Preface

Biofeedback is the process by which a person learns to influence involuntary body processes to receive physiological data from an electronic device that continuously monitors certain physiological parameters. It is a way of measuring the response to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual stresses of life. Bodies under high stress are more prone to physical discomfort and even illness. The biofeedback response occurs when the body receives new information about its status (i.e., get 'feedback') and makes healthy adjustments to reduce stress and tension. The result is a reduction of nervous activity and increased vitality. Users of the feedback report a greater sense of well-being and joy.

Biofeedback instruments measure muscle activity, skin temperature, electro-dermal activity (sweat gland activity), respiration, heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, brain electrical activity and blood flow. There are many types of biofeedback, such as GSR, EEG, EMG, CT, MRI, etc. These technologies are able to capture analog electrical signals from the body and translate those signals into meaningful information through complex algorithmic software that a technician can then decipher. Research shows that biofeedback, alone and in combination with other therapies behavior is effective for treating a variety of medical and psychological disorders. Biofeedback is currently used by doctors, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other professionals.

Biofeedback is based on electrical measurements taken from the front (frontal cortex). When this information is presented to the patient, he tries to consciously change his internal reactions to modify electrical results.

Monroe, who is considered the creator of neurotechnology, proposed the method HEMI-SYNC (Synchronization of the cerebral hemispheres by means of sounds) for psychotherapy. The principle of this method states that when a pure tone is emitted, the brain resonates when it receives certain frequencies of waves and is synchronized with them; this effect is known as FFR (Frequency Following Response).

Machines created based on FFR began to be popular in the 80s; the typical machine is based on the principle of Monroe using stereo headphones that are used separately to send sound signals to each ear, for example, 2 signals of 300 and 304 Hz; in one ear only 300 Hz signal will be heard and in the other, only 304 Hz, but since the sounds are combined in the brain, the third signal of 4 Hz will be heard, which is the difference between the two sound impulses. This third signal is not an audible sound but an electrical signal that can only be created by the cerebral hemispheres acting in unison and may go unnoticed; this is because the two hemispheres are focused simultaneously on the same state of consciousness, thus increasing the brain power and inducing it to a different state of consciousness.

The Monroe Institute was created based on the principles of Monroe. The neurotechnology of the Monroe Institute is a system that mixes sequences of sound patterns designed to evoke beneficial brainwave states for different human states of consciousness. Neurotechnology is typically used to tune brainwaves into any range brainwave. With these machines, you may experience theta, alpha, delta waves or combinations of ranges using layered frequencies that mix several ranges of brainwave in a synergistic brainwave pattern. Theta brainwaves have been associated with an altered state of consciousness by many research studies.

Transpersonal psychotherapy that is based on transpersonal psychology considers that the psyche is multidimensional and there are several “levels of consciousness,” and each has different characteristics and is governed by different laws. As contrary to psychoanalysis, transpersonal psychology does not deny other schools of thinking.

Transpersonal psychology is the study of human nature and development based on the assumption that human beings possess potentials that exceed the limits of ego developed normally. The main goal of transpersonal theory is to integrate the spiritual experience within a broader understanding of the human psyche and consciousness.

A human being experiences different altered states of consciousness. Thus, we find pathological states of consciousness, such as in the case of severe depression, especially in the case of psychosis; states of consciousness, such as deep hypnosis produced by hallucinogenic drugs like LSD, and even altered states of consciousness common due to the practice of yoga, such as is the case of mystical ecstasy. Stanley Krippner defines altered states of consciousness as mental states that can be subjectively recognized by an individual or by an objective observer as being different in mental functions, the normal state of the individual, the alertness and the wakefulness. In fact, twenty states have been provisionally identified, with considerable overlap, as worthy of further study.

Altered states of consciousness have been used as psychotherapy in transpersonal psychology. One of these techniques is known as holotropic breathwork that is achieved through hyperventilation, which involves the individual breathing deeply and rapidly for several minutes. Stanislov Grof, through this technique, causes a crisis that leads to an altered state of consciousness and allows the study of the consciousness of the individual through that new state. Stanislav Grof uses the experiential healing power of this new state of consciousness to cure his patients.

Neurotechnology offers an alternative way to induce an altered state of consciousness for transpersonal therapy that can be easily implemented with the use of computer technology. With the use of biofeedback, we can measure altered states of consciousness and help train individuals to achieve these states.

Altered states of consciousness cover transpersonal experiences that involve an expansion of consciousness beyond the limits of time and space. Altered states of consciousness allow us to answer the questions of who we really are and why we are here.

This book introduces the use of biofeedback and neurotechnology for the reader (transpersonal therapist) to induce and measure altered states of consciousness to deal with mental conditions that can benefit from self-exploration and self-realization of consciousness states that could be responsible for the mental condition of the patient.

Declared none.