I've had numerous requests over the last 18 months 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 – they don't say who? – the NuCalm approach was originally intended to treat patients suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, usually accompanied by drug abuse.

The system was later simplified and developed into a home-user product, which is what we arrive at 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. This for me is the most interesting aspect, and what you're really paying the extra for.

These are bio signal processing discs, designed to slow down adrenaline and begin 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 to instruct it to relax. Kind of like an EEG machine.

Then you choose your session on the app on your phone, kick back and put the eye mask on, and drift away. It's pretty straightforward.

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

GABA counteracts the effects of cortisol and adrenaline (present in stress and anxiety), thus slowing and relaxing the brain.

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

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

Are the Discs Reusable?

They aren't. That's what the subscription is for. You'll receive your discs in the post, either monthly or yearly, depending on your subscription.

You can, however, leave the disc on after your session, as there is said to be some residual benefits that will continue through the day.

Note: You should keep your discs sealed in the bag they come in to ensure they work at optimum performance.

How Does the Eye Mask Work?

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

I quite like it and I can use it to sleep, but know that it's not essential and you could just use any other eye mask.

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 work in a similar way to an EEG machine, in that it is sending electromagnetic signals to the brain. It does this through your Pericardium-6 acupuncture point, on your left wrist.

The software is really easy to use. You buy NuCalm on the website, then download the app to your phone.

You 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 highly 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 like some better than others, but mostly they just float 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 would ruin the sessions.

The sound design isn't what's impacting your brain, though. It's the frequencies under the music. You probably won't notice how these differ between 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 hooked up to a computer via wiring, so you can see the readings of the brain, but 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 doing all the relaxing of the brain, or the discs too.

I couldn't find any test date 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 mind inwards and fall deeper into a meditative state. That was one key learning from this experience that I'll test with other products.

Post-Listening Feelings

I do feel very calm and balanced after my session, and as someone with anxiety I definitely think this will help me going forward.

I quite like it as an afternoon pick-me up. Doing a session when you get that dip after lunch is a good recharge.

I keep the disc on through the day, so as to get the maximum purported benefit, though as said previously, I have no real-world measurement to know the impact of this. It could be placebo.

I sleep pretty well these days anyway, but I have felt more energized in the morning and generally more motivated having used NuCalm. That being said, I use other brainwave entrainment products regularly, so it could be a combination of those.

Even though the discs are a leap of faith for me, I have to admit I really like the futuristic feeling of putting one on. When I was a kid were taught what the future would be like, with holograms and what is now wearable tech. And now, here I am, living it.

NuCalm feels like you're integrating with technology and a world of possibility.

+ Click here to visit the NuCalm website

Falling Asleep to NuCalm

Like most relaxation therapies, you may fall asleep when listening, especially if you have been very stressed or tired of late. The sudden release into a state of relaxation might make you nod off. This can happen with meditation practice, too.

It is unlikely to be a deep sleep, though, more like that power-nap sleep you slip into if you lay down on the sofa during the day.

You can listen in bed while you fall asleep.

I personally prefer Delta tracks for sleep, as this promotes deeper sleep, whereas Theta is more meditative. That said, with regular use you should notice an improvement in sleep because of 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, and therefore you may feel motivated, creative and productive post listening.

Is NuCalm Really Anti-Aging?

As an unintentional benefit, one would assume so.

It goes without saying that if you spend less time in mental stress and more time in rest and recovery you will slow the aging process. Additionally, lower periods of high stress response will help regulate the body's inflammatory response.

As I always say when it comes to frequency based music such as binaural beats, the benefits are broad and often unintentional. With regular listening, you will experience multiple benefits over a period of time.

Be realistic, though. You aren't going to look 10 years younger after a month. However, by being less stressed and anxious, and sleeping better, you are being healthier and will look better for it.

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 advised duration is 20 minutes. This makes sense because generally you need to listen to 15+ minutes of a binaural beats track to get optimum benefit. That said, you can listen for up to an hour or more.

Whatever you feel is the right duration for you at the time, just go with it and listen.

Daily listening is also advised, because the success of a natural therapy is always reliant 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 BBM 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, plus the lifetime option, as below.

1. Monthly Subscription:

• $49.99 / Month
• Monthly access to the NuCalm neuroacoustic software (via mobile app)
• NuCalm biosignal processing discs shipped monthly
• Premium molded NuCalm eye mask

2. Annual Subscription:

$499. Save 20%.

2. Mastermind (Lifetime)

• $1,995.00
• One license for lifetime access to the NuCalm neuroacoustic software (via mobile app)
• 1 Year of access to the Ignite neuroacoustic software
• Early access to the NuCalm Voice Stress & Fatigue Analyzer
• Exclusive access to the NuCalm Team and surveys to improve the NuCalm experience

* I saw an FAQ that says that only annual subscriptions are available for international shipping. It doesn't say that on the pricing page, though, so do double check, as it could be outdated information.

+ Visit the NuCalm Website

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 in NuCalm 3.0.
• 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.
• Impact of the bio signal discs is not trackable.
• 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 basic premise of NuCalm is to disable your stress response in a natural way by placing you in a dominant parasympathetic state. This is achieved by interrupting the production of adrenaline and cortisol, known as stress the hormones.

Regular use will encourage your brain to naturally spend more time in this state, entraining you to be less stressed and anxious.

This is pretty much what most brainwave entrainment and neuro-hacking products do, though NuCalm is unique in its approach.

The benefits of this are holistic, leading to better sleep, lower blood pressure, strengthened immune function, and greater emotional stability.

Overall I really like the product. From the app functionality to the quality of the discs and eye mask, it is very professionally delivered.

It seems to work well too. I do feel I am benefiting, at the very least from the neuro-acoustic binaural beats tracks.

However, I would like to see some sort of upgrade to track the impact of the discs; perhaps some research studies or video content of the discs being tested in a medical setting.

I would also like to see the old pricing structure brought back. They used to have cheaper subscription tiers, where you could order 10 or 20 discs a month at a lower price point.

+ Click here to visit the NuCalm website

Free Binaural Beats Download!

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