Subjectively this method of visual entrainment results in users experiencing visual (Bartossek et al, 2021), ego and imagination-based effects with an intensity rated to be similar in strength to effects induced by psychedelic substances (Schwartzman et al, 2019) .
Alongside these striking subjective effects, increased EEG signal diversity has also been measured within this stroboscopic-induced state (Schwartzman et al, 2019). Within psychedelic states, this increased signal diversity is often associated with the rich and unusual perceptual and cognitive phenomena experienced. Some publications have even gone as far as to name this a measure of a ‘higher state of consciousness’.
Additionally research has also shown that this stroboscopic altered state also leads to a reduction in peak alpha activity. This again has been shown to correlate to changes in consciousness such as ego-dissolution and visual hallucination in psychedelic states.
Finally, it is believed that this stroboscopic state also leads to a reduction of activity within the default mode network. This part of the brain, associated with self-referential thought and ego identity, tends to become less active during psychedelic states, which is theorised to contribute to experiences of ego dissolution and altered self-experience. Lumenate is currently working with Freie Universität Berlin to conduct an fMRI study to fully validate this.
Subjective and neurological effects of Neural Entrainment
Written by Jay (Co-Founder)
Updated over a year ago