mind alive David User Manual

[AVE USER GUIDE]

An Introduction to Audio-Visual Entrainment

Version 1, Revision 8

May 2019

All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without

the express written consent of Mind Alive Inc.

© 2019

Mind Alive Inc.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1

THE EFFECTS OF AVE ........................................................................................................ 2

BRAINWAVE FREQUENCIES ............................................................................................ 3

WHAT IS AVE?...................................................................................................................... 5

EEG ACTIVITY CHANGES ................................................................................................................... 6

AVE INDUCES MEDITATIVE DISSOCIATION ................................................................................... 7

CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW INCREASES .............................................................................................. 8

NEUROTRANSMITTERS CHANGE ....................................................................................................... 9

GETTING STARTED ......................................................................................................... 10

HOW TO USE THE PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE......................................................... 10

PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE .................................................................... 11

I. REST ............................................................................................................................................... 11

II. LIFE EVENTS & SELF AWARENESS .......................................................................................... 12

III. ANXIETY ...................................................................................................................................... 13

IV. MOOD .......................................................................................................................................... 14

V. DISENGAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................ 15

VI. NUTRITION ................................................................................................................................. 16

VII. MEDICATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 17

CHOOSING A DAVID SESSION ...................................................................................... 18

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES................................................................................................................ 18

PERSONAL PROFILE INTERPRETATION ................................................................. 19

I. REST ............................................................................................................................................... 19

II. LIFE EVENTS & SELF AWARENESS .......................................................................................... 19

III. ANXIETY ...................................................................................................................................... 20

IV. MOOD .......................................................................................................................................... 20

V. DISENGAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................ 21

VII. NUTRITION ................................................................................................................................ 21

NUTRITION ........................................................................................................................ 22

DAVID SESSION GUIDE .................................................................................................. 23

REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 24

[1]

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the world of Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE). Mind Alive Inc. is
dedicated to assisting you in your quest for wellness. Our patented DAVID
AVE devices allow various areas of the brain to work together in harmony.
By using your DAVID device you may experience your mind in a new and
beneficial way.

The DAVID devices integrate the necessary principles of audio and visual
stimulation to safely and effectively guide you into desired states of
relaxation, consciousness, attention, and boosted brain performance - ideal
for those who want to expand their personal development, boost their mood
and sharpen their mind. In order to obtain the maximum enjoyment and
benefits from your DAVID device, we have created this user guide to
introduce the core concepts of AVE, which will provide you with a starting
point for your journey of self-improvement.

AVE is a non-invasive form of stimulation: no electrical current is passed
through the user. All resulting effects are produced in the brain solely by the
audio-visual stimuli.

Cranio-Electro Stimulation (CES) is available on select DAVID devices. CES
technology does pass a small current of electricity through the user, but must
be actively initiated by pushing the CES buttons located on our CES-capable
DAVID devices. CES can be used in combination with AVE, or on its own.

USING THIS GUIDE

This guide is designed to be a companion and introduction to the world of
AVE. Everything you need to know about operating your DAVID device, and
the specific sessions contained within it, is included in the Operator’s
Manual. The information in this guide is provided to help you understand

what AVE is and how it can benefit you in your everyday life.

The first part of the guide contains an introduction to AVE principles and
concepts. We start by describing the method and cornerstones of AVE,
detailing the psychological and physiological benefits you may experience.

Several other concepts related to good mental health are also described.

The second part of the guide contains a self-guided survey to help you select
which types of sessions you may want to try. Part of the survey is designed
to help you identify areas of stress and anxiety in your life. The rest of the
survey will help you evaluate which session groups will provide you with
the most benefits.

[2]

THE EFFECTS OF AVE

Many users of the DAVID have reported experiencing:

• deep relaxation while feeling more energized

• visual images, colors and patterns

• the sense of feeling “grounded” and calm

• increased mental clarity for resolving problems

• enhanced interpersonal relationships

• cheerfulness

• mental sharpness.

