EEG correlates of attention in humans

 

 F.J. BREMNER - F. MORITZ - V. BENIGNUSH

 

 J.W. Hahn, Ph.D., Director of Research,

Silva International    

 

This research was done to demonstrate the capacity of the Silva Graduate to produce Alpha brain wave rhythm voluntarily, and the compatibility of it with the conscious production of images.

 

TRINITY UNIVERSITY SAN ANTONIO TEXAS, 1972

 

Until recently, scientists have been extremely critical of reports claiming that Yogis have learned to deliberately regulate their heartbeat, body temperature, and other internal body processes normally considered to be of an involuntary nature. Largely ignored also were reports that some subjects in deep states of hypnosis (an altered state of consciousness) could by suggestion be made to effect changes of a physiological nature normally considered not to be under voluntary control: For example, the raising of blisters and control of heart rate.

 

With the introduction of (bio) feedback techniques, the scientist has come to recognize during the last several years that almost any internal body process can be brought under control. Biofeedback techniques are based on the principle that we learn to respond correctly if we are immediately informed (feedback) of the correctness of the response or how close we are to responding correctly.

 

Using rewards as a feedback device in animals, psychologist Dr. Neal Miller, currently of Rockefeller University, demonstrated that heart rate changes could be achieved by voluntary control. Dr. Elmer Green, at the Menninger Foundation, showed that by using biofeedback, humans could learn to differentially control the temperature of their hands  either hand hot, the other cold.

 

In the wake of brain wave biofeedback experiments of Dr. Kamiya, of the Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute, researchers have shown that these methods are effective in teaching individuals to control their brain wave Alpha rhythm (8-13 Hz) voluntarily.

 

Other less laboratory oriented techniques have also been used to control internal body organs. For instance, the technique of transcendental meditation attempts to produce a relaxation of internal organs including the brain.

 

Another system by which subjects can produce relaxation and control of brain waves is the Silva system. Persons who have taken the Silva courses report a sensation of deep relaxation and a belief that they can control their brain waves. These claims were tested in 1971 by Dr. F. J. Bremner, psychologist at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

 

 (CONTINUED)

 

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