What is the story of how you decided to create NeoRhythm? What was the initial inspiration?        

Marko Kadunc (MK): Well, some things are just meant to happen, and NeoRhythm was one of them. With PEMF being one of the most user-friendly technologies, recognized by science, well tested and safe to use, we thought why not take advantage of it. Initial research showed there is still a lot of room for improvement and upgrade, and that’s when we realized for the first time, this might be a beginning of a great journey.

With technology development, IoT, and other modern solutions that are becoming more and more available on the market, it gives scientists, developers, and entrepreneurs unlimited possibilities to create solutions that could change people’s lives for the better in many ways.

As NeoRhythm CEO, how/when did you know that you and the team had a good idea?

MK: Most people believe that once the product is developed, (in our case, scientifically confirmed), tested and launched, that’s when you know. But the truth is, that’s only the beginning. We only knew our idea was good after receiving feedback from the first 3000 customers that confirmed we are on the right track. But it’s an ongoing journey, and improvement never really ends as the initial idea keeps getting upgraded.

Could you explain what Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) technology is and why you and your team at MDCN Technologies, Inc. wanted to make this specific technology widely accessible to consumers?

PEMF technology has been used in big, expensive wellness devices for decades with great success. It is used as a treatment for various medical conditions such as chronic pain, fractures and depression and has been shown as promising and safe to treat cancer in studies. It is a form of neurostimulation that encourages your brain to mimic external signals provided by the device in a non-invasive and entirely safe way. With PEMF being scientifically proven, non-invasive and FDA approved as well as safe, we thought it was the right choice to make it accessible to practically everyone.

So how does PEMF really work? If you’ve ever felt yourself sleepy while on a train ride, the repetitive chug-a-chug of the wheels lulling you to sleep, there’s a neurological reason for that. The rhythm of the wheels matches a brain wave state that encourages relaxing and sleep. Our brains take a cue from the movements of the train and mirror the rhythm. The result is that your state of mind shifts into sleep mode.

We want to bring PEMF to people to help them train their brains to work for them, not against them. They are to use it in the comfort of their own home for self-care and consequently avoid  the development of a clinical condition.

How does PEMF compare to other forms of neurostimulation such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), which uses much higher stimuli approaching neuronal firing level? How do the impacts and potential benefits of these two modalities differ?

MK: Firstly, NeoRhythm is built for a variety of purposes, unlike other rTMS (brain stimulation therapies used to treat depression) devices are, although it uses the same technology. As opposed to rTMS, we can use PEMF every day, meaning we do not need to wait for a clinical condition to appear and start treating it when too late. We all know it’s better to prevent rather than cure, and that is what NeoRhythm helps you do. It also provides brainwave entrainment, which rTMS devices don’t. There is also, of course, the price-performance ratio.

How did you and your scientific team determine an ideal intensity for the magnetic fields generated by NeoRhythm in terms of maximizing efficacy while maintaining optimal safety for a consumer device?

Well, this wasn’t hard with a team of experts and a multidisciplinary board of advisers, as well as PEMF, being so thoroughly studied, proven safe, non-invasive, and used through decades. Over the years, we have assembled an ambitious team of 15+ experts in various fields and have invited prominent experts in the areas of neuroscience and technology to work with us in various phases of development.

When you consider the potential applications of your technology for the medical and professional sphere, are there specific ailments that you would like to target, and why? Without getting into anything proprietary, how would you tweak or adjust the basic design of the consumer-targeted NeoRhythm in order to create a clinical device?  To what general degree (if any) would clinical disorders require a higher magnetic field intensity for a therapeutic response?

MK: We believe that there are three things you need in order to solve most of your problems – a good night’s sleep, being able to relax and concentrate fully. And that’s what we help people to reach with NeoRhythm. Although it is designed as a wellness device, there is a thin line between clinical and wellness.

The basic design, with some minor adaptions, is already pre-prepared for the medical up-grade to treat depression and migraines. NeoRhythm could already be the answer to some of these issues. But, all these clinical conditions deserve more attention and broader understanding of the client/patient needs, and this has to be integrated into hardware, software, and above all, into communication channels of the company. This will, of course, influence the final price, as it takes the initial NeoRhythm to a higher level.