This deep state of AVE-induced regeneration has proven to be useful for
many of the mental, emotional and physical challenges that nearly all of us
face at one time or another in our lives. When the body/mind effects from
experiencing AVE are fully appreciated, the experience becomes as regular
and beneficial as many other life essentials such as quality sleep, good
nutrition, pure water and exercise.

[3]

BRAINWAVE FREQUENCIES

Activity in the brain is often measured by observing and recording

“brainwaves” which are rhythmic or repetitive neural activity. Brainwaves

can be observed through an Electroencephalography (EEG) which is a test
that measures electrical brainwave activity along the scalp. Brainwaves are
categorized by frequency with each category having different positive and
negative effects, depending on your current and desired level of arousal or
alertness.

Brainwaves indicate both the level and type of arousal in a part of the brain.
When a person is awake and engaging in a task, delta, theta and alpha
activity should be low, revealing beta as the dominant wave. As a person
relaxes, alpha quickly increases. As a person becomes deeply relaxed and
especially with eyes closed, theta will become the dominant brainwave and
as a person falls asleep, delta becomes the dominant brainwave with
occasional short bursts of sensori-motor rhythm (SMR) in the sensori-motor
strip to prevent sleep-walking.

Beta

(awake/alert)

Alpha

(relaxed)

Theta

(falling asleep)

Delta

(sleeping)

Brainwaves are situation specific. Therefore, any brainwave can be either a
benefit or detriment to the activity a person is trying to engage in. Stress,
hectic lifestyle, and less than optimal diet suppresses relaxing brainwaves.
And likewise, when we are tired during the day, the brainwaves which are
essential for mental performance are suppressed. It’s easy to see that if a

person’s brain is making the wrong frequency for a given situation, the

result will be detrimental to his/her ability to succeed at the task at hand.
The brain needs to flex with the various activities that one is engaging in.

The following chart demonstrates the positive as well as the negative
attributes of each brainwave frequency category.

[4]

BRAINWAVE FREQUENCIES

Frequency

Proper Expression

Improper Expression

Delta

1-4 Hz

Deep Sleep.

Deep axonal/glial injury.

Theta

5-7 Hz

Dreamy, pre-sleep,
hypnogogic, creativity.

ADHD, dementia, Closed­head injury-especially when
eyes-open.

Alpha

8-12 Hz

Main idling rhythm when
eyes are closed. Deep
meditation, 1st stage of
falling asleep, relaxed.

ADD, mild head injury, foggy­headed, too much alpha is
associated with internalized
anxiety.

Optimal Alpha

10.2-10.8 Hz

The best grad-students
have an eyes-closed alpha
here.

Near 11 Hz can bring on
anxiety and edginess.

Beta 1 / SMR

12-15 Hz

Relaxed attention, calm
body, involved in REM
sleep.

When continuously present,
can indicate Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome.

Beta 2

16-24 Hz

Active attention & sharp
mind.

Cannot fall asleep.

Beta 3

25-35 Hz

On high-alert, as when
under attack. Seen in flight­or fight response.

High physical tension and
anxiety. Cannot fall asleep or
reason well.

[5]

WHAT IS AVE?

Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) is a technique that provides pulses of light
and sound at specific frequencies in the brainwave range. Through the

process of entrainment (the tendency of one’s physiological processes to

mirror environmental stimuli), AVE is capable of producing situational
appropriate brainwave frequencies, increasing cerebral blood flow (blood
flow in the brain), and increasing the metabolization of glucose in the brain
for improved functioning of the neurons. The combined outcome of these
processes is improved mental performance.

THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF AVE

There are many benefits and positive effects caused by the use of AVE.
Several changes take place during and following an AVE session that lead to
these positive results. Over the next few pages, we will illustrate and discuss
the Four Cornerstones of AVE:

1. EEG ACTIVITY CHANGES

2. AVE INDUCES MEDITATIVE DISSOCIATION

3. CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW INCREASES

4. NEUROTRANSMITTERS CHANGE

[6]

THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF AVE

EEG ACTIVITY CHANGES

The concept of entrainment is about altering brainwave activity.
Quantitative EEG (QEEG) studies have confirmed the normalization of brain
activity following an AVE session. Aberrant brainwave activity in various
conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADD, seasonal affective disorder,
chronic fatigue, etc., may be restructured into healthier patterns. For more
information on brainwave frequencies see page 3.

