As you may know, this blog is sponsored by my publishers,
The WCCL Network.
WCCL publish my writing courses such as Kindle Kash, but they also produce a growing range of self-development products - of which All Natural High is the latest.
They were kind enough to send me a review copy, so in this post I'll set out my thoughts and impressions.
I should start by explaining that All Natural High is an audio CD (accompanied by a PDF manual). As the name suggests, it is designed to generate a sense of euphoria in the listener without any illicit substances. It does this by 'entraining' the listener's brain to produce brain waves at certain target frequencies that are associated with, well, getting high...
According to the manual, All Natural High uses seven different methods of brainwave entrainment, not all of which I profess to understand. One, though, is binaural beats (also used in WCCL's Writer's Block CD). This method works by playing sounds of slightly different frequencies in each ear, which has been shown to create a resonance in the brain based on the difference between them. For example, if you play a tone of 320 Hz in one ear and 330 Hz in the other, it will create a resonance at 10 Hz, the difference between the two. A frequency of 10 Hz is in the alpha range, associated with a relaxed, mellow state.
All Natural High does aim to generate alpha waves in the listener, but it combines them with beta and gamma frequencies (14 Hz to 44 Hz), which - again according to the manual - occur when we are 'focused, engaged, and enthusiastic'. Overall, WCCL say, 'the aim is to recreate the mental state associated with euphoric stimulants, but unlike other stimulants it’s non-invasive and completely non-addictive.'
So that's the theory - what about the practice? The CD arrives in a standard jewel case, and you simply load it into your music center or PC and play it. There are two tracks, both about half an hour long. The first is the 'raw' version, which you can listen to on its own or with your own choice of music (I listened while playing my favorite prog rock tracks on Grooveshark, for example). The second track includes a musical backing to make it more listenable. It would certainly be a better choice for a party, although some of it is pretty weird - a cross between ambient and trip-hop, I'd say.
I listened to both tracks with and without headphones. WCCL say it's not necessary to use headphones to get the benefit from the CD, but I noticed a much stronger effect when I did. And, oddly enough, it really did remind me of the effect of smoking a joint (not something I've done for many years, you'll understand...). I found myself getting into a relaxed, buzzy state - in fact, somewhat floaty. The effect continued for an hour or two after I stopped listening. I also felt happier and more relaxed, despite the fact that I had recently heard some bad news and been quite depressed by it.
A couple more tips based on my experience using the CD. First, I'd advise turning up the bass quite high: some of the sounds are quite low-pitched, and it seems to me you get better results if you boost them. And second, close your eyes while you are listening. Although WCCL say this isn't necessary, from the occasion when, as a psychology major, I was wired up to an EEG machine, I know that the simple act of closing your eyes can greatly boost your alpha-wave output.
WCCL suggest various uses for All Natural High. They include getting yourself into a good frame of mind before going out for the evening, adding to the excitement of parties and other social occasions, or chilling out (alone or with your partner) at the end of a hectic day. Personally, I see myself using it primarily as a pick-me-up and mood enhancer, but I also find playing the CD a good prelude to a writing session. The alpha rhythms get your mind into a relaxed, creative state, while the higher frequencies ensure you are focused and ready to work, rather than falling asleep. It works for me, anyway!
One problem with any product of this nature is that listening can get a bit repetitive after a while. But I do find that playing the first track alongside your own choice of music helps provide variety. To be honest, I haven't had the CD long enough to get bored with it yet - and if I continue to enjoy the benefits, I guess I'll probably put up with that!
For more information about All Natural High, please click through any of the links in this review, or on the banner ad below. Or if you have any comments or questions about All Natural High, please feel free to post them below and I'll do my best to answer them.
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