About Mind/Body Consultant Services & Protocols

Protocols: Photic Stimulation

Description: Eye-covering, sleep-style mask with miniature flickering lights imbedded worn for 15 minute periods at various frequencies and light intensities.

Method of Action: A series of open-label studies conducted at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London England and reported in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found a median reduction in premenstrual symptoms of 76%. Electroencephalogram studies show increased delta activity and slower P300 evoked response during the premenstrual period. Photic stimulation with flickering light may to counteract this brain change. Alternative theories suggest photic stimulation corrects insufficient cerebral blood flow. Photic stimulation has been shown to cause alterations in endorphin levels.

Indications and Usage: Thought to be effective for "slow brainwave disorders" including: Migraine; Pre-menstrual symptoms; and chronic fatigue syndrome. May have applications for generalized anxiety, stress reduction, attention deficit disorders, and chronic pain management.

Contraindications: Do not use this product if you are pregnant or lactating without first seeking advice from your physician.

Dosage and Administration: All sessions are 15 minutes in duration. For Migraine - Use daily prior to bedtime as a preventive measure. Also, can be used at the onset of migraine symptoms. For migraines not proceeded by visual disturbances or other warning signs use on dimmest setting with fastest frequency. For migraines with prodromal warning signs use at built-in settings. It may take several 15 minute sessions to terminate or lesson a migraine. For PMS - Use daily at bedtime from mid-cycle through first signs of menstruation. Follow instructions included with device.

Clinical Effect In: Device has both immediate and long-term preventive effects.

Adverse Reactions: If you suspect that an herb or other supplement is making you sick, call the FDA's MedWatch hotline at 800-332-1088 or contact the agency via its website at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Known Interactive Effects: May interact with other forms of photic stimulation such as high intensity lights used for the treatment of Season Affective Disorder. Can be used in conjunction with neurofeedback training especially for attention deficit problems.

Additional Considerations: Device will return to standard "Anderson Protocol A" settings each time it is turned off and then back on again. Batteries last for 20-30 sessions. Available through LightMask Ltd. 1-800-576-8038 or e-mail or their website at http://www.lightmask.com, P.O. Box 25632, London N10 3ZA, UK

Warnings: The information above is provided for educational purposes and may not be construed as a medical prescription or as a substitute for the advice of your physician. Do not use these products without first consulting your physician especially if you are pregnant or lactating. Be advised that some herbs and dietary supplements can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals and may also have an adverse result in conjunction with other medications, or treatments.

Back to Protocols >>