EV OKE D PO TEN TIA LS AT VAR IOU S STI MUL ATION RATE S

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

Time (s)

3 Flashes/Second

7 Flashes/Second

10 Flashes/Second

18 Flashes/Second

[7]

THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF AVE

AVE INDUCES MEDITATIVE DISSOCIATION

Dissociating is the first step towards effective clearing of the mind and
meditation. This clearing of thoughts and loss of body awareness is similar
to what an experienced meditator would achieve (Glicksohn, 1986-87).

CO MPA RIN G AVE W ITH VA RIO US DISS OCI ATI VE TEC HNI QUES

The dissociative state can be first observed by noticing deep and
diaphragmatic breathing. Hands and feet become warmer as arteries dilate.
Skin color will become pinker as blood flow increases throughout the face
and body. This deep state of AVE-induced regeneration has proven to be
useful for many of the mental, emotional and physical challenges that nearly
all of us face at one time or another in our lives, including but not limited to:
anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, PMS, blood pressure, and chronic
fatigue, along with improved attention, learning and ADD/ADHD.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

AVE Dot Staring Stim Deprivation

Change in Dissociation Score

after using technique

High Dissociators

Low Dissociators

[8]

THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF AVE

CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW INCREASES

Most cognitive and emotional disorders (depression, ADHD, one type of
anxiety, cognitive decline in seniors/drug users) involve areas of the brain
that are low (hypoperfused) in blood flow. A 1985 study showed AVE
increased cerebral blood flow up to 28%, peaking at 7.8 Hz (Fox & Raichle,

1985).

CO MPA RIN G CE REB RAL BL OOD FL OW INCREAS ES

WI TH FLI CKE R FR EQU ENC Y

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Regional Cerebral Blood Flow

(% Change)

Stimulus Rate (Hz)

Visual Cortex

[9]

THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF AVE

NEUROTRANSMITTERS CHANGE

A 1989 study has shown that serotonin, norepinephrine and endorphins (all
positive neurotransmitters) increase, while melatonin, associated with
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is reduced following the use of AVE
(Shealy, et al., 1989).

NEUR OTRA NSM ITT ER CHAN GES

FO LLO WIN G AVE STI MULA TIO N A T 10 HZ.

Serotonin increases relaxation and boosts happiness and socialization. It
helps to moderate emotions such as depression, as well as sexual or violent
urges. Norepinephrine is crucial for a sharp mental focus. When a person is
low in serotonin, their norepinephrine often over-expresses dramatically,
producing violent tendencies, while impairing sleep, mental performance
and socialization. When both serotonin and norepinephrine are moderately
high, the person feels great, relaxed, sharp and in the mood for chatting!
This is called the “Festive Brain” as this is what humans love to do during
big festive events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Ramadan, etc.

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

Beta Endorphine
Serotonin
Norepinephrine
Melatonin

[10]

GETTING STARTED

COMPLETING THE PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

The purpose of this questionnaire is to give you a sense of how your stress
level, sleep patterns, nutrition, and other factors may be influencing your
mind and ultimately your quality of life. By quantifying your concerns, this
questionnaire can illuminate certain areas which may require adjustment,
and help you to decide which AVE stimulation category will be of most
benefit to you.

HOW TO USE THE PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

Follow the instructions at the top of each page of the questionnaire. Answer
the questions according to the time frame stated in each instruction section.
Tally your scores at the bottom of pages 13, 14 and 15. Then refer to page
18 & 19 of this guide to discover which Session Group is best for you.

