A Light/Sound Syntheisizer or Mind Machine is a microprocessor controlled device designed to create relaxation or other mood changing effects through the use of sound and light stimulation. The user puts on headphones and stimulation light frames, selects a session, and sits back and enjoys the experience, which can be for relaxation, stimulation, meditation or just plain fun depending on the session.

What are the features of a typical system?

A system consists of a light/sound synthesizer or PC (Futuremind), stereo headphones, and stimulation light frames. Light/sound sessions direct the synthesis, creating a carefully composed sequence of rhythmic light and sound patterns. The tone, frequency, pitch and other parameters of the light and sound stimulation vary the effect, just as different styles of music do. Many light and sound products have computer interface cababilities that allow additional sessions to be downloaded, for continual growth and variety.

Why do they work?

Perhaps better questions are: "Why do we enjoy music... why is a flickering flame hypnotic?" Light/sound systems are the technological synthesis of centuries of exploration and a few years of neurological experiments. They capture the essence of how we relax, enjoy a good song, or visualize the presence of a communal campfire. All without driving to the woods or hiring a band.

If you are searching for relaxation, for the elusive moments of calmness and clarity, for a quick break in a hectic life, these tools are a fresh approach that are working for a lot of people and most likely will work for you. Your mind and your body work better when calm, and not stressed, relaxation is good for you.