A/V Stim MindSpa Operating manual

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A/V Stim, LLC
Instruction and Use Guide
Self Improvement . Performance . Learning
Relaxation . Rejuvenation
Personal Development System
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Important Notice: special considerations before beginning use
About Ruth Olmstead - MindSpa author
Package contents
How to begin
Features & Operation
session mode
countdown timer
time remaining display
pause/stop
light and volume settings
gentle on/off
visual stimulation glasses
sound
auto off function
auxiliary input
AudioStrobe®mode
Operation diagram
Introduction to programs
How to gain maximum benefit
About auditory and visual stimulation
How AVS technology is applied
Type of results AVS offers
Program use and description
Program purpose : Overview
How to use MindSpa programs: Process I & II
Program Description
Program 1 Recharge 10 minutes
Program 2 Relaxation 22 minutes
Program 3 Attention / Focus 21 minutes
Program 4 Cognitive Enhancement 22 minutes
Program 5 Activation 22 minutes
Program 6 Integration 22 minutes
Program 7 Rest / Rejuvenation 35 minutes
Additional advice for use and care
Frequently asked questions
Limited Warranty and release from liability
Optional premium white light glasses
Contact information
Return/repair instructions

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Special considerations before beginning use
The use of MindSpa is safe for most people as no serious side effects are known.
However, there are few particular cases where MindSpa should only be used with
the prior approval and monitoring of a medical or health care professional.
• Persons suffering from any sort of serious medical condition, including epilepsy,
brain injury, mental impairments, visual photosensitivity. Those with serious
physical conditions including those using a pacemaker or suffering cardiac
arrhythmia or other heart disorders must consult with a medical
professional before beginning use.
• Use with children or minors only with prior parental consent and monitoring.
• Do not use while on medication or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Discontinue use if experiencing any sort of adverse reactions such as dizziness,
migraine, or severe anxiety. Please consult with a medical professional,
if these symptoms occur.
A/V Stim, LLC, and Ruth Olmstead make no implicit or overt claims for cure or treatment of
any medical or psychological disorders. No expressed or implied medical claims are made for
A/V Stim products. These products should not be used for the relief of any medical
or psychological condition.

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Remove the back cover and install three AAA batteries (not included).
For best performance, use alkaline batteries.
Plug the Visual Stimulation glasses into the jack located on the left side of the unit.
Plug the headphones into the upper jack located on the right side of the unit.
Be sure all plugs are pushed firmly into the jacks.
The On / Off switch is located on the left side below the glasses output jack.
Turn on and choose one of seven sessions by pressing the Session Up / Down button.
Press the Start / Stop / Pause button to begin. The session begins after a ten
second countdown. When the session begins, you may adjust volume and lights
to a comfortable level.
Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Close your eyes. As you begin your session take
several slow, deep breathes to induce a calm and relaxed state and release any
muscle tension you may feel.
About Ruth Olmstead, MA - MindSpa Session Author
The seven proprietary MindSpa sessions were developed by Ruth Olmstead, MA,
a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology, and among the handful of recognized experts
in the field of Auditory and Visual Stimulation (AVS). She has extensive experience treating
children and adults diagnosed with learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and a number
of neurological disorders.
Ms. Olmstead is certified in the application of electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback,
and for twelve years has researched, developed, and published a number of specific
intervention protocols in the application of AVS. Additionally, she trains licensed therapists
in the clinical application of AVS. Ms. Olmstead currently maintains a full-time practice
in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area.
Package Contents
The MindSpa system includes the following components:
Microprocessor-based control unit with seven proprietary sessions
High-response audio headphones
Visual Stimulation Glasses
Audio patch cord
Instruction and Use Guide
1 Year Limited warranty
How to begin

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Features & Operation
This section will help familiarize you with the various easy-to-use features. For further
advice, or if you have any difficulties using MindSpa, refer to the Frequently Asked
Questions section at the end of the manual.
Session Mode
The current session is displayed when the unit is turned on. To choose a different
session, press the up or down buttons located on the left front of the unit. When
you find the session you want press the Start / Stop / Pause button to begin.
Note: Hold either button down for one second to automatically run through the
different sessions, volume, or light intensity settings.
Countdown Timer
Once you press the Start/Stop/Pause button the display will begin a ten second
countdown. This provides time to comfortably position yourself. You may override
the ten second countdown by pressing the button a second time. This will cause
the session to begin immediately.
Time Remaining Display
When the session begins the display will show the minutes and seconds remaining.
A small arrow on the display will indicate the session is active.
Pause / Stop
To pause during a session, briefly press the Start/Stop/Pause button. To continue
the session, press the button again. You may stop a session by holding the button
down for two seconds, or by simply turning the unit off.
Light and Volume Settings
The light and volume controls may be adjusted from a setting of 1 – 16. A small
headphone or glasses logo will be displayed with the current setting. Start by setting
to brightness and volume levels at a low, comfortable level. Adjust to slightly higher
levels when bright light or outside noise is present. We recommend beginning with
level 8 to 10 and gradually increase or decrease as you become more familiar
with the unit.