YOU CAN VIEW THIS GUIDE ONLINE AT

https://mindalive.com/manuals/

[11]

PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

Prepared for Mind Alive Inc. by Brain Gym PR March, 2012

I. REST

1) Approximately, how many hours do you sleep at night?

 less than 3 hours
 4-6 hours
 7-9 hours

2) Do you sleep all night long without interruptions or

sleeplessness?

 Yes
 No

3) When you lay down to sleep, do you fall asleep within the first

half hour?

 Yes
 No

4) Do you take any medication for sleep?

 Yes Which one? __________ Since when? _____________
 No

5) Do you find yourself dwelling on a particular concern or worry

that interferes with your sleep?

 Yes. Specify: ____________________________
 No

6) When you wake up, do you feel tired?

 Always
 Often
 Sometimes
 Rarely

[12]

PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

II. LIFE EVENTS & SELF AWARENESS

Indicate any of the situations that have occurred to you within the last year
(or those which have happened to somebody very close to you).

 Divorce /Separation

 Disease or Hospitalization

 Loss of employment

 Pregnancy or birth of a child

 Change of duties at work

 Reconciliation

 Change of a supervisor

 Change of residence

 Problems with the law

 Economic problems

 Change of financial status

 Beginning a new job

 Difficulty raising children

 Beginning a new relationship

 Death of a relative (relation: ________________________________________)
 Other(s)_________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

[13]

PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

III. ANXIETY

Read carefully and identify the symptom(s) that you have experienced

during the last month. For each symptom, circle the number which indicates

the frequency at which you perceive that symptom.

0: Never

3: Most of the time

1: Rarely

4: Constant/Overwhelming

2: Some of the time

Symptoms

Frequency

Nagging thoughts

0 1 2 3 4

Negative thoughts or feelings about yourself

0 1 2 3 4

Feeling insecure

0 1 2 3 4

Fear that someone will notice your anxiety and what
might happen if it is noticed

0 1 2 3 4
Upset stomach

0 1 2 3 4

Sweating / Perspiration

0 1 2 3 4

Tremors or shakiness

0 1 2 3 4

Muscle Tension and discomfort

0 1 2 3 4

Palpitating or racy heart

0 1 2 3 4

Constant squirming (feet, hands, scratching, etc.)

0 1 2 3 4

Smoking, eating or drinking in excess

0 1 2 3 4

Avoiding social situations

0 1 2 3 4

Sensation of breathlessness

0 1 2 3 4

Feeling annoyed

0 1 2 3 4

Feeling irritable

0 1 2 3 4

Difficulty concentrating or maintaining focus

0 1 2 3 4

[14]

PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

IV. MOOD

Identify the symptom(s) that you have felt during the last two weeks.
For each symptom, circle the number which indicates the frequency at which
you perceive that symptom.

0: Never

2: Most of the time

1: Some of the time

3: Constant/Overwhelming

Symptoms

Frequency

Feelings of Sadness

0 1 2 3 Feeling Pessimistic

0 1 2 3 Feeling like a Failure

0 1 2 3 Lack of Pleasure

0 1 2 3 Feelings of Guilt

0 1 2 3 Feelings of being punished by life

0 1 2 3 Self-Critical

0 1 2 3 Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

0 1 2 3 Weeping or crying

0 1 2 3 Restlessness

0 1 2 3 Lack of interest in most everything

0 1 2 3 Difficulty in making decisions

0 1 2 3 Lack of self-appreciation

0 1 2 3 Lack of energy

0 1 2 3 Irritability

0 1 2 3 Changes in sleeping pattern

0 1 2 3 Changes of appetite

0 1 2 3 Difficulty with concentration

0 1 2 3 Fatigue

0 1 2 3 Loss of interest in sex

0 1 2

3

[15]

PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

V. DISENGAGEMENT

Identify the symptom(s) that you have felt during the past year.
For each symptom, circle the number which indicates the frequency at which
you perceive that symptom.

