Innovative sound therapy treats hypertension and migraine

"Most people have relatively balanced electrical activity between the right side and left sides of the brain.
Imbalance, with one side dominant, or more active, may reflect autonomic dysregulation associated with the effects of chronic stress, which is thought to play a role in high blood pressure, migraines, insomnia,depression, hot flashes, and more."
Hossam A. Shaltout, study author

An innovative, non-invasive neurotechnology balances the brain frequencies in the left and right hemispheres, reducing blood pressure and removing the symptoms of migraine. This week, the results of two experiments confirm that the intervention shows real promise.

The studies used a neurotechnology called high-resolution, relational, resonance based, electroencephalic mirroring, or HIRREM for short.

How does HIRREM work?

HIRREM monitors the brain's electrical activity. As it registers the levels, it translates them into an audible signal, which it repeats back to the person whose brain is being monitored.

According to Wake Forest School of Medicine, where the system was designed, HIRREM is a:

"Novel, noninvasive, closed-loop, electroencephalic-based feedback technology to facilitate auto-calibration, and self-optimization of neural oscillations by using auditory tones to reflect dominant brain frequencies in near real time."

This real-time feedback has a significant effect on the brain's output. Shaltout explains: "Gradually, and on its own, with no conscious, cognitive activity required, the electrical pattern tends to shift towards improved balance and reduced hyperarousal." The two before and after images below demonstrate the type of response that HIRREM can generate.
Before treatment

After treatment

The theory is that trauma, whether physical or otherwise, can lead to disturbances in the brain's normal activity. For instance, if the brain's fight-or-flight (sympathetic) nervous system is activated and, for whatever reason, not able to return to normal, it could be unhealthy and contribute to disease.

However, its fascinating potential has not been ignored by medical researchers. The first study to be presented at the scientific sessions involved 10 participants (half men, half women) with stage one hypertension. After an average of 17.7 HIRREM sessions, spread over an average of 10.2 in-office days, the patients showed a significant improvement.

On average, the researchers measured a reduction in systolic blood pressure from 152 to 136 millimeters of mercury, and a reduction in their diastolic pressure from 97 to 81 millimeters of mercury. Insomnia and anxiety levels also improved.