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Frequently Asked Questions
So how does this work again? Do I need a VR headset? Which VR headsets are compatible?
Yes and no. It depends on how immersive you want the experience to be. Our virtual reality stories require a virtual reality headset otherwise known as “spatial computing” goggles. Healium is compatible with Apple Vision Pro, Quest 2, Quest 3, as well as Pico headsets like the Pico G3, G24k, G24k E, Pico Neo 3 and 4. You can purchase a VR headset at your favorite retailer and then buy the Healium app, optional EEG headband, and video curriculum on Healium’s website. Healium VR and and its mobile apps on IOS and Android work with a BrainLink Lite headband. No VR goggles? No problem. Our mobile app stories DON’T require VR goggles. Healium mobile works with just your mobile device and either a BrainLink Lite EEG headband or an Apple Watch for heart rate. You can get Healium’s mobile app here on your iPhone or Android. Confused? Watch this video about the difference between Healium VR and regular flat video on your mobile device or email us at hello@tryhealium.com. We’re happy to help!
Does seeing your heart rate or brain patterns displayed increase stress?
In some cases, seeing the feedback can create some anxiety. However, from a training perspective the feedback becomes important. When using any kind of biofeedback for stress or anxiety, it’s often helpful to introduce the feedback gradually or intermix it with approaches that use no feedback. This helps to get used to receiving feedback and learning to approach it as simply information without any kind of judgment related to performance. It is a very mindful approach that provides an external bit of information that corresponds to your internal world. Once a person is able to allow the feedback to kind of “float to the background” of the experience, it can be very useful in learning how to be aware of and gently modify their feeling state.
What is neuromeditation?
NeuroMeditation is the application of brain-based principles to meditation practices. It is based on the understanding that all meditations are not the same. Based on dozens of brain imaging studies, we can categorize meditations based on the way attention is directed, our intention during the practice, and the way it impacts the brain. In general, meditation styles fall into one (or more) of 5 categories: Focus, Mindfulness, Quiet Mind, Open Heart, and Deep States. By understanding each of these styles, you can choose one to match your goals and needs. In addition to the science behind meditation, the NeuroMeditation system also teaches a variety of tools, techniques, and strategies to help you enter these specific meditative states. EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback) is one of the tools used in this process.
Is Healium a medical treatment for anxiety, depression, or PTSD?
Healium is a self-awareness and meditation tool. Healium apps are NOT a treatment for medical conditions nor are they a replacement for psychotropic medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a wellness tool as part of a healthy lifestyle. Healium is also not a replacement for professional counseling or therapy. Healium is a self-awareness and self-management tool that allows the user to become more self-aware that their feelings have power.
How is EEG neuromeditation different than traditional neurofeedback?
On the surface, these two practices look identical. You place electrodes on the scalp, measure brainwave activity, and provide the person with some form of feedback about what is happening in their brain. Auditory (sound) feedback is generally a specific tone or music that happens when the brainwave patterns shift to the desired state. Visual feedback can be on a flat screen or in virtual reality/augmented reality with Healium. Visual feedback typically involves something changing in the visual experience in response to the brainwave patterns. For example, the screen might dim when you are not in the desired brainwave state and it might become brighter when you are in the desired state. Both traditional neurofeedback and EEG NeuroMeditation use these forms of feedback; however, the function and form of the client’s experience for each of these is quite different.In traditional neurofeedback, the goal is generally to help shift the brain out of undesirable pattern. For example, someone with ADHD may have an excessive amount of theta brainwave activity in a specific region of the brain. The neurofeedback therapist would place sensors in that exact region and “reward” the person whenever the theta activity drops below a certain level. This is a very individualized process designed to help a person’s brain learn how to move out of its typical, stuck pattern of behaving.In EEG neuromeditation, the neurofeedback parameters are pre-determined. It is not individualized. We know how the brain should be responding during specific meditation states, so the neurofeedback becomes a tool to help someone identify if and when they are able to enter those states and when they shift into mind-wandering or some other “undesirable” state. It is not about trying to make the brain change a potentially problematic pattern. It is about helping someone to understand their internal state. The neurofeedback, in this case, serves as meditation “training wheels.”
Can I use Healium without an EEG headband, smartwatch or other wearable?
Yes! Healium can work passively without a wearable integration. However, you will need a headband or smartwatch if you want to control the environment with your brain patterns or heart rate. To operate Healium without a wearable, click “NO” when you’re asked whether you’re using a wearable.
