Muse headband for relaxation
November 2015 – IntraXon of Canada has introduced a home relaxation training headband that connects to either an iOS or an Android smartphone that is called the Muse. The unit is light, easy to adjust and very easy to setup and use. The device is designed to be used about 3min a day to help regain energy and increase focus.
IntraXon Muse Headband and Relaxation Training App
The device works by monitoring brain waves, and using sound feedback, helps you control your brain activity to being on the calm and relaxed side. Unlike a number of brain sensing devices on the market, this is both comfortable to wear during the training, and does not interfere with the relaxation effort. The device connects via Bluetooth to the smartphone, and has a standard pairing method. It can be paired to more than one phone. The mechanics of the device take a few minutes to adjust, so it is optimally used by one person, but if you do not mind some time to adjust the fit, more than one person can use the device. At this time, the device does not accommodate glasses well, as it has sensor at the back of your ear, where the arms of the glasses would be.
The Muse web site can direct you to the download site for your phone, or you can directly go to iTunes or Google Play and download the “Muse Calm” app. The app installs and only connects to the functions (storage, bluetooth, etc) you expect the app to need on the phone. You listen, to the sounds – such as waves, trying to keep the waves to a minimum, which is towards the stress side. The sounds are hard to listen to with the speaker of the smart phone, as background noise gets in the way. Standard earbuds are the best option.
The device senses you r stress level by actually reading the muscle signals in your forehead. As a biofeedback device it works well. It has a fairly predictable action and use, which is good for creating a routine of use. Setup and connect with each use is straight forward. There are indicator lights to show when the device is charged, connected, etc. This makes use on a regular basis easy.
The device worked well detecting muscle tension style stress, and also muscle based relaxation. In the testing period, the unit did not measure anything like “focused thought” if they were not something that had a physical response with it. As a training tool and as a centerpoint of a focus break it works well. It is very similar in result as is guided meditation, however, this is a one time cost, and is self scheduled. For those seeking assistance on following a relaxation path and those that have a hard time “finding a place or area to mediate” this is a useful product to bring that discipline, guidance and metric based results on their progress.
The products are available now from the company web site and retailers in store and one-line.
