Introduction

A PILOT STUDY OF ITS EFFECTS ON BRAIN AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTION

My first introduction to monochromatic light therapy was in 2016 when I received an 8 minute session under a device known as the Monocrome Dome, an invention by Karl Ryberg (1). Having no previous knowledge or expectations of the device or effects from monochromatic light, I was startled by the intensity of effects that the short session had on my psychological state. In short, I experienced a form of pure ‘bliss’ immediately after the session (a state which I would assume a drug induced state would bring – though I am not experienced in this) which lasted in fullness for around one hour and lingered to a lesser degree for a few weeks thereafter. This event surprised me so much that I felt compelled to study the system – to see if this was replicable in other individuals, and to assess what other types of responses it was capable of bringing.

Five months later, I had purchased and imported the system into Australia and was already planning my first ‘pilot’ study. This report describes the findings from that study.

Fig 1. Karl Ryberg’s Monocrom Dome

Background

The brain is known to be affected by light entering via the eyes and optic nerve (in optic and also non-optic/visual pathways)(2). Klinghardt also explains “

Therefore light can activate specific brain structures and function. Syntonics is a field of phototherapy which employs the use of light irradiation via eyes to bring functional brain changes, for

psychological, learning and behavioural therapeutic effects. (4, 5)

The monocrom dome is designed to fit over the head – its dimensions created to give a ‘Ganzfeld effect’ which mimics the spacelessness sensation of being inside a planetarium (thereby mitigating any claustrophic effects people may fear). The sessions last for 10 minutes. Eyes are kept open and focus on the inner side of the reflective polycarbonate coating of the dome which reflects the light . There is no direct staring into a light source. The light is generated by high quality xenon gas globes (which is known to have the closest properties to sunlight of any artificial light). The colours emitted are narrow band, within 15 nanometres width, giving an intense ‘pure’ colour hue. Users of the dome are self-directed, in the sense that they are free to choose whichever colours they wish to, in whichever order and for whatever period of time within the 10 minute session. Inventor Karl Ryberg maintains that the potent effects of the light remains active for approximately 2 weeks after a session and therefore he advises users to use the dome not more frequently than once fortnightly. (6)

A study demonstrated that each monochromatic color frequency excites specific

neurons which are not stimulated by adjacent, but dissimilar, colors. Each frequency in the color spectrum therefore has its

own specific neurological and psychological effect’. (3)

Objectives of Study

As the monocrom dome had never been studied systematically before, I was keen to find out information in diverse areas. The following areas are the fields which were explored –

1. 1)  What life changes did people undergo during and after the study?
2. 2)  What changes to mood states (and associated conditions) were changed from beginning to end of the study?

   (specifically sleep patterns, clarity of mind, energy states, depression, anxiety and nervous tension).

3. 3)  What levels of brain function were changed (and in what ways)?
4. 4)  Were there any peripheral field visual field changes (immediately after a session and also at the end of the study)?
5. 5)  How did the colour preference selection tests change?
6. 6)  How did the photonic emissions from the body change (in coherency and in amount) immediately after a session

   and also by the end of the study?

Study Design

The following methods of assessment were used to record the above changes. Life changes were assessed by personal diary and observation. Mood states were recorded by individuals filling out self assessment scoring questionnaires at every session (7). Brain states changes were assessed by the Amen Scoring Questionnaire, a 99 part question designed by Dr. Amen to study psychological and neurological changes in specific brain areas. This system was designed by Dr. Amen to replace SPECT scans when they were unavailable to his clients. Permission by Dr. Mary Ross was granted to use this system for research purposes. The questionnaire was filled out once before the onset of the first session and once again at the end of the final session. (8, 9) Visual fields were tested using FCF (Functional Computerized Field) Tester. (10) Colour preference selection test was performed by Dr. Mary Ross’ Colour Selection test (8). Finally, photonic emissions from each person’s ten fingertips were measure by a GDV (Gas Discharge Visualization) camera (11).

For simplicity and brevity’s sake, only the results from the first three assessment results will be discussed.

METHOD

A notice was issued publicly stating that individuals with ‘mood imbalances’ were required for an experimental light therapy study. Screening was involved to exclude any people with severe mental health issues. Eleven individuals commenced the study ( three males and eight females), though one female dropped out of the study after her second session.

Each individual was to receive five monocrom dome sessions (10 minutes each) at an interval of 2 to 3 weeks apart, depending on availability. All the above assessment tests were performed just prior to the onset of the study. Mood questionnaires were repeated on every visit, as were colour selection tests and visual field tests.

GDV and Amen brain score assessment measures were taken before the onset and at the end of the 5 sessions. The entire duration of the study spanned from 4 to 5 months.

Results

Life Changes

Of all test results, this parameter was the most startling. Even though no people reported intense short-term psychological effects similar to my own experience, I did observe massive life changes in nearly every individual tested. This was both during and after the course of the approximately 4 month period of the study.

