Overload
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Category: Actions
Type
Voluntary
Introduction and description
If you selectively target parts of the brain with a magnetic field it induces an electric current in our nerves and thus stimulates whatever function that part of the brain controls. The Transcranial magnetic stimulator is a device that is designed to do just this. Thus a TMS is a transducer of magnetic fields that stimulates the brain.
Method
There is not one device, but a number of devices that come within this category of the TMS, here are some examples:
- The Koren 'God' helmet - one of the very first and developed by Dr Persinger, a pioneer in this area
- Medical TMSs - which range from effective to downright dangerous in those who clearly do not understand the underlying principles on which this works. It is noticeable that the manufacturers have been all too ready to capitalise on the idea, but none too ready to understand why and how it works. There have been cases of induced epileptic fits, burns and psychosis from mal-administration of these devices
If we compare these devices with those which stimulate the brain electrically, they are far less intrusive. The use of magnets rather than a direct electric current to the brain reduces the discomfort of the procedure.
But, you must be extremely careful which piece of apparatus you use.
Dr Persinger’s carefully designed apparatus is by far the most effective and safe, from the point of view of the science and understanding behind its design, but is let down by being so amateurish in its construction, a sort of Heath Robinson affair of makeshift bits and pieces.
In contrast the scientific equipment has been properly manufactured and made, but seems to lack all the understanding behind the original Persinger/Koren prototype.
Repeatedly when examining all the solutions which come from the medical profession, I wondered why they always feel that when people are ill they need the equivalent of huge doses of anything whether it is electricity, magnetic fields, or medicines.
Homeopathy, which has been proven to be effective, uses tiny doses. Why can’t we learn from this that the body is a truly delicate and highly balanced machine which works off negligible doses of anything and can be repaired using only the tiniest amounts to get it back into balance.
I despair!!
How it works
Please go to this section for the full explanation.
Advantages
- It works very effectively and it is, if operated at low intensity by people who really know what they are doing, safe.
- It is legal.
Disadvantages
- This is not a cheap option, the equipment is expensive and only likely to be available via university labs or medically.
- This mechanism is so targeted that it is clear people undergoing this would be as highly suggestive as they are during hypnosis. But this is a technique that is really only viable with outside help, so however effective it may be you run the risk of being brain washed if your helper is of an unscrupulous disposition. And of course, how can you tell? In any form of medical or laboratory setting you may never have met the person doing the experiments or the nurse assigned to you and the assurances of those working with them is of no help because in the end they may have been brain washed too!!
So we have here a potentially hugely effective, safe targeted mechanism, made almost unusable by the fact it needs to be operated by strangers to you.
References and further reading
- Ruttan, L. A., Persinger, M. A. & Koren, S. (1990). "Enhancement of Temporal Lobe-Related Experiences During Brief Exposures to MilliGauss Intensity Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields". Journal of Bioelectricity 9 (1): 33–54
- Persinger, MA, et al. (2010). "The Electromagnetic Induction of Mystical and Altered States Within the Laboratory". Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research 1 (7): 808–830.
- Booth, J. N.; Persinger, M. A. (2009). "Discrete Shifts Within the Theta Band Between the Frontal and Parietal Regions of the Right Hemisphere and the Experiences of a Sensed Presence". Journal of Neuropsychiatry 21 (3): 279–83.
- Healey, F; Persinger, MA; Koren, SA. (1996). "Enhanced hypnotic suggestibility following application of burst-firing magnetic fields over the right temporoparietal lobes: a replication". International Journal of Neuroscience 3-4 (3): 201–7.
- Persinger MA, MA (1997). "Metaphors for the effects of weak, sequentially complex magnetic fields". Perceptual and Motor Skills 85 (1): 204–6.
- Persinger, M A (2001). "The neuropsychiatry of paranormal experiences". The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences 13 (4): 515–24
- Baker-Price, LA; Persinger, MA (1996). "Weak, but complex pulsed magnetic fields may reduce depression following traumatic brain injury". Perceptual and motor skills 83 (2): 491–8.
- Auvichayapat, P; Auvichayapat, N (2009). "Basic principle of transcranial magnetic stimulation". Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 92 (11): 1560–6
- Barker AT, Jalinous R, Freeston IL. (May 1985). "Non-invasive magnetic stimulation of human motor cortex". The Lancet 1 (8437): 1106–1107.
- Pascual-Leone A; Davey N; Rothwell J; Wassermann EM; Puri BK (2002). Handbook of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Hodder Arnold.
- Fitzgerald PB; Fountain S; Daskalakis J (December 2006). "A comprehensive review of the effects of rTMS on motor cortical excitability and inhibition". Clinical Neurophysiology 117 (12): 2584–96.
- Roth BJ; Pascual-Leone A; Cohen LG; Hallett M (1992). "The heating of metal electrodes during rapid-rate magnetic stimulation: A possible safety hazard". Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol. 85 (2): 116–123.
- Gross, M; Nakamura, L; Pascual-Leone, A; Fregni, F (2007). "Has repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment for depression improved? A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the recent vs. the earlier rTMS studies". Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 116 (3): 165–173.
Related observations
Healing observations
- Barbara Baas and TMS 006492
- CES and Parkinson's disease 006508
- Heat therapy for cancer 006971
- MS sufferer and TMS 007009
- Role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in stroke rehabilitation 020759
- TMS and anxiety, ADHD and other mental problems 006487
- TMS and epilepsy 006489
- TMS and manic depression 006486
- TMS and TDCS and migraine 006488
- TMS, TDCS and pain relief 006490
Hallucination
- Anatomical origin of déjà vu and vivid 'memories' in human temporal lobe epilepsy 027466
- Hobson, Dr Allan - The effects of a stroke 06 - Hallucinations in the MRI 014253
- MS sufferer and TMS 007009
Wisdom, Inspiration, Divine love & Bliss
- Savant abilities in twins 006163
- Subtle Yet Profound Magnetic Brain Stimulation by AGB EROWID 020112
Out of time
In time
- Anatomical origin of déjà vu and vivid 'memories' in human temporal lobe epilepsy 027466
- Hobson, Dr Allan - The effects of a stroke 06 - Hallucinations in the MRI 014253
- Jack Hitt and TMS 006491