Patent No. 6135944 Method of inducing harmonious states of being

 

Patent No. 6135944

Method of inducing harmonious states of being (Bowman, et al., Oct 24, 2000)

Abstract

A method of inducing harmonious states of being using vibrational stimuli, preferably sound, comprised of a multitude of frequencies expressing a specific pattern of relationship. Two base signals are modulated by a set of ratios to generate a plurality of harmonics. The harmonics are combined to form a "fractal" arrangement.

Notes:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to applying stimuli to a human being to induce an altered state of consciousness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Throughout the ages music has demonstrated the ability for sound to influence an individual's state of being. Musicians have intuitively produced compositions that elicit a wide range of emotional response. The science of psychoacoustics explores the processes underlying this phenomena. The psychoacoustic theory of the present invention incorporates a scientific method of influencing an individual's state of being through sound.

Several methods for using sound to induce altered states of being have previously been explored. Most of these efforts have dealt with techniques that incorporate measured physiological data, primarily Electroencephalograph (EEG) signals, into a stimulus to be introduced to the body. Encoding EEG frequency information into an audio stimulus to induce specific brain wave frequencies is a technique commonly found. Typically, these techniques employ a single frequency or a plurality of frequencies that are varied over time to linearly guide the brain waves to a desired frequency of vibration. Several known techniques for inducing altered states using vibrational stimuli based upon EEG brain wave information are shown, for example, in the following U.S. patents:

4,834,701

5,135,468

5,356,368

4,883,067

5,213,562

5,036,858

5,289,438

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of inducing harmonious states of being through the application of vibrational stimuli, preferably sound. The stimuli are comprised of a pattern of waveforms that express what we call a "fractal" arrangement in their frequency relationships. FIG. 1 exemplifies such a fractal arrangement of harmonic frequencies. This arrangement is organized in matrix form and thus is referred to as a "harmonic fractal matrix". The ratio of 3 Hz to 5 Hz is in the same proportion as 30 Hz to 50 Hz and 300 Hz to 500 Hz. Each of these frequency pairs are said to be "fractally equivalent" to every other as they express the same proportion through varying levels of magnitude.

-----------------------------------------------------

The method of the present invention has applications in a number of different areas. The induction of a natural state of harmony is marked by a reduction in muscle tension, reduced stress and anxiety, and an overall sense of well being. Variations in the base frequencies and ratios selected provide other desirable states including relief of mental tension and fatigue; induction of meditative states; heightened focus and concentration; enhanced dream activity and recall; and sleep induction. Other areas of application include aiding individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) to remain calm and focused. The present invention further provides a method to positively influence the human body through non-intrusive, non-chemical, and inexpensive means, such as audio stimuli recorded on a cassette, which can be utilized at the discretion of the user.

The principles and preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. The invention should not, however, be construed as limited to the particular forms described, or the particular examples given, as those are to be considered exemplary in nature and regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and pioneering spirit of the invention. Consequently, the invention should be considered as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.