I shall give a brief synopsis of a few here – Individual CI – (69 year old male)

History of psychosis, fear and depression. Has been on a disability pension for over 15 years. He felt he had little to live for, had no energy or desire to explore or do new things. Even though this individual seemed to show very little change during the course of the study, soon after, he decided to leave his secure low cost housing and city home temporarily. He connected with a network / group of like-minded people with whom he did extensive camping with in nature. He then drove across Australia and explored a beautiful remote area of Australia, camping in his van and connecting with more of the same type of people in the network. He developed a new relationship with a woman. He lost weight. He found a piece of land and house in the area for sale and currently he has a new goal of saving money to co-purchase the property. Last seen, he was laughing, writing poetry, happy and comically entertaining people.

Individual AA – 54 year old female

AA had a history of anxiety and depression. She had been single with no satisfying relationship for several years. Soon after commencement of the study, she started dating several different men and formed a new relationship. She travelled with her two teenage children overseas to Ireland, her country of origin, where she reconnected in a positive way with her family. She left her job teaching at a small non-government school (which she found frustrating and non-rewarding) and began a new Enterprise Incentive Scheme where she began to develop her ideas to start her own business in her field of passion (helping children with learning difficulties). She moved to the other side of the country (from west to east Australia) where she began her new business and lived simply in her camper van in nature.

Individual AR – 42 year old female

AR is a single mother (of a 9 year old child) who had a history of mild anxiety and depression. She had been struggling with differences of opinions with authorities within her university course. During the light study duration, she began to express her true thoughts to the lecturers and then decided to take a 6 month leave from her studies. She became much more relaxed and spent time doing what she loved to do and spending more time with her son. She renovated her kitchen and got a part-time job in a small alternative school. She then returned to her studies later with a fresher, stronger perspective.

Individual DL – 52 year old female

This woman had a history of long-term abuse as a child with many psychological scarrings and resulting problems, including sleep and social anxiety issues. Soon after commencement, she started exploring other new therapies which had a beneficial effect on her. She began going to social gatherings with like minded people, enjoying herself. Her sleep began to improve.

Individual GS – 38 year old male

This man had sleep and anxiety issues. He was in an unhappy relationship with his girlfriend, which he had attempted to end on many occasions, but unsuccessfully. He could not move on. Soon after the commencement of the study, he did terminate his unhappy relationship – this time successfully. He began to live affordably and simply in a Tee Pee in a friend’s garden. He began to practice yoga every day. He started exploring new areas of his passionate interest. He quit his studies as he felt it was not directing him to what he really wanted to do.

Individual KR – 42 year old female

This woman had been a victim of child abuse. She had numerous debilitating health problems with low energy. Soon after commencement of the study, she bought herself a new motorized bicycle and started getting outdoors a lot, exercising and feeling more energized. She started a new dietary regime which she felt was helping her. She also started writing a book on a topic of great interest that she had dreamed of doing for many years. She attracted an illustrator and promoter for the book. She had also not been in a relationship for over 10 years. She began to feel safe and develop a strong friendship with a male, which had potential to bloom into more.

Individual JL – 59 year old female

This individual did not complete the study, however did complete two sessions. She was an alcoholic with severe depression, not working, keeping herself at home most of the time. She is a single mother of a 25 year old son whom she adored but their relationship had deteriorated to very little meaningful connections or love. Soon after the first session, this individual was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy. As a result, she became ultra pro-active in searching out information to help her and speaking to lots of people. She started allowing people to visit. Most of all, her son and her reformed a loving relationship. She became outspoken about her true thoughts and beliefs, no longer remaining silent and sad. Her depression lifted.

These are just a few of the changes which occurred. Additional to the formally studied individuals, there were other individuals who received 5 or more sessions. Some of the life changes noted includes –

HP Female 35 years old –

Father of her two children committed suicide 3 years prior and she was finding it hard to move on, had put on lots of weight and grieving. After using the monocrom dome, she tried new studies (which she didn’t like, so quit). She went back to completing an old passionate area of study and then starting her own business in that field. She lost weight. Her disposition improved. She purchased her own home in a quiet nature area of the city. She changed her daughters’ school.

JL Female 58 years of age –

Had been caring for her mentally / psychologically unhealthy daughter (30 years old) who had severe anxiety issues around separating from her mother. After 3 sessions, JL instigated changes so that her daughter could be hospitalized, giving JL some respite. JL refused to tolerate any more self harm and aggressive harmful behavior from her daughter, so insisted her daughter could no longer live with her. She began to explore long term live in arrangements for rehabilitative therapy for her daughter.

