It appeared that people trained in this way can indeed control their brain waves and produce Alpha rhythm when they choose to do so. This was determined in a study in which a group of twenty untrained students volunteered for an experiment in brain wave control. Half of the students were conditioned by a method similar to Pavlov s method of conditioning dogs. That is, when the subjects heard a click it signaled that a strobe light would elicit an Alpha frequency response in the EEG. Soon the click also elicited the Alpha frequency pattern in the subjects EEG readout.

 

The other ten subjects were trained by Mr. Silva with his system. Both groups showed EEG changes in the direction predicted: That is, both groups increased the percentage of Alpha frequency in their EEG.

 

At a later time a second experiment was done using subjects with considerable practice in the Silva system. These subjects could start and stop Alpha frequency responses at will and could carry on a conversation while generating Alpha rhythm. One further test was made on these more practiced subjects. Since these subjects had also had considerable experience in ESP exercises (case working), EEGs were recorded while they engaged in ESP exercises. These EEG patterns also showed a high incidence of Alpha frequency.

 

It seems from these studies that with training, man can exercise a good deal of voluntary control over his internal organs. This holds true for the brain if we accept the electrical responses of that organ as being an indicator of its function. It also suggests that much more research is needed to determine the correlates of the physiological and mental-emotional states and the training procedures required to make the most of voluntary psycho “physiological self” regulation.

 

A better understanding of the significance of Silva training may be emerging from research on the physiology of the brain, as reported by neurobiologist Dr. Rodger W. Sperry and his colleagues in Los Angeles. These and other scientists have developed laboratory and clinical evidence for the existence of two distinct kinds of consciousness functioning separately but simultaneously within the brains of humans. The one kind of consciousness deals with sequential, logic dependent thinking activities such as mathematics and speech. It is functionally a product of the left hemisphere of the cortex. The other kind is associated with the right hemisphere and accounts for holistic and spontaneously creative, intuitive thinking, with an appreciation for spatiality and music.

 

The left hemisphere consciousness dominates most of our every day living and is favored even by the educational system as well as by the societal attitudes of the Western world. It is objectively oriented, and usually associated with the generation of much Beta brain wave activity. Right hemisphere consciousness seems to be primarily subjective, receives secondary consideration in our education, and finds its greatest expression in the arts. It is generally accompanied by Alpha or Theta brain wave emanation.

 

 (CONTINUED)

 

Silva Method Dynamics Center

Silva Mental Dynamics Center