Product Review - The EmWave Personal Stress Reliever

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. The manufacturer states that the emWave device is scientifically validated and produces significant reductions in stress and increases the quality of the user’s life. The device currently sells for $199 on the Heartmath website.

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). The emWave Personal Stress Reliever has received high marks from many users and review websites. So, with that in mind, in today’s review - we find out for ourselves.

How the emWave Personal Stress Reliever Works

This device is similar to other stress relief devices in that it detects heartbeat and pulse and in doing so, determines a person’s current stress level. The device uses a thumb sensor to detect pulse and then registers the stress level based on the theory that a faster heartbeat is indicative of excitement or stress. For times when using the thumb sensor may be inconvenient, the device also comes with an alternative ear plug sensor, that can be used in its place.

After the device detects your pulse rate, the machine uses an LED indicator to display the current level of stress. If your pulse is too quick or erratic, the LED displays a red color and shows blue or green color lights as the pulse slows and stress levels decrease, green being the least stress. The device allows you to follow a series of ingenious light patterns, which help you slow your breathing and thus 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 LED light patterns generated by the device are effective in helping you to control and slow your breathing. Similar to breathing techniques taught in Yoga classes, the breathing pattern signal lights emitted from the machine help you to become more relaxed – which quickly reduces your level of stress.

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.

The Cons of the Device

While the device is effective at helping to reduce stress levels, the case does not appear to be built for rough use and could do with using heavier materials. Also, the ear monitor seems like it could be easily damaged, although its light weight may be seen as an advantage by many. 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 you can achieve the same results through quiet meditation or concentrated and controlled breathing for an extended period of time. However, balancing this is the fact that whereas anyone can learn to breathe properly, it is something which perhaps most people and especially those most in need of relaxing, will find difficult to do without encouragement and constant awareness. One thing to keep in mind is the fact that the you need to use the machine for about 5 or 10 minutes before you will see any noticeable results.  Hardly any time at all when compared to the potential benefits.

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.