In this interview I chatted with Ariel Garten, who is a neuroscientist, innovator, and entrepreneur. Ariel's driving purpose is to empower and help others overcome mental obstacles in order to live healthy, happy lives and reach their maximum potential. We spoke about the unique benefits and effects of meditation on the mind, the brain and overall well being.
Garten is co-founder of InteraXon, the makers of Muse: the brain sensing headband. Muse is the award-winning wearable technology that assists and trains meditation and mindfulness.
Before founding InteraXon, Ariel was not only trained as a neuroscientist and psychotherapist, but also started her own international clothing line while she worked in labs researching Parkinson’s disease and hippocampal neurogenesis.
Her creativity and entrepreneurial head combined with her fascination with the brain lead her to join forces with two like minded friends Chris and Trevor to start InteraXon. Together they founded a Silicon Valley backed startup that allowed people to control computers with their minds, the technology that sparked the creation of Muse. Her team’s technology has been featured in over 1000 media pieces, as well as was the feature showcase at the
Vancouver 2010 Olympics, an installation that allowed over 7,000 people control the lights on the CN tower, Canadian parliament buildings, and Niagara Falls with their brains from across the country.
These days, Ariel can be found at home playing with her 2 year old or on stage across the world speaking about happiness, meditation, understanding mental health, or telling her own innovation story, consistently giving her audiences the tools they need to help them become their best selves.
Used by Neuroscience Researchers Around the World
EEG (electroencephalogram) technology has been a valuable tool for studying brain function and cognitive processes, and has been used to help diagnose and monitor neurological conditions and disorders. Yet, accessing this tool has often required a visit to a doctor's office or research institution.
With Muse's brain sensing headbands, you can now harness the power of EEG technology from the comfort of your own home. The device features dry sensor technology and advanced digital signal processing that makes it easier than ever to track your brain activity and gain insights into your overall mental states.
7 Advanced Sensors That Track Your Brain & Body
Muse passively measures brain signals, much like a heart rate monitor senses your heartbeat, and serves as a research-grade brain fitness tool.
Its 7 finely calibrated EEG sensors - 2 on the forehead, 2 behind the ears, and 3 reference sensors - detect and measure the activity of your brain. Its PPG sensor measures your heart rate, while an accelerometer and gyroscope measure your breath rhythm and body movement.
Muse has been tested and certified in accordance with Canadian, US, and European regulatory standards (FCC, UL, CE).
A Sleep Lab at Home
Sleep experts know the gold standard of sleep tracking is through polysomnography found in traditional sleep clinics. These tests use electrodes that measure brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels.
We used sleep lab data to benchmark the accuracy of our brain tracking algorithms to give you precision and insight, all from the comfort of your own home.
Plus, the Muse app provides easy-to-understand graphs, helping you become the expert in interpreting your results.
20% OFF Muse Meditation Tool
Studies:
Mindfulness Using a Wearable Brain Sensing Device for Health Care Professionals During a Pandemic: A Pilot Program
EEG Neurofeedback During Focused Attention Meditation: Effects on State Mindfulness and Meditation Experiences