DF – 64 year old female

DF had a history of depression and anxiety (and had been a victim of child abuse also). She had kept herself isolated from people for more than 3 years. She would cry often. She had low self worth and lived at a friend’s home. After 6 momocrome dome sessions, she found her own long-term low-cost house in an area she preferred to live in. She bought herself a car. She started socializing. She met a younger man which she developed a deep friendship with. She began an exercise physical training program. She started eating better and going to the beach and swimming. She joined a network group of like minded people.

DISCUSSION

Although it is difficult to attribute these life changes to solely the use of monochromatic light therapy, the changes nevertheless correlated with the onset of the light therapy and occurred in virtually all people who had 2 to 3 or more sessions and whom also began the study with an initial unhealthy compromised state of psychological wellbeing. For individuals who were more ‘psychologically adjusted’ initially, there appeared to be less life changes.

The theory which could be hypothesized to explain this phenomena is that people who are psychologically unwell usually have a light deficiency within the brain (12). When light, which converts to photonic flow, which then converts to electricity (12) corrects and re-establishes health in brain tissue, all brain functions improve. People who’s brain is in a compromised state, are usually fearful. They lack courage and positivity to take leaps in life to live their true purpose and potential. When brain function is restored, in which this case may have occurred as the result of intense monochromatic light therapy, people could begin to live life quite positively and fearlessly once again. (9)

BRAIN FUNCTION RESULTS

Based on the Amen Scoring System to measure changes to the brain function, the following results were found –

8 of the 10 study participants improved their limbic function (deep emotional responses) from start to end of the study, while 1 person stayed the same and 1 worsened.

5 out of 10 people improved their pre-frontal cortex brain function (planning, focus) while 2 remained the same and 3 worsened.

6 out of 9 people improved their cingulated system function (adaptability) while 2 remained unchanged and 1 worsened. 5 out of 8 people improved their temporal lobe function (language, memory, moods) while 2 remained unchanged and 1

worsened.
5 out of 9 people improved their basal ganglia function (anxiety control), while 4 worsened.

MOOD CHANGES

Based on the questionnaire provided, the following mood associated signs changed –

For depression, out of 10 individuals, 7 decreased their depression levels, 2 increased and 1 remained unchanged. For anxiety, out of 10 individuals , 3 decreased their anxiety levels, 2 increased levels and 5 remained unchanged.

For forgetfulness, out of 10 individuals, 7 decreased their forgetfulness levels, 3 people remained unchanged.

In summary, overall there were improvements in total brain function for 80 % of people. The most improved brain function

was the limbic system (emotional brain). The systems least improved were the pre-frontal cortex (planning), and also the

basal ganglia (anxiety).

For fatigue, out of 10 individuals, 7 decreased their fatigue levels, 1 increased and 2 remained unchanged at the end of the

study.

For nervous tension, out of 10 individuals , 6 decreased their nervous tension levels, 3 had increased and 1 remained

unchanged.

For sleep problems, out of 10 individuals, 5 decreased their sleep problems, 5 had increased levels and 0 people remained

unchanged.

The most improved areas noted were for depression, fatigue and forgetfulness with 70 percent of all individuals

experiencing improvements . The least responsive area was anxiety with only 30 percent of the group reducing their

anxiety levels.

Discussion

CONCLUSION

To summarise, this study has shown that monochromatic light therapy administered to the brain via the eyes improved brain function for limbic, pre-frontal cortex, cingulated system, temporal lobe and basal ganglia functions. Additionally, there were marked observed improvements for depression, fatigue and forgetfulness. Most of all, people receiving this light therapy were able to instigate positive life choices and changes (for people who required changes).

This field has promising prospects. Further studies could be conducted, including studies with increased an number of participants and including a control group to give clearer and more research significant results.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.monocrom.se/
2. Martel, A., 2018. Light Therapies: A Complete Guide to the Healing Power of Light, Bear & Co., Vermont
3. Klinghardt, D. The Neurophysiology of Light: The Five Pathways, Journal of Optometric Phototherapy, March, 2003, pp 35 – 40.
4. Jacob Liberman, O.D., Ph.D., Light : Medicine of the Future. 1991,Bear, Vermont.
5. Spitler, H.R, 2011 The Syntonic Principle, Wipf & Stock Publishers.
6. Karl Ryberg, Monocrom Dome Information, Monochromatic Light Therapy Super Colours for the Future, 2010 ILA presentation

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mhfxEvG2KA http://www.monocrom.se/

7. Bluntschli, M 2016 Mood Questionnaire, Research Notes
8. Ross, M, 2016. Amen Behavior Checklist 99 items. Personal Notes
9. Amen, D.G. 2015. Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. Harmony Books, New York

10. www.photonwave.be
11. Bluntschli, M Assessment Methods for Light Therapies, ALA Conference Presentation, Sydney, 2017

12. JohnDowning,OD,Ph.D.,HowLightTherapyImprovestheBrain, 2014,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbosJraRv9Y