Brainwave Changes Associated with VibroAcoustic Therapy:
A Case Study
Jeff Tarrant, Ph.D., BCN
Brainwave Changes Associated
with VibroAcoustic Therapy:
A Case Study
Jeff Tarrant, Ph.D., BCN
Methods
For this case study, we obtained a baseline measurement of brainwave activity, in an eyes closed, lying down position using a 19-channel BrainMaster Discovery EEG system. Brainwaves were then recorded as the subject participated in a 30-minute VibroAcoustic Therapy Session (VAT) using the SomaWave Therapy app and stereo sound table. The specific protocol tested swept a sine wave frequency from 45hz down to 25 hz with a binaural beat of 108 per minute decreasing to 12 per minute. Ocean sounds were played in the background at a volume determined by the client. This protocol was designed by Wesley Byrd to induce a state of relaxation. Immediately following the VAT session, brainwaves were measured again.
Case Study
The 3D brain images below show changes in the brain after 30-minutes of Vibroacoustic Therapy. Cooler colors (blues) indicate that the activity measured decreased whereas brighter colors (yellow, orange, red) indicate that activity has increased. Green areas did not change significantly. The first set of images show changes in the cortex (outer layer of the brain) for each of the 6 basic brainwave types (ranging from slow to fast).
Methods
For this case study, we obtained a baseline measurement of brainwave activity, in an eyes closed, lying down position using a 19-channel BrainMaster Discovery EEG system. Brainwaves were then recorded as the subject participated in a 30-minute VibroAcoustic Therapy Session (VAT) using the SomaWave Therapy app and stereo sound table. The specific protocol tested swept a sine wave frequency from 45hz down to 25 hz with a binaural beat of 108 per minute decreasing to 12 per minute. Ocean sounds were played in the background at a volume determined by the client. This protocol was designed by Wesley Byrd to induce a state of relaxation. Immediately following the VAT session, brainwaves were measured again.
Case Study
The 3D brain images below show changes in the brain after 30-minutes of Vibroacoustic Therapy. Cooler colors (blues) indicate that the activity measured decreased whereas brighter colors (yellow, orange, red) indicate that activity has increased. Green areas did not change significantly. The first set of images show changes in the cortex (outer layer of the brain) for each of the 6 basic brainwave types (ranging from slow to fast).
Delta (1-4 hz) Theta (4-8 hz) Alpha (8-12 hz)
Beta (12-25 hz) Hi Beta (15-30 hz) Gamma (35-45 hz)
These images allow us to examine overall patterns. When examined this way, we notice that the Delta brainwaves decreased significantly-particularly in the frontal lobes. At the same time Alpha activity increased significantly in the parietal/occipital lobes and gamma activity decreased in the left frontal regions. This pattern suggests a shift to a much more quiet and relaxed internal state. The reduction of activity at the extremes (Delta and Gamma) with increased activation in the middle frequencies (Alpha) is a stereotypical pattern seen in the relaxation response. In fact, specific increases in Alpha at the back of the head are associated with Quiet Mind meditation states such as might be achieved with a Transcendental Meditation (TM) or Zen meditation practice.
Research examining brainwave patterns during Zen meditation has consistently shown that the Zen brain is characterized by increases in Alpha power, a slowing of the alpha frequency and Alpha activity spreading frontally (Kasamatsu & Hirai, 1966; Murata et al., 2004; Takahashi et al., 2005). These Zen brainwave patterns are consistent with a mind that is relaxed, alert and quiet. TM has also been studied extensively and consistently results in increased Alpha1 (8-10hz) power (Travis & Shear, 2010). Alpha1 is considered a slow brainwave and is associated with reduced external attention, vigilance and expectancy (Klimesch, et al., 1998; Klimesch, 1999).
To further examine consistencies between the VAT session and Quiet Mind meditations, we divided the Alpha brain rhythm into the lower frequencies (Alpha1- 8-10hz) and the higher frequencies (Alpha2-10-12 hz), image below, left.
These images allow us to examine overall patterns. When examined this way, we notice that the Delta brainwaves decreased significantly-particularly in the frontal lobes. At the same time Alpha activity increased significantly in the parietal/occipital lobes and gamma activity decreased in the left frontal regions. This pattern suggests a shift to a much more quiet and relaxed internal state. The reduction of activity at the extremes (Delta and Gamma) with increased activation in the middle frequencies (Alpha) is a stereotypical pattern seen in the relaxation response. In fact, specific increases in Alpha at the back of the head are associated with Quiet Mind meditation states such as might be achieved with a Transcendental Meditation (TM) or Zen meditation practice.
Research examining brainwave patterns during Zen meditation has consistently shown that the Zen brain is characterized by increases in Alpha power, a slowing of the alpha frequency and Alpha activity spreading frontally (Kasamatsu & Hirai, 1966; Murata et al., 2004; Takahashi et al., 2005). These Zen brainwave patterns are consistent with a mind that is relaxed, alert and quiet. TM has also been studied extensively and consistently results in increased Alpha1 (8-10hz) power (Travis & Shear, 2010). Alpha1 is considered a slow brainwave and is associated with reduced external attention, vigilance and expectancy (Klimesch, et al., 1998; Klimesch, 1999).
