Having just returned from a retreat evaluating brain waves and the impact different modalities had on them it seemed seamless to explore the theta chamber right here in OKC. When I found out it involved spinning in a pod my first reaction was… no way am I getting in that pod! I am the first one that is car sick and always have to sit at the front. Being on a boat in the ocean is iffy if we are stopped and just rocking. Just the thought of getting in the pod and spinning was making me queasy. But I went mainly to learn about this modality and what I learned surprised me. And, yes I did get in and try it out and I will share my experience later in this newsletter. First, you really need to hear about all the incredible ways this technology is being used.
Before I go too far let’s talk about what theta waves are. Theta waves are a type of brain wave that are involved in cognition and behavior. They are present during sleep (the vivid dreams during REM, when you just drift off to sleep or just before waking) and wakefulness (during states of deep relaxation and internal focus such as meditation, prayer, daydreaming, etc).
They are thought to play a role in processing information, making memories and learning. Many of us have trouble getting into a deep relaxed state so technology has been trying to target. When you induce a theta wave state in your brain, learning and healing is enhanced.
READ ON and I will tell you my experience! This is a terrific modality for anxiety, depression, insomnia, addictions, PTSD and so many more conditions. READ ON for a more comprehensive list….
Introducing the theta chamber. This chamber is very unique in that is operates using several different modalities all at the same time:
- Binaural Beats – this is a sound pulse which is played through a headset. According to studies it can help sync the hemispheres in your brain and lead to deep relaxation.
- Vestibular motion – This motion purposely detaches the brain from a sense of time and space. This helps enhance the biomagnetic flow where your thoughts and emotions reside. It is felt by doing this it allows your brain the opportunity to learn a new pattern. Also, may assist in balancing the inner ear.
- Cranial electrotherapy stimulation – accomplished by clipping electrodes to your ear lobe and pulsing a vibrational frequency which helps encourage the release of your neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin which may help with depression, insomnia and anxiety.
- Visual light pattern stimulation – glasses you wear emit a certain wavelength of light in a variety of patterns. This aides in achieving the theta state but more importantly it helps trigger new thought patterns. Research has helped guide different characteristics of the light form and used to help depression, insomnia, addictions and lift mood in general.
There are many conditions the Theta chamber may help.
- Addictions of most any kind (drugs, alcohol, porn, gambling etc) ! This is a strong suit of this chamber. Studies show in addicted individuals the theta waves are altered and this is one of the reasons it is so difficult to continue to be free from whatever addition you have.
- Memory/focus/concentration
- Stress reduction
- Parkinsons
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Weight control
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Stress
- Mental health issues like bipolar, OCD, PTSD
- MS/cerebral palsy/neurological issues
Who is NOT a candidate for this?
- If you have a pacemaker or an electrical stimulation device embedded
- Seizure disorder (this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis)
This is for all ages. If you have a young child, the parent gets in the chamber at the same time.
The treatment lasts 30 minutes. You will climb into the pod and lie down with your eyes closed. A headset is placed over your ears, clips are attached to your ears and goggles are placed over your eyes. The pod has the ability to circulate air inside and this is optional. I was given a button I could push if I wanted the pod to stop and needed to get out at any time. Music/binaural beats and flashes of light start as the pod is starting to rotate. I was told if I can get thru the first 15 seconds I would be able to do the entire treatment and she was right! When the pod first started spinning I could tell my equilibrium was off but this sensation went away very quickly. It was replaced with a gentle rocking motion (not as extreme as on a boat). The entire process was very relaxing and when it came to a stop I didn’t feel it slowing down at all. When I got out, I was surprised that I wasn’t dizzy or had any spinning sensation. I was very relaxed when I finished and this persisted throughout the day.
Treatment protocols vary depending on what you are wanting to focus on. For the best results, repeated sessions are recommended and they will tailor your program to you.
If you have persistent issues in the categories listed above then it would be worth your while to explore this modality. Check out oktheta website for more info!
To your health,
Laura