Hey fellow Brainhacker,

I'm no longer recommending NuCalm because I think the subscriptions add up to be too costly over time.

I recommend checking out BrainTap, here, instead,  or even just getting yourself some good old brainwave audios, which are way cheaper and just as effective. See here. 

Enjoy your journey, and shoot me on comment (on the relevant page) if you need some help.

Best regards, Lawrence.

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I've had numerous requests to listen to NuCalm and give my verdict. Finally my trial package arrived, and now my NuCalm review is here.

With over a million users from CEOs to sports stars, the marketing is impressive. But does the reality live up to the hype?

I tested it for 4 weeks.

And, as always, I'll give you my humble opinion from my personal experience, which is based on many years experience using brainwave entrainment products and exploring all things neuro-hacking!

I've created a contents page below, so you can easily jump to the information you need. I advise reading all the way through, though, as I cover a lot of detail that you should digest before making a decision.

What Is NuCalm?

NuCalm is a relaxation program that purports to promote lower stress and anxiety levels, better sleep, mood, and performance. It is distributed by Solace Lifesciences, a neuroscience company developing technology therapies designed to naturally restore the mind and body.

Developed by a neuroscientist – the specific individual is not mentioned – the NuCalm approach was originally intended to treat patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, often accompanied by drug abuse. The system was later simplified and developed into a home-user product, which is what we have today.

How Does NuCalm Work?

After some digging around, I found that the main technology behind NuCalm, aside from the bio signal discs, which we will get into in a minute, is actually binaural beats.

This is something I know a fair bit about!

It's funny the number of products I come across that use binaural beats as the main technology but don't openly advertise the fact, perhaps because they want to make out like they are using something newer and more innovative.

Anyway, buried in the blog somewhere I found the following line: “Traditional binaural beat music is linear and predictable; NuCalm tracks are scientifically designed to keep your brain engaged”.

Okay, so this might be true for some programs, or the rubbish you find on YouTube, but companies like BinauralBeatsMeditation make many non-linear tracks with multiple frequency points and layering, just saying…

I'm not saying they are lying, but bear in mind that it's a broad statement, true in part, but certainly not for all.

So now that we've established the tech of the app software and I've got that off my chest, let's move on, because it does get more interesting.

The biosignal disc goes on your left wrist.

What's the Science Behind the Biosignal Disks?

The key component in the system is the NuCalm Disc, and this, for me, is the most interesting aspect and the main reason for the additional cost.

These are biosignal processing discs designed to slow down adrenaline and initiate the relaxation process. You place one on the inside of your left wrist, near the bottom of your forearm, before you start your session.

The disc then sends an electrical pulse signal to your brain, instructing it to relax.

Afterward, you can choose your session on the app on your phone, recline, put on the eye mask, and drift away. It's a pretty straightforward process.

Each biosignal processing disc contains the frequency patterns of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain.

GABA counteracts the effects of cortisol and adrenaline (both present in stress and anxiety), thereby inducing a state of relaxation in the brain.

Research has shown that GABA can improve mood and have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system.

In short, the discs train the brain to chill :).

Are the Discs Reusable?

The discs are not reusable; this is the purpose of the subscription. You'll receive your discs in the mail either on a monthly or yearly basis, depending on your subscription.

However, you can leave the disc on after your session as there are said to be some residual benefits that continue throughout the day.

Note: To ensure they work at optimum performance, you should keep your discs sealed in the bag they come in.

How Does the Eye Mask Work?

Initially, I thought the eye mask was an integral part of the system, but, in fact, it's just a premium molded eye mask.

I quite like it, and I can use it for sleeping. However, it's important to note that it's not essential, and you could use any other eye mask instead.

After your NuCalm journey, you can expect to feel calm, relaxed, focused, energized, present, and patient, so you can own the day! Since NuCalm is priming your GABAergic system, you can also expect to sleep well the night following your NuCalm.

Headphones are not included. I recommend the over the ear, closed back style.

My Experience with NuCalm

First Session Thoughts

One might expect me to say I was skeptical going into my first session, but I wasn't. I've been using and testing products like these for decades, and I know that binaural beats technology, when done properly, works.

