Customer Reviews

emWave PC Stress Relief System

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This latest version of Freeze-Framer is an excellent tool for the home user to practice relaxation and learn to synchronize the two branches of the autonomic nervous system. In HearthMath terms this state is called high coherence and represents a heart rate variability pattern where the sympathetic (excitatory) and parasympathetic (calming) parts of the autonomic nervous system are in balance. In more simple terms, it represents a state of less chaos in the nervous system which simply means we are in an optimum state that favors good health.

With respect to the software itself, it has a nice user interface, is easy to use and you don't have to have a technical or medical background to get the full benefit from it. In fact, you don't have to understand the technology at enjoy the benefits! That's one of the things I most like.

This software is particularly good for people who are working with stress management, pranayama, meditation or other relaxation techniques and want to see the affects on their nervous system and heart. How it does this is by exploiting monitoring heart rate variability from moment-to-moment. By practicing meditation, various breathing techniques or relaxation exercises one can see the affects on the nervous system as manifested in changes in heart rate variability (HRV). This data is shown graphically along with other useful information such as the percentage of time spent in the session in high, medium and low coherence. There is also graphical and audio feedback to let you know whether you are in high, medium or low coherence in a given moment. You can also measure pulse waves and see your pulse rate at any given time.

This software also allows you to save past sessions, change many options and increase the thresholds for the various states of coherence. This allows you to keep things challenging as you get better at achieving a state of balance. There are also a variety of games available for you to practice your skills outside of the main program.

This package also comes with some useful tutorials and good online help. It is very simple to use and doesn't have a busy or complicated user interface or instructions. I do a fair amount of biofeedback work on some very expensive equipment and I find that this program has most of the things I need for heart rate variability measurements at a low price. This makes it ideal for home users or people contemplating more in-depth biofeedback work.

If you want to no more about the theory behind this product and how it could help you, you can look at HeartMath's website or do a search on the book "THE HEARTMATH SOLUTION" by Doc Childre and Howard Martin. You can also search on biofeedback, heart rate variability and respiratory sinus arrhythmia on the web. While I don't necessary agree with everything the HEARTHMATH SOLUTION says, I think it makes some excellent points that have been validated scientifically and that I've found to be true in my own experience and the experience of my clients.

I think one of the most powerful uses of this software is to see how different emotional states affect coherence such as anger, compassion, love, anxiety, etc. For most people, it's a very visceral experience to see how states of love and compassion correlate to maximum coherence. It is also an eye opener to see how anger and other negative emotions cause these physiological states to deteriorate.

I also teach various types of meditation including loving-kindness and forgiveness meditation. This software is an excellent accompaniment to this type of practice or pranayama work in yoga.

In summary, I think this is a great investment for busy people trying to find a simple stress management practice, yoga practioners and meditators. It will help you to develop higher awareness of your anxiety levels and other emotional states. It could also be used in combination with therapy for anger management and other issues in a very effective manner. The tutorial also gives you beginning instruction on how to increase your coherence on your own and points you to other more in-depth resources.

If you have depression or other serious difficulties in your life then I recommend checking in with a professional as to the suitability of this product. Some things just can't be treated on your solely on your own and I have found that deep relaxation practices without guidance when there are serious issues going on can evoke anxiety or strong emotions. For the average person, however, this shouldn't be an issue.

Over the past three months that I have applied the emWave Stress Relief System, it has proven to be one of the most effective approaches I've used enhance mental and physical performance in my professional life. As the Executive Vice-President of a high profile financial markets company, I have found that emWave has enabled me function "in the zone" throughout the day and maintain a high level of relaxed focus and drive amid mulitiple projects, meetings, phone calls, and unanticipated interuptions. Working with these tools has enabled me to accomplish more in a single day than I used accomplish over the course of 2 or 3 days. Yet, at the same time, it has trained me to operate with a positive demeanor and get things done while maintaining an "internal smile."

I've tried everything you can possibly imagine in order get to the level that emWave has elevated me to. The list includes all the usual positive thinking and motivatation books and programs out there, nutritional supplements, meditation, tai-chi, binaural brainwave programs, etc. Nothing has has provided as consistent and powerful a boost to my performance as emWave has.

I was skeptical at first. I tried it, opening the packaging very carefully so that I could return it all within 30 days. But within a few minutes of using emWave, I was convinced that it was well worth keeping.

And by the way, I've also tried another product out there called Stress Reliever. I returned it within 2 days because it's nowhere near as well-thought out and effective as emWave is.

In case you're wondering, I have no commerical ties at all with the emWave or Heartmath people. I just am someone whose life has been affected in a very positive and profound way by the research that this company has done and tools they've derived from that research.

I was looking into a home biofeedback device to help teach me to control stress reactions. I looked at this system, and the "Journey to the Wild Divine" system. I just couldn't take the New Age spin that came with "Journey." I don't want a computer program to help me to imagine being one with the universe; I want a computer program that says, "Your heartrate is too high. Lower it." When I saw the reviews about how badly written the "Journey" software was, I went with Heartmath in the hope of finding a more professional product, despite its high cost.

I was disappointed with what I got for the money. You get the USB finger sensor, and an installation disk for the software, and a quickstart guide. No further information is provided -- such as, what is heartrate variability? What is coherence? Why would you care? Is this the equivalent of "clearing Thetans" in Scientology, or is there some actual medical research behind this?