NeoRhythm is built on the experiences of our research team, especially Bion Institute, and also on the experiences of other scientific and clinical studies. Higher magnetic field intensity is proved to be effective, especially in treating depression, but why using higher intensities, if we can achieve the same results with low-intensity solutions. All PEMF solutions should be based on the scientific/clinical studies but also be confirmed by users so there is a confirmation both by science and people, who are the users after all.

Last but not least, that core NeoRhythm advantage is brainwave entrainment, and this is one of the functionalities where NeoRhythm differs from the higher intensity solutions on the market.

Could you explain the regenerative effects seen with PEMF and what is responsible for them?

MK: There are many studies on PEMF being proven effective on tissue regeneration, but what is mentioned mostly is nerve regeneration – which is one of the main reasons to use PEMF. Nerve regeneration means that the nervous tissues, cells, and cell products are able to repair, and PEMF has been proven effective even with individuals suffering from neurological issues such as spine pain, multiple sclerosis, or even stroke, which proves its power.

What inspired you to create a neurostimulation wearable that can be positioned different ways to target specific areas of the brain? Could you tell us a little about how you determined the ideal placement and frequencies for each of your unique programs?

MK: Electromagnetism is one of the four fundamental forces in the universe and is responsible for innumerable observable phenomena in everyday life. NeoRhythm harnesses its power to produce frequencies that encourage the mind to function in your preferred state, from energy and concentration to sleep to pain control and beyond. And it does so like no other device – it features five inverted coils, strategically placed across the comfortable headband, to produce harmless electromagnetic fields that emit waves in patterns that your mind seeks to imitate. Because of well-thought positioning of 5 magnetic-field-generating inverted coils, which separately and in-tune target specific areas in the brain (prefrontal cortex, temporal lobes, cerebellum, parietal lobe, occipital lobe) or spinal cord to offer the largest and most precise stimulation area on the market today.

NeoRhythm can be placed in any of the 5 predetermined stimulation positions; each one designed access directly to the right part of the brain to provoke the desired state of mind. For example, if you choose the Energy & Vitality mode, it is best to wear the headband over the prefrontal cortex region. For Pain Control, the headband should be worn in a slightly lower position, at the back of the head or even around the back of the neck, to better access the parietal and temporal lobes.

A little bit about frequencies: gamma brainwaves have the highest frequencies (30 Hz+) and are dominant in states with heightened perception. Beta brainwaves (14-30 Hz) are dominant when we are awake, and our consciousness is normally alert. Alpha brainwaves (9-13 Hz) are dominant when we are relaxed – still awake but less alert and perceptive. Theta brainwaves (4-8 Hz) are dominant when we are in a state of reduced consciousness – light and REM sleep, dreaming, or deep meditation. Delta brainwaves (less than 4 Hz) are dominant when we are in a deep sleep without awareness of our surroundings.

NeoRhythm has been carefully programmed by a team of scientists to generate specific dominant rhythm (through controlled low and medium-intensity magnetic fields that develop a minimum flux density of 2.5 gauses and a maximum of 25 gauses) that mirror the mind’s naturally-occurring wave frequencies. Each frequency matches a “state of mind” that we associate with specific activities. In this way, you can choose your preferred state of mind by selecting one of the NeoRhythm programs, and your mind will seek to match NeoRhythm’s suggestion. The intensities created have been proven effective, yet still non-invasive and safe to use.

For example, the program for sleep improvement uses the dominant frequency of 4 Hz, a magnetic flux density of 2.5 mT,  and the accompanying frequency of 2.67 Hz with a magnetic flux density of 0.25mT.

What are the most remarkable things you have learned about the power and benefit of PEMF since launching MDCN Technologies, Inc. and developing NeoRhythm?

MK: How it can truly change your life when you make other changes in it, besides using PEMF. It is incredible what kind of power our brain has over our lives, and we’re just starting to understand and take advantage of it fully. No magic pill is needed. What we need is a good night’s sleep, healthy nutrition, and an active lifestyle that will help us take full advantage of PEMF and truly change our lives for the better.

