Circuit surgery electronics.
GSR Meter
How the GSR 2 works
To turn the unit on, place the two VELCRO sensing electrodes on the index and middle finger on either hand. Turn the pitch adjusting knob very slowly until you hear a tone. When you start to become calm and relaxed, the tone lowers. When you become upset or agitated, the tone goes higher. Put very simply, you learn to relax by learning how to get the tone to the lowest point possible. Read the instructions thoroughly and then you're ready to enjoy your first skin biofeedback experience. The GSR meter will shut off automatically as soon as you remove the electrodes from your fingers.
Instructions
To get the most from your GSR meter, read the following instructions before use.
Try to set aside the same relaxation time for yourself every day. How long you spend is up to you. Start with 10-20 minutes, or as long as you feel comfortable.
Find a quiet spot where you won't be interrupted or distracted. Average room temperature is best for using the unit. Relax by loosening any tight clothing and removing your shoes. Sit in a comfortable position at a desk or anywhere there is arm and elbow support. Lying down is not recommended unless your purpose is to fall asleep.
The GSR meter can be used with either hand. To find the right position for your arm, let it rest naturally.
Place the two VELCRO electrodes around your index and middle fingers.
With the electrodes around the two fingers, turn the adjusting knob on the GSR meter until you hear a pleasant, low tone. If you turn the adjusting knob too far up, the tone will become too high-pitched for you to hear. Should that happen, simply turn the knob back slowly. Wait about 20 seconds for the tone to stabilize, then check once more to make sure you're at the low end of the tonal range. Once your tone level is established, leave it there.
Now you're ready to begin. With your hand in place and the tone set low, sit quietly with your eyes closed. Relax your muscles and breathe evenly. Let go of all distracting thoughts and allow your mind to clear. As you become more relaxed, the tone will gradually decrease. Don't expect instant results. Trying too hard can actually raise the tone. There is usually about 2-5 seconds delay before the skin pores react, so don't expect instant tonal changes. Also, bear in mind, because you relax more slowly when you tense up, the tone will take longer to fall than to rise. As you become more skillful at relaxing, the tone may diminish until you can't hear it. Simply reset the dial slightly higher and continue as before. If the tone goes too high to hear, simply reset the dial to a lower starting point. It is meaningless to compare your setting or tone pitch with other people since each person's skin is unique. Remember, your starting and finishing point is of little importance, rather it is the feeling of physical and mental relaxation which is the goal. People who learn biofeedback control cannot always say how it is done. But be assured that before long, if you practice regularly, you will work out your own method. Don't be impatient. You have an important goal in mind: not only to bring the tone down, at will, as low as possible, but also to teach yourself to cope with stress through relaxation.
R570-00