0: Never

2: Most of the time

1: Some of the time

3: Constant/Overwhelming

Symptoms

Frequency

Difficulty paying close attention to details

0 1 2 3 Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks

0 1 2 3 Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

0 1 2 3 Avoiding tasks that require mental effort

0 1 2 3 Losing things necessary for tasks or activities

0 1 2 3 Easily distracted

0 1 2 3 Difficulty following instructions and making mistakes

0 1 2 3 Forgetful in daily activities

0 1 2 3 Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

0 1 2 3 Always ‘‘on the go’’

0 1 2 3 Interrupts or intrudes on others

0 1 2 3 Difficulty waiting for one’s turn

0 1 2 3 Often late for events and appointments

0 1 2

3

[16]

PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

VI. NUTRITION

1) Do you include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet?

 No

 Yes How much? _______________________________

7) Do you eat green leaves or seaweed?

 No

 Yes How much? _______________________________

8) How many cups of water do you drink daily? ____________

9) Does your diet contain artificial colors, preservatives or

additives?

 No

 Yes

10) Do you drink sodas or carbonated drinks?

 No

 Yes How many cans/bottles daily?___________

11) Do you drink coffee or caffeinated drinks?

 No

 Yes How many cups per week? ______________

12) Do you smoke cigarettes or marijuana?

 No

 Yes How many per week? ____________________

13) Do you drink alcohol?

 No

 Yes How many drinks per week? ____________

14) Do you use white sugar and/or products with refined flours?

 No

 Yes

15) Do you need comfort foods (chocolate, fried food, red meat, etc.)

 No

 Yes What foods? _______________________________

16) Do you take vitamin supplements?

 No

 Yes

[17]

PERSONAL PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

VII. MEDICATIONS

Make a list of the pharmaceutical drugs that you are taking or have taken in
the past 6 months:

Condition

Medication

Diabetes

Thyroid

ADD/ADHD

Hypertension

Asthma

1) What have you done to feel better?

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

2) Have you visited a doctor, specialist or have you been in the

emergency room due to any of these symptoms?

 Yes
 No

If “Yes”, what was done to help you feel better?

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

[18]

CHOOSING A DAVID SESSION

Once you have calculated your scores for each section of the questionnaire, use
the following guide to determine which sessions may be of most benefit to you.
Select a session type based on whichever category (or categories) yielded the
highest scores, therefore indicating the greatest concern.

III. Anxiety – Try the Meditation and/or Feeling Better sessions.

If your anxiety keeps you up at night, consider the Sleep category as well.

IV. Mood – Try the Feeling Better and/or Meditation sessions.

V. Disengagement– Try a Brain Brightener and/or Energizer session.

FOR YOUR FIRST DAVID EXPERIENCE, WE OFTEN RECOMMEND THAT

YOU TRY AN “ALPHA BRAINWAVE” SESSION, SUCH AS THOSE FOUND IN
THE MEDITATION CATEGORY. YOU MAY EVEN WANT TO TRY A FEW
MEDITATION SESSIONS DURING YOUR FIRST WEEK, BEFORE MOVING ON
TO THE SESSION GROUP SUGGESTED BY THE QUESTIONNAIRE.

There is no harm in alternating between sessions and categories from one
day to the next until you find a protocol which works for you. For instance,

you can try an Energizer session one day and a Brain Brightener the
next. Or alternate between and .

This is a guideline only. You will discover which times work best for you.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

AVE Session & Protocol Guide

for Professionals

by Dave Siever

[19]

PERSONAL PROFILE INTERPRETATION

I. REST

This section helps to determine if you have particular worries or perhaps
nutritional/health issues, which may be interfering with your sleep.

IS MY INSOMNIA CAUSED BY STRESS OR A NUTRITIONAL ISSUE?

Good nutrition is absolutely necessary for good brain function! This is very
important in relation to sleep. To determine if you have a sleeping problem
that is caused by inadequate nutrition, first ask yourself these questions:

Is there a reoccurring theme to the thoughts which keep you up at
night? Is your mind filled with thoughts of issue s with your mate,
assignments or upcoming exams? Are you worrying about money
issues or perhaps concerned about something you saw in the news,
the state of the environment, health issues, or a personal crisis?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may have stress
issues. The DAVID can help soothe the mind and quiet troubling thoughts.

