Product Review – The emWave Personal Stress Reliever

Today we are reviewing the emWave Personal Stress Reliever – which is made by HeartMath – and is designed to help improve performance in everyday activities by reducing stress. HeartMath claims that the emWave device is scientifically validated and provides significant reductions in stress and increases a user’s feeling of well being. The emWave Personal Stress Reliever retails on Heartmath’s website for $199.

There are also versions for PC and Mac computers that come with additional software designed to enhance the use of the machine (slightly increased price). Both the company and many users of the machine have made lofty claims about the effectiveness of the emWave Personal Stress Reliever. So, in today’s review, we take a closer look and see if it lives up to the hype.

How the emWave Works

By using a person’s heartbeat and pulse to determine the user’s current stress level, the emWave Personal Stress Reliever is like many other devices that are designed to help people relieve their stress. The device contains a thumb sensor where the user places his/her thumb so that the device can detect and measure the person’s heartbeat and pulse, accepted indicators of stress levels. The unit also comes with an alternative ear plug sensor that can be used for occasions when holding your thumb on the unit itself is inconvenient.

Following the measurement of your pulse, the device utilizes a series of LED lights to indicate your current stress level. If your stress level is too high (indicated by an erratic or quick pulse rate), the unit will display a red light.  As your pulse slows, the light will change to blue and then green colors. A series of light patterns emitted from the LED help you to pace your breathing, which in turn helps you to relax and reduce your stress level.

The Pros of the emWave Personal Stress Reliever

Most importantly, the device works as advertised and does a good job of detecting elevated or erratic heartbeat and pulse levels which are signs of increased stress. The emWave device does an effective job of helping to regulate the pace of your breathing with the assistance of the LED patterns designed for this task. The breathing pattern light signals emitted from the emWave device act to help you use a technique that is very similar to Yoga to obtain a more relaxed and rested state of mind.

The added ear monitor is a nice touch and something that other manufacturers of similar devices may want to integrate into their products. It is especially helpful for use when you a simply need your hands free for other tasks.

Disadvantages of the Unit

Although the device does what it claims, the unit seems to be a little lightweight in its construction. Furthermore, the ear plug monitor – while effective – has a lightweight feel about it, although some will regard that as a plus. Of course, if you take proper and reasonable care of the unit as one would any electronic item, it should give long service.

One thing that you should consider with any device of this type is the fact that in theory at least, if you are able to find a quiet and relaxing place to sit or lie down, you can achieve the same results through quiet meditation and controlled breathing. Nevertheless, many people are unable to empty their minds and relax enough to properly control their breathing and the device could be a boon to the many in this category; not least of course, those who are in need of relaxing – the very reason why they are considering buying the device in the first place! Note that results are not usually noticed for about 5 or 10 minutes, which in the big picture is really nothing at all.

Conclusion

$199 is a sum over which some will deliberate before spending, But then again, for a significant reduction in stress, $199 may be a very small price to pay.

In that regard, the machine performs admirably and for that reason is a good investment for people that suffer from hypertension or other conditions aggravated by stress. This device is unreservedly recommended for those who wish to reduce their stress levels, for the most fundamental reason that it does what it says on the box.