The Sleek NeoRhythm Headband

Your company is very committed to science and clinical (scientific) testing.  In addition to using scientifically-confirmed frequencies that have been widely studied and FDA-approved for medical and wellness purposes, NeoRhythm has also undergone two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to formally demonstrate its safety and effectiveness. Why is this commitment to science important to you, and what sorts of further studies are either underway or planned?

MK: Well, without being backed by science, you cannot prove it to be effective, right? If it weren’t backed by science, it would have been just guessing what it could do. That’s why we decided to use PEMF, which is already used widely and proven effective and safe.

We are already preparing for our next research – tackling sleep. Our goal is to define frequencies better so we can then address different sleep disorders and problems. As we are all different, we find it essential to find solutions to various problems in order to help as many people as possible. Unfortunately, there is no universal device, but with modern software solutions (mostly in connection with smartphones) we see options to research and therefore adapt our technology for different needs easily and cost-effectively.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned so far in your career as an entrepreneur?

MK: It’s all about people. I mean it. I’ve learned that you have to connect with people you trust and how important mutual respect is, among co-workers, partners, and customers. I also find it important to have clear goals and always know what your next step is.

What was your mission at the outset of creating MDCN Technologies, and has the mission evolved over time or with new discoveries? If so, how?

MK: Our long-term vision was and is still the same. We want to become the reference point for life quality improvement, where we use transcranial magnetic field technology. We want to optimize our technology by making it invincible and trying to be as customer-centric as possible. We have always kept our customer’s needs in mind. We learned a lot from the first users’ feedback and used it to improve our product. The first headband was redesigned and made much lighter, more comfortable, and more flexible. We developed a new and comprehensive app. We added features to address a broader range of different issues. Over the years, we have developed new ideas and solutions together in the field of PEMF devices with a common goal: to improve the quality of life for all, and the mission stays the same.

What are the biggest problems you hope to solve through NeoRhythm and future endeavors?

MK: We strive to develop medical devices and other devices with high efficiency, that are based on PEMF technology so we can make PEMF available for all people – improving people’s lives is our mission after all. We have set a few goals we want to reach in the next 3 years – to optimize the frequency and include other technical solutions that would make our PEMF technology smarter are two of the most important for us. And of course, helping people improve their lives in the process. We try to offer our customers as much advice as we can to make their lives better, besides using our product.

When it comes to NeoRhythm, we believe in its power to change the world by changing people’s lives for the better first. This is why, to get a chance to make our revolutionary innovation visible to the global population, we decided to join the Innovation World Cup this year. Thousands of contestants from over 80 countries have taken part, and we are ready to join them and shake the future! The most important thing for us right now is to bring NeoRhythm to the spotlight across the WT (wearable technology) scene, so it can improve the lives of people worldwide and begin its global journey. It’s ready to do that by being proven effective and helping thousands of people worldwide already.

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My NeoRhythm Review: A Versatile Wellness Device

NeoRhythm is a sleek, well-designed neurostimulation headband made for home use that relies on safe, scientifically-proven technology called Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy to help the user achieve their desired state of mind. NeoRhythm offers a variety of programs that help the user achieve any of the following when desired:  Energy and Vitality, Enhanced Mental Capacity, Deep Relaxation, Improved Sleep, Pain Control, Theta Meditation for Creativity, or Calming Meditation for Synchronization. NeoRhythm accomplishes all this by helping the brain mimic external signals coming from the device, through a well-studied process called entrainment. Each of the 7 available programs was carefully designed by a team of scientists to emit specific dominant and accompanying frequencies that match the brain’s naturally-occurring frequencies in each given state of mind.  Each of NeoRhythm’s programs emits frequencies precisely chosen to cue the brain, encourage it to mimic a specific pattern and, hence, function in–or considerably closer to– that preferred state. If NeoRhythm’s approach initially sounds like space-age mind control, let me reassure you that it is actually very safe and natural; the same principle (entrainment) is often at play in daily life, for instance, when you find yourself getting sleepy on a train ride when the repetitive vibration of the wheels gently lulls you to sleep (e.g., our brains are mirroring the rhythm).

