A/V Stim MindSpa Operating manual

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©A/V Stim, LLC
MindSpa
Personal Development System®
Self Improvement • Performance •
Learning • Relaxation • Rejuvenation
Instruction and Use Guide

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TableofContents
IMPORTANT NOTICE: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BEGINNING USE ......... 4
ABOUT RUTH OLMSTEAD,PH.D. - MINDSPA AUTHOR ....................................... 5
PACKAGE CONTENTS ................................................................................................ 5
HOW TO BEGIN .......................................................................................................... 5
FEATURES &OPERATION ......................................................................................... 6
SESSION MODE ........................................................................................................... 6
COUNTDOWN TIMER .................................................................................................. 6
TIME REMAINING DISPLAY .......................................................................................... 6
PAUSE/STOP ................................................................................................................. 6
LIGHT AND VOLUME SETTINGS .................................................................................. 6
GENTLE ON/OFF ......................................................................................................... 6
VISUAL STIMULATION GLASSES ................................................................................ 7
SOUND ........................................................................................................................ 7
AUTO OFF FUNCTION ................................................................................................. 7
AUXILIARY INPUT ...................................................................................................... 7
USING AUDIOSTROBE® MODE ............................................................................... 8
OPERATION DIAGRAM ............................................................................................... 8
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMS ................................................................................ 9
HOW TO GAIN MAXIMUM BENEFIT ........................................................................... 9
ABOUT AUDITORY AND VISUAL STIMULATION ....................................................... 10
HOWAVSTECHNOLOGY IS APPLIED ...................................................................... 10
TYPE OF RESULTS AVS OFFERS ............................................................................... 10
HOW TO USE MINDSPA PROGRAMS: ...................................................................... 11
CONDITIONING AND RELAXATION ............................................................................11
MINDSPA FREQUENCIES ........................................................................................... 12
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ..........................................................................................13
RELAXATION PROGRAMS ......................................................................................... 13
PROGRAM 1ALPHA RECHARGE 10 MINUTES ......................................... 13
PROGRAM 2LIGHT ALPHA RELAXATION 22 MINUTES .......................... 13
PROGRAM 3DEEP ALPHA RELAXATION I 23 MINUTES ......................... 13
PROGRAM 4DEEP ALPHA RELAXATION II 23 MINUTES ........................ 13
PROGRAM 5THETA INDUCTION I 24 MINUTES ........................................ 13
PROGRAM 6THETA INDUCTION II 23 MINUTES ...................................... 13
PROGRAM 7THETA INDUCTION III 30 MINUTES ..................................... 13
PROGRAM 8THETA INDUCTION IV 40 MINUTES ..................................... 13
STIMULATION PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS ................................ 14
PROGRAM 9MEMORY ENRICHMENT 21 MINUTES ................................. 14
PROGRAM 10 COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 22 MINUTES ............................. 14
PROGRAM 11 ADVANCED ATTENTION FOR CHILDREN 35 MINUTES ......... 14
PROGRAM 12 STIMULUS REDUCTION/ADVANCED FOCUS 35 MINUTES ... 14
ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR USE AND CARE .............................................................. 15
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ..............................................................................16
LIMITED WARRANTY AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY ........................................... 17
OPTIONAL CALMBLUE DEEP RELAXATION GLASSES ............................................. 18
CONTACT INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 18
RETURN/REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................... 18
QUICK START GUIDE ................................................................................BACK PAGE

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ImportantNotice:
Specialconsiderationsbeforebeginninguse
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 profes-
sional.
• Persons suffering from any sort of serious medical
condition, including epilepsy, brain injury, mental impair-
ments, 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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AboutRuthOlmstead,MA-MindSpaSessionAuthor
The seven proprietary MindSpa sessions were developed by Ruth Olmstead, Ph.D.,
holds her degree in Clinical Psychology, and is 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.
Dr. 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. Dr. Olmstead currently
maintains a full-time practice in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area.
PackageContents
The MindSpa system includes the following components:
o Microprocessor-based control unit with twelve proprietary sessions
o High-response audio headphones
o Visual Stimulation Glasses
o Audio patch cord
o Instruction and Use Guide
o 1 Year manufacturer’s limited warranty
Howtobegin
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.

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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 turn 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
comfortlevel.

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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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Using the AudioStrobe® Mode
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 SportsLink,
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.
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.
MindSpaOperationDiagram

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IntroductiontoPrograms
The MindSpa Performance Development System® by A/V Stim is designed to help
adults and children to sharpen and improve mental performance.
The twelve proprietary programs in MindSpa, developed by leading clinical
psychologist Ruth Olmstead, Ph.D. 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.
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.

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Aboutauditoryandvisualstimulation
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
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.