In short, I expected to feel relaxed.

Using the discs was new to me, though, so I really didn't know what to expect in this regard.

As noted previously, the discs send electromagnetic signals to the brain. They do this through your Pericardium-6 acupuncture point on your left wrist.

The software is quite user-friendly. You purchase NuCalm on the website and then download the app to your phone.

You'll answer a few tick-box questions about what you want to achieve, as seen below:

These are the first 3 screens you will see. Answer the questions and then get started.

You then select your session, as below. I recommend the Recharge session in the afternoon, as a power nap.

The app is very well designed and even the most technically challenged person could find their way around.

The Music

The music varies but is mostly what you'd expect: nondescript, calming sounds. Naturally, you'll prefer some over others, but for the most part, they just drift by, which is actually what you want. The more neutral and pleasing to the ear, the better. Distracting, high-pitched sounds can be off-putting and could disrupt the sessions.

However, it's not the sound design that's affecting your brain. It's the frequencies beneath the music. You probably won't notice the differences between these frequencies among tracks, but your brain will respond to the vibrations accordingly.

I found the sound design similar to that of iAwake Technologies, in that it's experimental and a little abstract at times.

The Discs

In terms of the system, I have no complaints. The only real issue for me was not being able to measure the impact of the discs. How do I know if the disc is working?

An EEG machine is connected to a computer via wiring, allowing you to see the brain's readings. However, in this case, I'm still left unsure as to whether signals are being transmitted and what the impact is.

Of course, users swear by the technology, but I'd like to have some tangible readout on the app or some measurement of the impact on my session. Because you have no way of knowing if it's just the relaxing music – underpinned by binaural beats – that is responsible for relaxing the brain, or if the discs contribute as well.

I couldn't find any test data or independent studies on this on the website.

I did find that the eye mask enhanced the experience. Blocking out the natural light in the room helped turn my focus inward and allowed me to enter a deeper meditative state. This was one key insight from the experience that I'll test with other products.

Post-Listening Feelings

I did feel calm and balanced after my session, and as someone with anxiety, I believe this would be beneficial for me in the future.

I find it quite useful as an afternoon pick-me-up. Engaging in a session when you experience that post-lunch energy dip serves as a good recharge.

I keep the disc on throughout the day in an attempt to reap the maximum perceived benefits. However, as mentioned earlier, I lack real-world measurements to gauge the impact of this. It could be a placebo effect.

My sleep quality is generally good these days, but I've noticed feeling more energized in the morning and generally more motivated after using NuCalm. That said, I regularly use other brainwave entrainment products, so it could be a combination of both.

Despite the discs being somewhat of a leap of faith for me, I must admit that I quite enjoy the futuristic sensation of putting one on. As a child, we were taught about what the future would be like, with holograms and what is now considered wearable tech. And now, here I am, experiencing it.

NuCalm feels like an integration with technology and a world of possibilities.

Nonetheless, I'm left with the lingering suspicion that the discs could potentially have a placebo effect. Unfortunately, I have no concrete way of confirming this.

Falling Asleep to NuCalm

Like most relaxation therapies, you may fall asleep while listening, especially if you have been very stressed or tired lately. The sudden transition into a state of relaxation might cause you to nod off. This can also happen during meditation practice.

It's unlikely to be a deep sleep; rather, it's similar to a power-nap sleep that you might experience if you lay down on the sofa during the day.

You can listen in bed while you fall asleep.

Personally, I prefer Delta tracks for sleep since they promote deeper sleep, whereas Theta is more meditative. Nevertheless, with regular use, you should notice an improvement in your sleep due to lower stress levels.

Because NuCalm operates in the Theta frequency range, you may experience dream-like visuals while you listen. Theta is a meditative, creative, and inspiring frequency range. Therefore, you might feel motivated, creative, and productive after listening.

Is NuCalm Really Anti-Aging?

As an unintended benefit, one would assume so.

It's self-evident that spending less time in mental stress and more time in rest and recovery will slow down the aging process. Moreover, reducing high-stress periods will help regulate the body's inflammatory response.