In terms of the headband itself, NeoRhythm features five inverted coils that emit waves.  The device is designed so that it can be placed in a number of different stimulating positions depending on the specific program (e.g., Energy and Vitality, Enhanced Mental Capacity, etc.), so that each position corresponds with its program to most directly access the part of the brain most involved in generating the particular state of mind. Thus, for Enhanced Mental Capacity, NeoRhythm is worn on the front of the head over the prefrontal cortex; whereas for the Pain Control program, it is worn on the back of the head or even around the back of the neck to target the parietal and temporal lobes. Technically, the magnetic fields NeoRhythm emits are classified as medium intensity repetitive stimulation (MI rTMS); some PEMF devices on the market use weaker fields and others use stronger; it’s worth noting that NeoRhythm is particularly effective in part due to it precise, targeted stimulation areas for each program. To top off the technology, the device is gesture controlled, so that a user can turn it on/off and select and begin a chosen program with simple gestures!  If it sounds like a very advanced and versatile wearable device, it is!

NeoRhythm in Enhance Mental Capacity Mode

A great deal of science went into the creation of NeoRhythm. The headband was years in the making and its creation involved a large team of experts in varied fields. Thse experts conducted extensive literature reviews when creating each of the 7 wellness programs. For a basic explanation of brainwaves, gamma brainwaves (30+ Hz) have the highest frequencies and are associated with states of heightened alertness.  Beta brainwaves (14-30 Hz) tend to dominate when we are awake and normally alert. Alpha brainwaves (9-13 Hz) dominate when we are awake but relaxed.  Theta brainwaves (4-8 Hz) dominate when we are in a state of reduced alertness or reduced consciousness, such as falling into a light or REM sleep or experiencing a deep meditation.  Delta brainwaves (less than 4 Hz) are dominant when we are in our deepest sleep.  With this in mind, we can begin to understand the working of each of NeoRhythm’s 7 programs.

Energy and Vitality helps your mind feel as though you have had a burst of energy, using a dominant frequency of gamma along with an accompanying weaker, slightly higher gamma frequency. Enhanced Mental Capacity harnesses a dominant frequency of beta brainwaves along with a weaker frequency of gamma brainwaves to cue the brain to be alert and focused. Deep Relaxation emits dominant alpha waves accompanied by delta waves, encouraging a balanced relaxation. Improved Sleep uses a dominant theta frequency with a weaker delta frequency to help encourage and maintain sleep. Pain Control emits a dominant gamma brainwave with an accompanying alpha brainwave to decrease pain sensitivity. (Although how these frequencies would reduce sensations of pain may initially seem perplexing, it is worth noting that PEMF technology has a long and well-validated history in pain reduction and generally calms nerves and quiets inflammation).  Theta Meditation for Creativity utilizes theta waves with an accompanying weaker frequency of alpha waves.  Meditation for Calming and Synchronization emits a dominant alpha frequency accompanied by a weaker theta frequency.

Although the science behind brainwaves and PEMF can get complex when you dig into it, the company that created NeoRhythm, OmniPEMF, welcomes questions and puts a great deal of effort into educating their consumers and prospective buyers about how the headband works (e.g., by being responsive to questions, providing a Science section on their website, and sending an informative newsletter featuring topics such as “A Guide to Brainwaves”). The company also fosters community amongst users through a private Facebook group, OmniPEMF Community, where we can compare notes or troubleshoot and curious prospective purchasers can ask users questions about their experiences and results.  The community is supportive, and OmniPEMF staff stay very involved in assisting with issues. In fact, it is not unusual for the CEO, Marko Kadunc, to personally respond to questions or concerns.