Gentle On / Off
Each session begins and ends gradually. This feature allows the volume and
light intensity to gently increase and decrease over several seconds to improve
personal comfort level.
Visual Stimulation Glasses
For best results use with your eyes closed in low ambient light conditions.
Treat the Visual Stimulation lenses with care as they will damage if abused or
mishandled. On occasion, gently clean the glasses with a clean, soft, slightly
damp cloth. The arms on the visual stimulation glasses are adjustable. To adjust:
hold firmly by the inner arm and gently pull or push. Adjust so they fit comfortably
close to your face. If necessary, periodically lightly tighten the arm screws.
Sound
The MindSpa sessions utilize specific tones to help enter the proper mind state.
Always use the headphones provided with your unit, or other good quality
headphones set at low to moderate levels.
Battery Saving Auto-Off Feature
To preserve batteries, the unit will automatically turn itself off when it sits idle for
five minutes. To reset, return the On/Off switch to the Off position and then back
to the On position. The last session will be displayed. When the batteries run low,
a small battery icon will appear in the display indicating it is time to replace the
batteries; otherwise you may begin to experience erratic operation.
Auxiliary Input
You can enhance the effect of your sessions at times by playing special music
or spoken tapes and compact discs designed for relaxation or learning along with
the sessions. When working in combination with recorded material, you may play
the tone slightly above or at the same level as the recorded material you are
listening to. Both should be kept at a moderate level.
Plug the audio patch cord into the auxiliary jack, located on the lower right-hand
side. Plug the other end into your compact disc player or cassette headphone
output jack. Set the volume at a low to mid-range level and start the player
when you begin your session. Once you begin, the Aux In symbol
will be displayed.
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AudioStrobe is a patented technology developed in Germany. AudioStrobe
synchronizes precisely timed pulses of light with music for a unique sensory
experience. When specially encoded compact discs are played through MindSpa,
the AudioStrobe circuit converts the encoded digital signals into light pulses.
These digital signals are recorded above the range of normal hearing so full recording
fidelity is maintained.
To use the AudioStrobe mode: Place an AudioStrobe encoded disc in your
CD player. Then attach one end of the patch cord, included with MindSpa, to the
headphone output of your CD player. The other end goes into the auxiliary jack.
Press and hold the Backlight button for approximately two seconds until the letters
"AS" are displayed. This indicates MindSpa is now in AudioStrobe mode.
1. Begin by setting your CD player volume to about ¾ of maximum.
2. Disable bass boost if your player has this feature.
3. Light adjustments are made via the light intensity setting. Start it at level 12 or above.
4. When the program has started, adjust the volume setting to a comfortable level.
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Using the AudioStrobe Mode
MindSpa Operation Diagram
Note: The AudioStrobe mode overrides the auto-off feature, so remember
to manually turn off your unit when you complete your session.
*Please visit www.audiostrobe.com for a list of titles.
Glasses Jack
On / Off Switch
Light Intensity
(up / down)
Session Select
Headphone Jack
Auxiliary Input
Backlight / Audio StrobeTM
Start / Pause / Stop
Volume Control
(up / down)
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Now, also practice muscle awareness exercises by relaxing your facial muscles
your limbs and your back. Start at the top and work down through every part of
your body. As you breathe for relaxation, pay attention to your body and become
aware of any tension you feel, then just let go of it. Allow your mind to drift away
from any concerns or anxiety you feel at the moment.
Introduction to Programs
The MindSpa Performance Development System by A/V Stim is designed to help
adults and children to sharpen and improve mental performance.
The seven proprietary programs in MindSpa, developed by leading clinical therapist
Ruth Olmstead employ precise frequencies of flickering lights, coupled with specific
rhythms. The pleasant sensory input has been found to help you begin to gain
desired results in a few sessions.
How to gain maximum benefit from the MindSpa
Use as instructed and develop a regular routine. Find a comfortable sitting or
reclining position. Use your MindSpa in a quite place where you will not be disturbed.
Set the volume low enough just to be comfortably heard. Set the light intensity at
a level that is bright but comfortable for you. As you enter each session, allow the
thoughts in your mind to float freely. This is a special time for deep relaxation.
After the first few minutes you will begin to feel yourself entering a calm, focused
state of awareness. Just let go! It is natural to drift into a light sleep as this is part
of the MindSpa process.
You may optionally use relaxing music with your session. You may connect it through
the unit via the auxiliary input, or directly into your tape or CD player, bypassing the
unit. Learning, self-help and visualization programs are also an excellent addition to
your sessions. Contact your distributor or visit our website,
www.avstim.com for more information.
When you begin your sessions, learn to breathe deeply for relaxation and tension
reduction through your diaphragm. To practice this method, place your hand on
your stomach, it should move up and down while you chest remains relatively still.
Breathe in slowly and deeply then hold for a count of three, and breathe out slowly
and completely, after a few moments begin the process again. With practice your
rhythmic breathing will become an automatic response.

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The technology of auditory and visual stimulation is expanding. New information
becomes available on a regular basis and can be found on our website at
www.avstim.com. Please visit us for additional information and useful links.
About auditory and visual stimulation
Auditory and visual stimulation (AVS) is a fairly recently developed method of mind
stimulation and training that has evolved from the study and use of biofeedback,
a training procedure that can enable a person to alter physiological responses to
induce a desired state of mind.
How AVS technology is applied
Auditory and visual stimulation is introduced primarily through the optic nerve and
ears by means of computerized technology. This technology is applied to the individual
through the use of specially designed glasses inset with light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
set at specific angles and distances from the eye to optimize desired effect. These
lights flash at predetermined frequencies, and are coupled with specific tones that
are received through headphones.
The light emitting from the glasses and rate of the flicker introduced by way of the
optic nerve causes the mind to match the set rate of flickering, depending on the
preferred outcome, to a desired frequency. The induction method by which this
occurs is known as Frequency Following Response (FFR). Unlike biofeedback,
where the object is for the user to deliberately try to calm or train mental activity,
passive AVS inducement occurs directly to the mind without the conscious
effort of the user.
Type of results AVS offers
The induction into higher states has been found to increase mental activity, while the
induction of lower states has been found to reduce mental activity, feelings of anxiety
or stress, and promote deep relaxation. A faster mental state induced by faster
flickering of the LED lights is theorized to provide enhanced mental activity
which can result in cognitive improvement.
Where to learn more