16 Hz FFR. This study used a REST-like
environment and multiple-subject trials designed to objectively verify a FFR
to theta and beta binaural-beat stimuli with an appropriate evoked-potential
protocol. Significant increases in 7 Hz (p=<.001) and 16 Hz (p=.007) EEG
amplitudes during binaural-beat stimuli periods provided evidence of a FFR
to the binaural-beat stimuli. Binaural beats appear to influence
consciousness by providing FFR information to the brainstem's reticular
activating system (RAS). The RAS regulates arousal states, attentional
focus, and levels of awareness by stimulating the thalamus and cortex. The
FFR information includes the character, quality and traits of consciousness
represented by the wave pattern of the stimulus binaural beats.
-------------------------------------------------------
REST AS A CAPSULE EXPERIENCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
G. Daniel Steele
Human and Leisure Sciences
Lincoln University
New Zealand
This paper examines the features of exotic, enclosed environments, using
catalogues suggested by Sells (1973), Harrison and Connors (1984), and
Suedfeld (1986). From the work of these and other researchers, three general
dimensions relating to stationary capsule environments are derived: crew
characteristics, physical space, and time factors. These dimensions are
discussed in light of their applicability to REST environments, with special
consideration being given to the REST experience as a significant marker
event.
-------------------------------------------------------
EEG AND SUBJECTIVE CORRELATES OF ALPHA FREQUENCY BINAURAL BEATS STIMULATION
COMBINED WITH ALPHA BIOFEEDBACK
Dale S. Foster, Ph.D.
Harding University, Graduate School of Religion
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of alpha frequency
binaural beats stimulation combined with alpha biofeedback on alpha
frequency brain wave production and subjective experience of mental and
physical relaxation. The study compared the alpha production and subjective
report of four groups, each of which received brief relaxation response
training and one of four treatments: 1) alpha frequency binaural beats
stimulation, 2) visual alpha frequency brain wave biofeedback, 3) alpha
frequency binaural beats stimulation combined with visual alpha biofeedback,
or 4) artificially produced ocean surf sounds. Sixty volunteer undergraduate
and graduate students were randomly assigned to the four groups and
instructed to utilize their respective treatment as the "mental device" in
Benson's relaxation response paradigm while they relaxed with eyes open for
twenty minutes.
Two 2 X 4 mixed ANOVAs revealed that all groups evidenced increased
subjective report of relaxation and increased alpha production. An
interaction effect was found in which the group with both alpha binaural
beats and alpha biofeedback produced more treatment alpha than the group
with alpha biofeedback alone. Additionally, nine of the fifteen subjects
with both binaural beats and feedback reported being able to control alpha
production via their focus on the alpha binaural beats. The data suggest the
possibility that binaural beats can be used to enhance awareness of and
control of specific cortical potentials. Implications for combining
brainwave biofeedback, frequency-following-response techniques and
Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) to promote the
self-regulation and management of consciousness are discussed.
-------------------------------------------------------
THE EFFECTS OF FLOTATION REST ON MUSICAL CREATIVITY
Oshin A. Vartanian
University of British Columbia
This paper describes the experiment (Experiment 2) that was conducted
following the one (Experiment 1) presented at the 1993 conference in
Seattle. Experiment 1 found that after floating for 1 hr./week for 4
consecutive weeks, 14 post-secondary music majors were rated as showing
significantly more improvement than a control group in concentration, but
not in focus nor technical skill. The current experiment investigated the
effects of an identical regimen of flotation REST on musical creativity in
24 post- secondary jazz improvisation students through changes in
improvisation, creativity, expressiveness, technical skill and overall
quality. There was no significant difference between the experimental and
control group on any of the measures taken, but the experimental group did
significantly better on final jazz improvisation grades. Explanations are
provided as to why the effect detected in final jazz improvisation grades
was absent in improvisation measured through performance, and the results
are discussed in the context of the Budzynski hypothesis. There were the
first studies to assess the skill-enhancing effects of flotation REST on the
performance of advanced musicians.

 alcuni, se hai la pazienza e la voglia di leggerli
[CUT]
Grazie! Adesso vedo di leggermi tutto.
--
Ciao,
Paride

 questa terapia
sai indicarmi un posto dove andare a vedere o provare a Londra
(possibilmente zona nord)?
ciao e grazie in anticipo per le risposte alle mie curiosita'
Ladybat
anche un aiku in tema nella signature, guarda caso (ciclano random) :))
-- 
senza tenersi
da sola galleggia
la ranocchia

 Ladybat
Sempre disposto a diffondere informazione corretta sul galleggiamento...
Ciao
Andrash

 Guarda qui 
http://www.floatdreams.com/england.htm
grazie mille per le info, c'e' un posto vicino casa.
Ora devo solo mettere insieme i soldi per provare. accidenti, quanto
costa!!! per fortuma per rilassarmi conosco sistemi casalinghi fai da te
assolutamente gratis! :)
ciao
ladybat
-- 
non un grano di polvere
a turbare il chiarore
del crisantemo bianco

 assolutamente gratis! :)
Sě, di modi per rilassarsi gratuitamente ce ne sono molti... perň ti
assicuro che č tutta un'altra cosa!
Immagina di perdere completamente la percezione del corpo... cosa ti resta?
E' come fluttuare nel vuoto, lasciar liberare lo spirito...
Poi agisce molto in profonditŕ... quando esci e riacquisti padronanza del
corpo č come se ti rendessi improvvisamente conto che il corpo non č altro
che la macchina, e tu ne sei il pilota. E ti senti come rinata, i muscoli
completamente disciolti... a volte si fa fatica a tenersi in piedi e
arrivare alla doccia da quanto si č rilassati. A volte gira anche un po' la
testa...
E' una sensazione dolce e benefica, un sorriso leggero ti si insinua sul
volto, quasi involontario... alcuni hanno un sorriso smagliante, altri
chiedono scusa per la faccia da beota...
In ogni caso lascerň a te giudicare... fammi sapere come č andata poi!
Certo a Londra č piů caro che qui... ma del resto lě la vita č tutta piů
cara...
Buona galleggiata!
Andrash


Ok estraniarsi ma preferisco il sesso č piů salutare piů bello e piů
appagante e dopo sei sicuramente rilassato
Almeno per me č cosě ;-)
Ciaoz

 Almeno per me è così ;-)
si, era quello il sistema casalingo a cui mi riferivo... ;)
-- 
nella sera d'autunno
lungo questa strada
non un viaggiatore

 si, era quello il sistema casalingo a cui mi riferivo... ;)
Eheheheheheheh....
Quello sicuramente è un ottimo metodo per liberarsi delle energie negative e
rilassarsi... nessuno lo mette in dubbio!
Fammi sapere poi come è andata!
Ciao
Andrash
PS: tra parentesi oggi è uscito un articolo sul Salvagente che parla del
galleggiamento. L'articolo è assolutamente pessimo! Ma avendo conosciuto chi
l'ha scritto non mi meraviglia! Pieno di errori e pregiudizi, ironico e
strafottente. Ma se volete giustamente avere le due facce della medaglia, vi
consiglio di leggerlo... non so se vi farà allontanare ancora di più
dall'idea di galleggiare, o vi incuriosirà a provarlo...