NeoRhythm in Deep Relaxation Mode

Fortunately, I have not required much assistance, because I found NeoRhythm reliable and user friendly from the first use. There is a foolproof Quick Start Guide printed right inside the box in which the device comes, and I found that was sufficient to get me started successfully.  NeoRhythm’s accompanying App is also very straightforward to use. The App has built in guidance on how to optimally position the headband for each of NeoRhythm’s 7 programs and also allows the user to select the duration for a given program. In the even of unusual technical difficulties, the device also comes with a full User Manual with precise instructions and troubleshooting guidance.  It is worth noting that both the headset and the App have worked reliably for me across dozens of sessions; unlike some wearables, there are very few, if any, glitches with the App or Headset. This reliability is refreshing, because too often with innovative wearables, the finished products feels like it ought to be a beta tester, with lots of kinks still to work out. NeoRhythm operates as advertised and is extremely user-friendly.

In addition to NeoRhythm’s unique ability to encourage such a diverse array of states of mind, another remarkable thing is that the process is totally painless (in fact, it is hard for most people to perceive) and completely within a range considered safe for home use. In fact, the process is so imperceptible that OmniPEMF provides a special magnet with the device so that users may test their NeoRhythm at any time to ensure the device is functioning correctly.  The device itself has a sleek, comfortable design and is lightweight and adjustable for comfort. As I mentioned, the accompanying App is reliable and intuitive to set-up and use, even the first time. Another nice feature is that NeoRhythm charges quickly and maintains its charge for what seems like countless hours. Unlike some wearables that are constantly running out of charge right when you need them, the battery life of NeoRhythm is extremely impressive. Nothing is more frustrating than a promising device or wearable that you can hardly ever use because it constantly needs to be recharged.  I love that NeoRhythm is typically “ready to go” whenever I want to use it, and little time is ever spent waiting around for it to charge, even when I have used it for several days for hours at a time.

NeoRhythm is Placed Under the Pillow for Enhanced Sleep

In addition to being user-friendly and well-designed, NeoRhythm truly delivers benefits. Unlike some devices I have tested that now gather dust, I use NeoRhythm at least a few times every day. This is a testament to how much I enjoy the device and the utility it offers. I find that the programs are incredibly helpful. Each user may respond a little differently to the 7 programs, and favorites tend to vary by the individual. The programs I find myself relying on most heavily are Energy and Vitality and Enhanced Mental Capacity.  I use these daily because they help me push through my “To Do” list when I would otherwise give into distraction or exhaustion. Although the benefits are subtle, they are real for me.  In other words, the Energy and Vitality program has never acted like a “jolt” and caused me to get the jitters or bounce off the walls, but it does help me keep going a bit longer when I’m tired. I would call the effects subtle yet noticeable if that makes sense.  NeoRhythm is not designed to take the place of important modes of self-care (e.g., sleep hygiene, healthy diet, regular exercise), but it is a worthy assistant in the pursuit of wellness.

Another great thing about NeoRhythm is that it is so easy to fit into a routine; you simply start the desired program, put on the headband in the optimal position, and then give your mind a gentle nudge in whatever direction you desire. Unlike something like trying to establish a meditation practice (which requires focus, discipline, and commitment), NeoRhythm requires no additional effort, focus, or skill on the part of the user to work its magic.  The programs work painlessly and outside of awareness to help the user achieve a desired state of mind. In a world full of so many demands, it is nice to find a wearable like NeoRhythm that provides an array of benefits so effortlessly.  Especially during this unprecedented and stressful time, NeoRhythm is a truly valuable aid.

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In this video, I’m interviewing Ami Brannon from Neuvana, the company behind the first commercially-available Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS), Neuvana Xen Headphones. This innovative wellness device has been recognized by winning iPhone Life’s Best of CES 2020 Award.

Ms. Brannon has a background in medicine and is an expert on the vagus nerve, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and all the latest emerging science and research around these topics, so it was a real treat to interview her!

Tune in to our discussion below and find out what the vagus nerve is, what it does, and why stimulating it is so valuable for boosting wellness and managing chronic stress. Also, learn what vagal tone is and how using this device can help improve it. Get tips on how to best use Xen for optimal benefits.

You can learn more about the innovative science behind Neuvanna Xen here!

The post Interview Ami Brannon, Neuvana Xen: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Earbuds appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.