Effect of 10 and 20 Hz photic stimulation on stress and temperature of the fingers

This paper evaluates the effect of photic stimulation at frequencies of 10 and 20 Hz on lowering stress for therapeutic purposes. This study also measures the increase of the temperature in the extremities when the person is receiving this stimulation as it has been found that photic stimulation increases the temperature by means of a higher blood circulation. A photic stimulator circuit based on Arduino was designed which generates sine waves of different frequencies. In this experiment four participants were recruited to receive a photic session lasting 20 minutes, afterward stress was assessed. During the photic session the temperature of the index finger was recorded. It was found that this protocol using 10 and 20 Hz stimulation decreased stress in the individuals on a global average of 20%. The temperature of the finger was increased during the stimulation of 10 and 20 Hz. However both frequencies had a different effect on the trend of the increase of temperature. These preliminary outcomes suggest that a photic stimulation might be used for therapeutic applications to reduce stress levels and improve general well-being. The increase of temperature produced by a higher blood circulation could also be used for therapeutic purposes to improve problems related to diabetes and hypertension, Raynaud´s syndrome.