Turns out there is some real science that shows a correlation between HRV levels and stress and anxiety. But correlation is not causation. I am not yet convinced that if I learn how to control my coherence, I will be able to retrain my body not to stress. I haven't had the time to go hunt up the science and read it carefully. If you are thinking of spending the money on this system, I would suggest you do that homework first.

The software is . . . well, amateurish, to put it politely. It crashes and has other bugs, although it is usually simple enough to exit and restart the system. The graphics are incredibly crude, and the program does not manage multiple windows well.

The only reason this package does not receive one star is because there isn't a whole lot of choice on the market for what this package does. And it does what it claims to do -- monitor and report HRV and coherence. Whether that is anything you should want or care about is a separate question.

I had my doubts about this product. Somebody recommended this to me to help with a sports-like activity. I didn't even want to spend my own money on it, so I asked my girlfriend to buy it for my birthday.

Wow, that was one of the best decisions I ever made! On the very first session, I noticed such a difference in my game. It's not the 'placebo' effect either, since I wasn't expecting anything at all (and was beyond skeptical). I let my friend try it once - who had a game coming up, and had been struggling recently. One time using it, and he won by a landslide.
I'm also a singer, and I've been having trouble lately because of a mountain of stress. After a few tries, I relaxed enough to really have that rich full sound again.

Honestly, pretty freakin' cool item. Not what you would expect. Not the typical metaphysical junk you're always hearing about. This is a practical, real solution to problems dealing with stress, and activities requiring the 'zone'. I want to check out the portable version next, to take to the 'field' with me. But won't have the great software that comes with this, I'm sure.

And Kudos to Mind Modulations. If you know electronics, they're like the NewEgg of Health Systems. Unparalleled customer service, and really fast shipping. They even throw in the Ear Sensor for free. And it's still less than the competition! Love this company.

The emWave PC SRS monitors and reports heart rate variability - your pulse rate as it changes every half-second. When a person is "stressed", your pulse changes suddenly and your pulse rate plots as jagged lines; when a person is relaxed, these changes are smooth and plot as rolling curves. The difference is quite striking.

"Coherence" is simply smooth changes of pulse, which are correlated with relaxation. The emWave reports this cardiovascular measure of your emotional state, providing unambiguous and detailed feedback in real-time of how stressed or relaxed you are.

To _achieve_ relaxation, the emWave PC comes with instruction for some basic calming techniques, which are effective. The emWave can also be used as an adjunct to other techniques, including meditation, guided imagery, relaxation exercises, etc., to provide feedback on their effectiveness and get the most out of these activities.

I've owned the emWave for a couple of years, used it on-and-off, and found it to be an effective tool that helps me get the most out of meditation. I recommend it highly, but also suggest that you not limit yourself to the stress-reduction techniques included with the unit.

I have had this product for about 2 months and I really like using it. I wouldnt really say its over priced, because it is such a great product; but, its a little bit expensive for the average consumer, including myself. I do find that it helps in enhancing a meditation. The games are not what I expected, I hope they do work on those to improve them. As a whole, its a step up from normal meditation; you notice a difference for sure, I do recommend it.

This product was demonstrated by a therapist to whom I was referred for stress-management. After meeting with me, she demonstrated the EMWAVE product and said that while it wasn't right for everyone, I would be a good candidate to use it. I have purchased and started using the product. One real plus is the ability to save each session and track progress.

It seemed like it was a deal to buy this product from Amazon as opposed to the manufacturer becasue Amazon claims they include the optional finger sensor, which alone could cost another $20.

However, my package did NOT include the finger pulse sensor as was advertised. When I contacted customer service, they said they were too busy to send me the finger pulse sensor, and instead suggested that I take more of my time to package and return the item for an exchange or for my money back minus a 20% restocking fee. I attached what they sent me below.

Amazon's customer service should be ashamed of their response. I may have to cancel scheduled sessions with clients depending on how long Amazon takes to send me my new package. Amazon's customer service responded to me "As I'm sure you can understand, our Fulfillment Centers are vast, and we process thousands of orders each day." No Amazon, I don't understand??? You are busy because customers like me are giving you business, and when you screw up, you put the responsability on customers like me to fix it?

At this point Amazon, the only way I can think to fix this problem is by not burdening you with anymore of my business that apparently keeps you from properly fulfilling orders and fixing your mistakes. Next time I'll spend the extra $20 and buy the product directly from the manufacturer as someone who values reliability and being valued as a customer at a time when every dollar counts.


Amazon's Response to me:

Hello,

I am sorry to hear about the problem you experienced with your shipment. It is certainly not our intention to ship defective products to our customers.

We always appreciate customer input on how we can improve our store, and I've forwarded your message to our shipping department.

I'm not able to replace individual "finger pulse sensor" from a set, but I'll replace the set for you. Once you've received it, please ship back the original set. As I'm sure you can understand, our Fulfillment Centers are vast, and we process thousands of orders each day. In addition to this, most of our processes are automated which makes it impossible for us to take away individual pieces from a set.

A Macintosh version of this program is now available. There's a listing on Amazon, but the product isn't available here yet. More information is available at emwavemac dot com.

Tom