The Beauty Librarian

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.