As I always mention with frequency-based music like binaural beats, the benefits are wide-ranging and often unintentional. With regular listening, you will experience multiple benefits over time.

However, it's important to be realistic. You won't miraculously appear 10 years younger after just a month. Nevertheless, by reducing stress and anxiety, and improving your sleep, you'll be promoting better health, which in turn will enhance your overall appearance.

Potential Side Effects

In a nutshell, no, there are no side effects. The only side effects I could possibly envision would be a headphone from wearing headphones that are too tight for your head!

Session Length (How long to listen)

You can choose. The minimum recommended duration is 20 minutes. This makes sense because, in general, you need to listen to a binaural beats track for 15 minutes or more to obtain optimal benefits. That being said, you can listen for up to an hour or even longer.

Whatever duration feels right for you at the time, simply go with it and listen.

Daily listening is also recommended because the effectiveness of a natural therapy always depends on regularity and consistency.

NuCalm's patented technology is clinically proven to help bring your Autonomic Nervous System into proper balance for optimal recovery and health.

NuCalm Pricing

This is what I would call a premium product in this space.

I mean, when you consider that you could probably buy the entire BinauralBeatsMeditation catalogue of 50 odd tracks for half the price of a yearly subscription, it isn't cheap.

The thing is, you are paying for the expense of the bio signal discs. Without these discs, the program would be the app with the music and the face mask and the price would most likely be a one-off payment.

But the discs are a really important part of the system, so that can't be avoided.

Of course, new sessions (tracks) are also added to the app every so often, so you are getting new content and not just listening to the same tracks over and over again.

NuCalm used to have a tiered monthly subscription, whereby you could choose from 10, 20, or 30 discs per month. The lowest price point was $19.99 a month. However, they recently switched to one monthly option on all the programs, or a monthly option on Sleep Suite or Rescue:

1. Monthly Subscription:

• $49.99 per month for the whole package. Or, $29.99 for Sleep Suite, and $14.99 for Rescue
• Monthly access to the NuCalm neuroacoustic software (via mobile app)
• NuCalm biosignal processing discs shipped monthly
• Premium molded NuCalm eye mask

Refund Policy

If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you have 30 days from the date of your first delivery to request a full refund.

In Summary

Here's my summary of the pros and cons of NuCalm:

Pros:

• Relaxing way to reduce stress and anxiety and sleep better.
• Broad benefits of better mood, lower inflammation and anti-aging.
• Offline listening now available.
• Good quality components and app experience.
• Updates easily downloaded to your phone.
• Bio signal discs delivered monthly to your door.

Cons:

• The subscription model makes the system unaffordable for many. When I consider all the other monthly outgoings I have, this is quite a hefty monthly investment.
• Impact of the bio signal discs is not trackable. Could be placebo.
• Software delivered via a phone, which doesn't allow a user to detach from their smartphone, which for some is a cause of stress. I recommend muting all notifications and turning off WIFI and 4/5G.

Final Overview

The core premise of NuCalm is to naturally disable your stress response by inducing a dominant parasympathetic state. This is achieved by interrupting the production of adrenaline and cortisol, commonly known as stress hormones.

Regular use encourages your brain to naturally spend more time in this state, ultimately training you to be less stressed and anxious.

This aligns with what most brainwave entrainment and neuro-hacking products aim to achieve, although NuCalm stands out in its unique approach.

The holistic benefits are extensive, resulting in improved sleep, lower blood pressure, enhanced immune function, and greater emotional stability.

Overall, I hold a favorable view of the product. From the app's functionality to the quality of the discs and the eye mask, it is delivered very professionally.

It appears to be effective as well. I do believe I am benefiting, at the very least from the neuro-acoustic binaural beats tracks.

However, I would appreciate seeing some form of enhancement to track the impact of the discs. Perhaps the inclusion of research studies or video content demonstrating the discs being tested in a medical setting.

Additionally, I would like to see a return to the previous pricing structure. They used to offer more affordable subscription tiers where you could order 10 or 20 discs a month at a lower price point.

+ Visit the NuCalm Website

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