To further examine consistencies between the VAT session and Quiet Mind meditations, we divided the Alpha brain rhythm into the lower frequencies (Alpha1- 8-10hz) and the higher frequencies (Alpha2-10-12 hz), image below, left.
Alpha1 (8-10 hz) Alpha2 (10-12 hz)
Alpha 1 (8-10hz) Alpha1 (8-10hz)
Posterior Cingulate Inferior Parietal Lobule
Alpha1 (8-10 hz) Alpha2 (10-12 hz)
Alpha 1 (8-10hz) Alpha1 (8-10hz)
Posterior Cingulate Inferior Parietal Lobule
This examination shows that the majority of increased Alpha was occurring in the lower frequencies (Alpha1), making it even more consistent with a Quiet Mind meditative state. To examine this idea further, we used a special analysis technique to examine brainwave patterns below the surface of the brain.
SLORETA (Standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography) allows us to extrapolate from the surface to deeper brain regions. The specific regions of interest demonstrating the most dramatic increase of Alpha1 included the Posterior Cingulate and Inferior Parietal Lobule, image above, right.
The Posterior Cingulate is the hub of a region in the brain called the Default Mode Network (DMN). The DMN is involved in self-referencing, judgment, episodic memory retrieval and other functions that involve creating an identity. For this reason, the DMN is increasingly being thought of as the neurological seat of identity. An increase in Alpha1 in this region suggests that it has become inhibited, leading to a quiet and spacious state of consciousness.
Observations
Examining the change process during the course of the VAT session demonstrates a few interesting patterns. First, it is clear that many of the overall changes begin early in the session (reduced Delta and Gamma and increased Alpha). This pattern becomes stronger over the course of the session. Interestingly, the Alpha pattern changes throughout the process. Initially, the Alpha shows increases in the back of the brain, then moves to the front and then toward the end becomes more global. The other point of interest is that the strong change in Alpha noted in the pre-post comparison is not evident during the VAT session itself. This suggests that there are some additional changes that occur after the session has ended.
Conclusions
This case study demonstrates that VAT can have a significant impact on brainwave functioning leading to deep relaxation and a mental state very similar to Quiet Mind meditations such as TM and Zen. Because the course of brain changes develops over 30 minutes, it seems probable that this amount of time is necessary to get the full benefit. Framed another way, it is unlikely that someone would get the same results if the session were only 10 minutes long. In addition, given that the post VAT results appeared very similar to a Quiet Mind meditation state, it may be ideal to allow extra time after the VAT session for clients to remain in that state for an extended period. This may increase the psychological/emotional benefits.
Jeff Tarrant, Ph.D.
NeuroMeditation Institute
115 W. 8th Ave., Ste. 360 Eugene, OR 97401
www.NeuroMeditationInstitute.com FB: NeuroMeditation
This examination shows that the majority of increased Alpha was occurring in the lower frequencies (Alpha1), making it even more consistent with a Quiet Mind meditative state. To examine this idea further, we used a special analysis technique to examine brainwave patterns below the surface of the brain.
SLORETA (Standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography) allows us to extrapolate from the surface to deeper brain regions. The specific regions of interest demonstrating the most dramatic increase of Alpha1 included the Posterior Cingulate and Inferior Parietal Lobule, image above, right.
The Posterior Cingulate is the hub of a region in the brain called the Default Mode Network (DMN). The DMN is involved in self-referencing, judgment, episodic memory retrieval and other functions that involve creating an identity. For this reason, the DMN is increasingly being thought of as the neurological seat of identity. An increase in Alpha1 in this region suggests that it has become inhibited, leading to a quiet and spacious state of consciousness.
Observations
Examining the change process during the course of the VAT session demonstrates a few interesting patterns. First, it is clear that many of the overall changes begin early in the session (reduced Delta and Gamma and increased Alpha). This pattern becomes stronger over the course of the session. Interestingly, the Alpha pattern changes throughout the process. Initially, the Alpha shows increases in the back of the brain, then moves to the front and then toward the end becomes more global. The other point of interest is that the strong change in Alpha noted in the pre-post comparison is not evident during the VAT session itself. This suggests that there are some additional changes that occur after the session has ended.
Conclusions
This case study demonstrates that VAT can have a significant impact on brainwave functioning leading to deep relaxation and a mental state very similar to Quiet Mind meditations such as TM and Zen. Because the course of brain changes develops over 30 minutes, it seems probable that this amount of time is necessary to get the full benefit. Framed another way, it is unlikely that someone would get the same results if the session were only 10 minutes long. In addition, given that the post VAT results appeared very similar to a Quiet Mind meditation state, it may be ideal to allow extra time after the VAT session for clients to remain in that state for an extended period. This may increase the psychological/emotional benefits.
Jeff Tarrant, Ph.D.
NeuroMeditation Institute
115 W. 8th Ave., Ste. 360 Eugene, OR 97401
www.NeuroMeditationInstitute.com FB: NeuroMeditation
“One positive thought produces millions of positive vibrations.” – John Coltrane
