|
Introduction to
Brain Balance
The goal of religious, martial arts and
healers for at least the past 5,400 years has been to balance the brain. The
belief was that the brain, body, mind and emotion were all interconnected
and by balancing any one all the others would also become more balanced.
Various techniques (some books claim over 100) have been developed and
taught over the years. Tai Chi is a classic example of concentrating on
balancing the body to achieve physical and mental harmony.
(Use of BWI by a new student of Tai Chi
can achieve 3 months progress in 3 days). Aikido is another example of
blending physical skills with mental intent. The primary goal here too is
balance, initially physical; leading to mental and emotional stability.
Other techniques have been developed
such as mantras (repetition of a sound - or a color blend – as in a mandala,
stationary or moving. Variations of these basic techniques are utilized
worldwide, usually with local religious customs and beliefs.
Therefore, the concept of a balanced
brain and a balanced body influencing each other is at least over 5,000
years old. Over the centuries thousands of "new ideas" have been tried –
with highly variable levels of success. One Indian book lists 108 ways. The
Wisconsin Nuns used 10 – 15 variations. With such a variety from which to
choose anyone can select the technique(s) of preference. From the strenuous
(and highly efficient) Aikido or Tai Chi to the passive mantra meditations,
they all work.
All will guide the brain/body connection
towards balance and stability. Therefore, for thousands of years, the
benefits of brain balancing exercises have been evident.
The questions were, however,
How did the techniques work?
Why did the techniques work?
What was the theory?
What was really happening?
No one knew.
In 1992 the Alphalearning Institute
began experiments with a new type of EEG, tens of thousands of times more
sensitive than un-amplified waves. The system was able to test the balance
(degree of cooperation) between the left and right brains while the
individual was performing various mental and physical tasks. An experiment
was organized to test at least 100 senior corporate executives, people of
proven success, to see what, if any, difference there was in their EEG
functions. Actual test was 147 executives.
The evidence was absolutely
overwhelming, the more balanced the brain, the more successful the executive
– in all ways. Higher office, more responsibility, staff loyalty: all signs
of success and all had more balanced brains. There had been a theory since
1976 by Prof. Mintzberg at Harvard that the left-right brain difference was
valid.
The Alphalearning Institute study proved
it beyond discussion. The lawyer/accountants really are "left-brained" and
the research directors really are "right-brained". The C.E.Os, marketing,
sales, etc. are more of both.
Next, the Alphalearning Institute tested
the EEG on athletes; beginners, mid-level and professional. Same thing, the
more balance (brain and body) while performing the task, the better the
performance.
It is even the normal language, "he is
really out of balance", "there is a balanced guy".
The evidence really came in 1994 when
Scientific American published the first photos in color of the activity of
the brain. It was now evident where in the brain thought was occurring. Top
researchers in the field believe Western science could use Eastern
introspection, or meditative techniques, to deepen its understanding of how
the brain works and to provide practical help to people in distress. In a
host of fields, Tibetan practices have subsequently proven valid when
science finally developed technology sophisticated enough to test them."
The Alphalearning Institute finally
developed and tested the ancient systems and found them effective, yet very
slow. Many years – even decades to master balance. A faster way was needed.
The corporate executives did not want to sit on a hard rock and chant for 15
– 20 years, much less do 3 – 4 hours a week of sweaty and smelly Aikido for
3 – 4 years.
They wanted an electronic high-speed
solution. Five million US dollars and 3 years later, the Alphalearning
Institute delivered the system – the Brainwave I. A combination EEG and
optical-acoustical conditioning system to train brain balance in 30 – 35
hours.
The client also receives as a fringe
benefit, Alpha and Theta wave control, increased reading and memory skills,
etc., however, the objective is brain balance. That is now possible in days
rather than years. No difference in the result, only in the time required to
achieve the result. |