However, if your thoughts are just a bunch of random nonsense, then it’s
more likely that your insomnia is due to a nutritional issue. The following
supplements will almost always reduce, and often eliminate insomnia:

1) Vitamin D

3

2) Omega 3s

3) Minerals - particularly magnesium

4) B complex

See Page 22 for more information.

II. LIFE EVENTS & SELF AWARENESS

Depending on the extent of the stressors and/or major changes in your life,
symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, depression or mixed mood could simply be
evidence of adaptive behavior in response to stressful situations. However,
if your troubles persist beyond a reasonable time frame, given the initial
stressor, we recommend that you consult with a psychologist in case these
are symptoms of a larger-scale problem or clinical disorder.

Once you have identified the source of your symptoms, you can begin to
address the problem through AVE.

See Page 23 for session information.

[20]

III. ANXIETY

Total Scores

Result

0 – 16 points

Minimal symptoms of anxiety

16 – 20 points

Slight anxiety

21 – 30 points

Symptoms of moderate anxiety
Consider consulting a psychologist

31 – 64 points

Symptoms of severe anxiety
Consider consulting a psychologist

IV. MOOD

Total Scores

Result

0 – 13 points

Minimal depressive symptoms

14 – 19 points

Slight depressive symptoms

20 – 28 points

Moderate depressive symptoms

29 – 60 points

Severe depressive symptoms
Consider consulting a psychologist

Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) is an effective tool for dissociating a
depressed/anxious person out of his/her destructive thoughts, leaving them
with emotional neutrality and somatic re-stabilization (Siever, 2000). Even
with increasing anxiety, AVE has been shown to reduce heart rate and may
be used as a desensitization tool (Leonard & Telch, 2000). AVE also
increases norepinephrine and serotonin (Shealy, 1989).

See Page 23 for session information

[21]

PERSONAL PROFILE INTERPRETATION

V. DISENGAGEMENT

Total Scores

Result

0 – 10 points

Minimal symptoms of inattention

10 – 14 points

Possible mild ADD
Inattentive type

14 – 20 points

Possible mild ADD/ADHD
Hyperactive type.

21 – 30 points

Possible moderate ADD/ADHD
Hyperactive type

30 – 39 points

Very hyperactive
Severe ADHD symptoms.

An under-engaged mind over several years could be an indication of ADD or
ADHD (hyperactivity). If the symptoms have been of shorter duration, it
could be an indication of stress, depression, poor nutrition or eating a
typical sugary breakfast.

When people feel tired, depressed or foggy-headed, they often crave high
glycemic foods or simple carbohydrates such as pasta, cake, cookies,
doughnuts, chocolate, sugary breakfast cereals, etc. And although this will
temporarily perk up the brain for an hour or so, insulin will inevitably cause
your glucose levels to crash, and unfortunately, your temporary mental
alertness will crash along with it. Behaviorally, this often shows up as
anxiety, inattention, impulsiveness and grumpy behavior.

Intake of these high glycemic foods should be restricted whenever possible.
Most breakfast cereals contain simple sugars and have very little nutrition.
It’s better to eat a high protein breakfast such as ham & eggs, or peanut
butter on sprouted grain breads and cereals, as many people have difficulty
tolerating the gluten found in whole grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.

VI. NUTRITION

Evaluate your nutritional habits. Proper nutrition is a critical factor in
overall mental and physical health. Consult with your physician or dietician
if necessary.

[22]

NUTRITION

Ensuring proper daily intake of vitamins and good general nutrition is vital
for anyone trying to maintain optimum mental health. Most children and
adults have been found to be deficient in vitamin D, tryptophan and omega 3
as well as many other minerals. Recent studies have shown that fish oil
supplements have reduced the symptoms of ADD/ADHD more effectively
than stimulant drugs.

