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A
Preliminary Inquiry into the Biological
and Neurophysiological Effects of
Spirit Supplements Gold
A
Clinical Study:
Robert E. Dallas, Ph.D.
Clinical Director, The Mind Spa
June 2, 1998
Spirit
Supplements GOLD
A biofeedback and neurofeedback
inquiry into the biological and neurophysiological effects of taking Spirit
Supplements Gold powder sublingually; a naturally occurring trace mineral deposit
distributed by Spirit Supplements.
Subjects
This initial study used ten
people, five male and five female, ranging in age from 17 to 52. They
have no known physical, emotional or mental problems at present. All were
given a basic understanding of the testing procedure and of the nature
of Spirit Supplements Gold. No expected results were discussed with the subjects,
nor did the experimenter make any guesses about outcomes or explain the
objectives until the procedure was complete.
Equipment
A J&J I-410 biofeedback
unit with a software program designed by Physiodata Corporation was
utilized to record and complete data. This allowed the experimenter
to monitor the brainwave patterns, the heart rate, the blood volume
pressure, skin conductance (GSR) and surface skin temperature constantly
for the entire experimental session. The subjects were seated comfortably
in a typical recliner such that physical tiredness or discomfort should
not be an issue during the duration of the process. Fresh electrodes
and paste were used with each subject. A fresh bottle of Spirit
Supplements Gold
was supplied by Spirit Supplements to administer.
Procedure
Data were gathered on each
subject during two separate sessions. The first session was utilized
to develop baseline data. Each subject in turn was hooked up to the
biofeedback and neurofeedback equipment. Data were recorded related
to their predominant brainwave patterns, heart rate, GSR and skin temperature.
GSR measures the change in electrical potential of the skin. Greater
moisture production (a sign of increased emotional activation) is demonstrated
by an increase in electrical potential. These are shown on graphs on
the computer screen. Steps were taken to ascertain that
this was a typical reading in that they had no out of the ordinary influences
on their mental, emotional or physical states.
The second session was held
one week after the first base lines were recorded. Subjects were hooked
up under the same circumstances and new base lines recorded which were
then compared to the original of the first session.
In all ten cases, the second
base line corresponded almost exactly with the earlier reading. With
the client still hooked up to the monitor, and with data being continuously
recorded, app. 1/8 teaspoon of Spirit Supplements Gold was administered sublingually.
Biofeedback and neurofeedback data continued to be recorded for another
15 minutes. The software allows an examination of the data gathered
over a period of time in summary tables. The data gathered were studied
to determine what changes, if any, occurred, both biologically and neurologically,
comparing pre- and post- administration of the Spirit Supplements Gold.
Results
In five out of ten cases,
the biological signals were different before and after administration
of Spirit Supplements Gold. In nine out of ten cases, the brainwave patterns were
found to be significantly different after administration of the Spirit
Supplements Gold. In almost all cases, this difference occurred between 30 seconds
and 3 minutes after administration and continued to be evident for the
rest of the recording session, which was between 10 and 15 minutes.
In the five cases with changes
in biological signals:
Two subjects had dramatic
fluctuations of GSR measurements. In both cases, the
GSR signals were much smoother after administration.
Two subjects showed an increase
in temperature, as measured in the fingertip,
of an average of 4 degrees.
One subject, whose base
line measurements indicated a heart rate pattern that
was elevated based on their age and weight, dropped into a normal range.
Neurological changes were
distinctly different in each case but with common themes.
Subjects fell into three basic categories of predominant brainwave activity,
according to base line measurements:
In these three categories:
Four subjects with high
theta-low beta activity tended to be balanced out after
administration, with theta dropping and beta rising. Alpha activity showed an increase.
One subject with high theta-low
beta showed no change.
Two subjects with high beta-low
theta tended to be balanced out after administration,
with beta dropping and theta rising. Alpha activity showed an
increase.
Three subjects with balanced
beta-theta were found to have increased alpha activity.
In the nine cases where change
was recorded, there was a strong tendency to show
more strength across all frequency bands.
Discussion
This has been an introductory
examination of the impact of Spirit Supplements Gold on the biological and neurological
states of humans. The results indicate that there is a clear need for
research in this area because an impact is definitely occurring. The
impact seems to be less obvious in the biological measurements than
in the neurological, at least in the subjects examined. Taken as a whole,
they seem to indicate that individuals become more balanced and calm
after administration of Spirit Supplements Gold. The changes in GSR indicate a
decrease in emotional reactivity. The increased finger temperature is
an indicator of increased peripheral circulation which indicates greater
relaxation.
The most obvious and consistent
results occurred in the EEG measurements:
- Brainwave frequencies tended
to balance out.
- All frequency bands showed
greater activation.
We could casually say that
people with high theta activity (as compared to beta) are considered
to be "right brained," (creative, meditative, artistic, spatially oriented).
People with high beta activity (as compared to theta) are considered
to be "left brained," (logical, mathematically inclined, linearly oriented).
Spirit Supplements Gold appears to balance the differences in the strength of
these frequency ranges. Therefore, we could say that Spirit
Supplements Gold tends
toward helping people become more "whole brained."
It would take other, more
in-depth, studies to determine the consistency of these results as well
as how long the effects last, and if there is some kind of cumulative
effects of repeated administration. A surprising, but clearly dominant,
effect of taking the Spirit Supplements Gold was the increase in relative "neurological
energy" across all frequency bands. Apparently, the Spirit Supplements
Gold somehow
has the effect of energizing or opening up neuronal passageways. This
preliminary study was clear evidence that there is a positive neurological
impact, at least temporarily, through the administration of Spirit
Supplements Gold. The indication is that it somehow provides an environment whereby
the brain moves toward a state of homeostasis. Past neurological studies
have indicated that when, through some method such as brainwave training,
the brain releases control of its patterning, it tends toward a balanced
state. This study indicates that Spirit Supplements Gold may help provide this
environment. Whether or not the effects of the Spirit Supplements Gold upon the
neuro processing were consistent over time, it provided an opportunity
for the brain to "understand" how the state of balance "felt."
In the opinion of this researcher,
the results clearly indicate that the intake of Spirit Supplements Gold creates
a positive neurological and probably physiological response. Certainly,
more research is in order, especially along the lines of how much change
is maintained over time.
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