Method and apparatus for inducing a pre-hypnotic state

Abstract

A device for inducing a pre-hypnotic state of profound relaxation in an individual is disclosed wherein the individual's mind is receptive to suggestion. The device is characterized in that biofeedback signals from the individual are used to produce a plurality of pulsed physical stimuli having a frequency of twice that of the heartbeat rate of the individual. The device includes a heartbeat sensor for producing a first pulse signal, the pulses of which correspond with the heartbeat of the individual. An interpolation device is connected with the heartbeat sensor to produce a second pulse signal, the pulses of which occur midway in time between successive pairs of heartbeat pulses, respectively. The interpolation device includes a voltage ramp generator responsive to the first pulse signal to produce a linear voltage ramp output the peaks of which are in synchronization with the pulses of the first signal, respectively, the amplitude of the voltage peaks corresponding with the heartbeat rate of the individual. The interpolation device further includes a peak detector for sensing the peaks of the voltage ramp output and a comparator connected with the peak detector for sensing the midpoint of the voltage ramp output between successive peaks to produce the second pulse signal. A physical stimulus device having a pair of inputs connected with the heartbeat sensor and the interpolation device, respectively, produces a pulsed physical stimulus in response to the first and second signals and having a frequency of twice the heartbeat rate of the individual. Application of such a biofeedback pulsed physical stimulus induces a pre-hypnotic state of profound relaxation in the individual.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.