Poor nutrition can cause symptoms to occur in three of the major categories
of the personal profile questionnaire (Anxiety, Mood, and Disengagement).
Most issues involving the mind also involve a nutritional deficit of some sort.

THINGS YOU CAN DO:

1) Supplement with liquid vitamin D throughout the winter

• Liquid (oil-based) vitamin D

3

is the most effective form

• Dosage: If you have not been tanning or taking D

3

in the past 2­months, begin with 10,000IU/day for 2-weeks then reduce to
3000IU/day for the average woman and 4000 IU/day for the
average man. (Pure Encapsulations® is an excellent brand).

• Consult with your physician or get a test kit if you would like your

vitamin D levels tested.

• Refer to Dave’s article on vitamins for more information

2) Take Omega 3s, liquid minerals and Vitamin B complex

• 6 drops of a liquid trace mineral supplement like ConcenTrace®

• Only take Vitamin B complex with food. If you notice a stomach

ache after taking vitamin B complex, then you are taking too much.
Break your tablets in half or take less often.

3) Take iodine/iodide in the morning

• 1 drop of Iosol Iodine every other day or 1/10

of a tablet of

Iodorol® daily

4) Eat organic foods from Farmers’ Markets as much as possible

• Organic foods have been shown to contain 3-5 times more nutrition

than supermarket-bought foods.

YOU CAN FIND ARTICLES AND DISCUSSIONS ON NUTRITION

ON OUR WEBSITE AT www.mindalive.com

[23]

AVE SESSION GUIDE

ENERGIZER

These are best used upon wakening, as they have a tendency to wake a
person up and can act as a replacement for coffee. We recommend these
sessions be used only in the morning or as an energy boost before an
evening of socializing.

Those with ADD/ADHD will often fall asleep during Energizer sessions and
wake up completely relaxed. So, although we normally recommend that
these sessions be used in the morning, those with ADD/ADHD can try
running these sessions at bedtime if they need help falling asleep.

MEDITATE

Meditation sessions are designed to lower arousal levels associated with
frantic, unsettled thoughts and stress. They can be used at any time of day,
but are best used after lunch.

BRAIN BRIGHTENER

These sessions have been shown to boost concentration and memory.
We recommend using this category in the morning.

MOOD BOOSTER

These sessions have been proven to reduce depressed feelings and increase
happiness. They will also boost logical thinking and organizational abilities.
They are best used upon awakening as a way to start your day with a happy
disposition. However, they can also be helpful at bedtime.

SLEEP

These are best used at bedtime. For those on a modified sleep schedule
(such as shift workers), these may be used in the AM, before falling asleep

The low-frequency sessions such as Schumann, Paradise, Alpha-Theta are
best used when the issue involves a busy mind AND a tense body.

The SMR Sleep session is for those with a busy mind, but a relaxed body.
Many people are not often aware as to just how tense they are until they

find relief. Therefore, we generally suggest that people begin with the low­frequency sessions, and then move to the SMR type after a few weeks, once
the AVE has allowed their body to relax.

REFERENCES

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in striate cortex. Annals of Neurology , 17 (3), 303-305.
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18.5 Hz audiovisual stimulation on EEG amplitude at the vertex. Journal of
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Glicksohn, J. (1986-87). Photic driving and altered states of consciousness:
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Leonard, K., Telch, M., & Harrington, P. (2000). Fear response to dissociation
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Shealy, N., Cady, R., Cox, R., Liss, S., Clossen, W., & Veehoff, D. (1989). A
comparison of depths of relaxation produced by various techniques and
neurotransmitters produced by brainwave entrainment. Shealy and Forest
Institute of Professional Psychology. A study done for Comprehensive Health
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Siever, D. (2006). Audio-Visual Entrainment: Finding a treatment for post-
traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from Mind Alive Inc.

Siever, D. (2007). Chapter 7. In Audio-Visual Entrainment: History,

Physiology, and Clinical Studies. Handbook of Neurofeedback: Dynamics and
Clinical Applications (pp. 155-183).

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