Which mobile devices are compatible with the Healium mobile app?
Healium is compatible with iPhone and iPad devices running iPhone 6S or above, as well as Android Phones and Tablet devices running 8.0 or later – Samsung Galaxy S7 or above
Should I be concerned about radiation from the BrainLink Lite EEG headband?
BrainLink uses the internationally popularized Bluetooth 3.0 wireless transmission standard protocol, and many Bluetooth headsets have also used the same wireless technology. However, the data size and power transmitted by BrainLink are much less than the audio and voice of general Bluetooth headsets. Therefore, compared to the commercially available Bluetooth headsets, BrainLink has nearly zero radiation. Read more on their website.
How does neurofeedback fit in?
Neurofeedback, or EEG biofeedback, is the practice of measuring brainwave activity and then feeding that information back to the client using auditory or visual information. Typically, this process is used to teach the brain to shift to a more flexible, adaptive, or resilient pattern. This type of work can be used by neurofeedback clinicians to treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other mental health conditions. Because we know what should be happening in the brain during specific states of meditation AND because we can monitor this and get feedback about our internal states, we can strategically combine these practices to make them both more powerful. We refer to this process as EEG NeuroMeditation, which is what Healium is doing with an EEG sensing headband.
What’s the difference between Healium VR and mobile apps?
Healium offers both VR and mobile apps for users to experience its calming and immersive content. The VR app works with VR goggles to create a fully immersive environment, whereas the mobile app allows users to see the real world around them while using the app. While both apps allow users to view their brain patterns or heart rate, the experiences are distinct. It’s important to note that users are not required to have VR goggles to use Healium. However, those who have used Healium’s VR app have reported amplified results. For those interested in purchasing VR goggles, they can do so at www.tryhealium.com.
Will Healium tell me whether I’m a positive or a negative person?
No, Healium is not a diagnostic tool and is not a treatment for medical conditions. It’s a self-awareness tool that allows you to discover your ability to control your brain patterns and heart rate during guided meditations. If you have questions about your emotional state, please seek the advice of a professional.
Which models of the BrainLink Lite headband work with Healium?
The BrainLink LITE headband will power Healium. The Brainlink Pro version does not work with Healium. You can purchase a BrainLink Lite headband on Healium’s home page. Confused? We are happy to help. Please email hello@tryhealium.com
What are the 5 styles?
Focus practices involve directing the attention toward a single target, recognizing when the mind wanders, and quickly returning attention to the single target. Mindfulness includes practices that involve shifting to an observer stance; watching what is happening in the present moment-thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations-without attachment or judgment. Open Heart is an umbrella term to include practices such as lovingkindness, compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness. These are practices that involve activating and sustaining a positive emotional state (and usually sending that energy to others). Quiet Mind is the stereotype of meditation and involves entering a state of spaciousness with minimal internal dialogue. Deep States involve shifting into a state where consciousness is freed of its usual restrictions. There can be spontaneous memories, emotions, or internal journeys.
What kind of equipment do you need to do EEG neuromeditation?
If you want to use EEG NeuroMeditation with VR/AR, you will need a BrainLink Lite headband, a compatible VR headset (Oculus Go, Quest, Quest 2, Pico Goblin, and Pico G2, G24k, G24k E), a smartphone (for AR), and a subscription to the Healium software. You can purchase them here https://www.tryhealium.com/buy/ .
How do I know which neuromeditation style is best for me or my client?
We have developed an online survey that people can take to help them identify which strategy might be a good starting point. You can take the survey on our home page here: https://www.tryhealium.com/
Where can I learn more about neuromeditation?
When you purchase the Healium software, you will have access to a 4-week video course that will teach you the science and practice of Open Heart NeuroMeditation using VR/AR. In addition, you can always check out the website: www.neuromeditationinstitute.com. This is likely to give you a pretty good overview of what the method and process of neuromeditation is all about. You can also check out the book, “Meditation Interventions to Rewire the Brain” written by Dr. Jeff Tarrant, the founder of the NeuroMeditation Institute which comes with the purchase of a Healium kit. This is a good overview of the science with a lot of practical techniques and exercises included. If you are specifically looking for information on the EEG NeuroMeditation aspect of the program, you can check out the book chapter, “NeuroMeditation: An Introduction and Overview” written by Dr. Tarrant in the Handbook of Clinical Qeeg and Neurotherapy. You can also find 3-day workshops across the country taught by NMI Trainers.
I need help using Healium or pairing my wearable.
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