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.
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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.
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