The Science Behind TouchPoints
Stress impacts us both physically and mentally, taking a toll on our focus, sleep, performance and general ability to cope. Chronic stress can lead to heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke. Unfortunately, according to the American Institute of Stress, 77% of people experience stress that affects their physical health.
The problem is our body reacts to minor stress the same way it does to serious danger, activating our “fight or flight” response and triggering stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, making us feel anxious and out of control. But our default stress reaction can literally be rewired with TouchPoints.
Developed over several decades by a team of neuropsychologists, TouchPoints use gentle, alternating vibrations to modify your response to stress, rapidly shifting your “fight or flight” response to a more serene, balanced state and putting you back in control. You simply place TouchPoints on either side of your body – in pockets, socks, on straps, your belt, wristbands or even held in your hands – and begin to feel calmer in seconds.
Quantitative Electroencephalogram Data
Our study involving quantitative electroencephalogram data clearly shows a reduction in brain wave activity in areas associated with anxiety (beta waves). TouchPoints’ patented BLAST (bi-lateral alternating stimulation-tactile technology) alters the body’s “fight or flight” response caused by stress. The wearables emit vibrations that disengage your standard stress response which can impact your performance and health.
And the results have shown to be life changing. This unique process of shifting from one brain area to another has been proven to create new behavior patterns that lessen your reaction to stress over time.
Research-Proven measurable impact
74% Reduction in Stress in 30 Seconds
The data showed that within just 30 seconds of using TouchPoints, people experienced a 74% reduce in their stress levels and a 68% reduction in body sensations related to stress. This data combined with our archived data suggest that there is a consistency in offering users significant relief from physiological and psychological stress in about 30 seconds. View our full Stress Study.
TouchPoints Stabilize Cortisol Levels
“We are excited to unveil the results of academic research that shows non-invasive technology can be worn during stressful tasks such as presentations to stabilize cortisol compared with a control group. This could be a game-changer for anyone whose stress has ever pushed them out of the zone of performance. If we are stabilizing cortisol, we can reduce inflammation, mental burnout, and essentially enhance performance in real-time without mental rehearsal or cognitive strategies. Being able to use the technology when you give a speech, take a test, or play spots could take performance to the next level.” - JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
ACADEMIC Studies
EMDR Bilateral saccadic eye movements and tactile stimulation,but not auditory
stimulation, enhance memory retrieval
PTSD Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD Applied Bi-Lateral Alternating Stimulation - Tactile (BLAST) As a Stress Inhibitor Amy Serin, PhD.
TACTILE STIMULATION The Cerebellum Contributes to Somatosensory Cortical Activity during Self-Produced Tactile Stimulation
TACTILE STIMULATION Empathy for Pain and Touch in the Human Somatosensory Cortex
Case Studies
The TouchPoint Scientific Advisor Board (SAB) provides strategic guidance and leads independent research studies measuring the impact of TouchPoints on different conditions. It plays a key role in identifying how TouchPoints can be used in both professional and personal settings to address a myriad of areas including stress, anxiety, focus, sleep and performance.
Dr. Michael J. Breus, Ph.D.
Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., known as The Sleep Doctor, is a Clinical Psychologist and both a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He was one of the youngest people to have passed the Board at age 31 and, with a specialty in Sleep Disorders, is one of only 168 psychologists in the world with his credentials and distinction. Dr. Breus is on the clinical advisory board of The Dr. Oz Show and appears regularly on the show.
Dr. Sheava Zadeh, Ph.D.
Dr. Sheava Zadeh has dedicated her career to the field of Psychology while serving the needs of children and families for over 20 years. Dr. Sheava earned her Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, and her Ph.D from the University of the Pacific. Dr. Sheava is also certified as a B.I.C.M., as well as having L.E.P licensure.
Dr. Sheava has published research as well as clinical experience in the area of suicide prevention. Other areas of research include body dysmorphic disorder and academic achievement factors in children with chronic illness. In addition, she has years of experience in crisis management, assessments, psychometrics, therapy, consultation, and hosting seminars, and online workshops.
Dr. Nathan Hageman, Ph.D.
Dr. Nathan Hageman is TouchPoint's Research Director as well as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physics, Chemistry and Biology from Johns Hopkins University, and an MD and a PhD in Neuroscience and Neuro-Engineering from UCLA with a focus in brain mapping and medical image processing. Nathan has an extensive knowledge of high-level mathematics and statistics, data analysis, image processing, and medicine, especially neuroscience/neuroanatomy.