Project H.A.L.O. (Hemispheric Alignment & Limbic Override) is an open-source system that uses EEG monitoring and vagus nerve stimulation to help people process trauma and explore consciousness states. It combines the Muse S headband for brain monitoring with TENS for gentle electrical stimulation.
No. Project H.A.L.O. is experimental research software, not a medical device. It is not FDA-approved and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use at your own risk.
When used according to the safety guidelines in SETUP.md, the individual components (Muse S, TENS unit) are generally safe. However, TENS has contraindications (pacemaker, heart conditions, epilepsy). Always consult a healthcare provider before starting.
- Muse S headband: ~$400
- TENS unit: ~$35
- Electrodes: ~$10-15
- Earbuds (if you don't have): $20-200
- Total: ~$465-650
Yes! That's the point. All documentation is open source, and we use off-the-shelf consumer hardware. No soldering required for the basic version.
No. We use the Muse S headband, but we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by InteraXon Inc.
OpenMuse is a newer Python library specifically designed for the Muse S Athena. It provides direct access to the raw data stream without needing LSL middleware, making the setup simpler and more reliable.
- Windows: Fully tested
- macOS: Should work (Bluetooth + Python)
- Linux: Should work (requires Bluez)
Not extensively tested on macOS/Linux yet - contributions welcome!
In theory, yes. You'd need to adapt the halo package to work with your device's data format. OpenBCI and Neurosity Crown are potential alternatives. We may add support in future versions.
This is an empirical starting point. The ratio of Alpha/Beta power tends to drop below 0.7 when someone transitions from a calm state to an anxious/triggered state. However, this may need adjustment per individual.
The Muse S is consumer-grade EEG, not research-grade. It's sufficient for detecting general state changes (calm vs. stressed) but not precise enough for detailed brain mapping. For this application (trauma work), it's adequate.
FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) requires a sufficient number of samples to accurately detect low-frequency waves like Alpha (8-12 Hz). With 256 Hz sampling rate, 5 seconds gives us good frequency resolution.
Not in the current MVP version, but this is planned. You can manually modify the halo package to save data, or use the examples/analyze_recording.py script with OpenMuse's recording feature.
Protocol A (The Hunter) - It's the most straightforward and has a clear target (process a specific memory). Protocol B is more advanced and can be disorienting if you're not familiar with altered states.
- Protocol A (Trauma work): 2-3 times per week maximum. Processing is taxing; you need integration time.
- Protocol B (Exploration): As desired, but give yourself 24-48 hours between sessions.
Start conservatively. More is not always better.
This is highly individual. Some people report immediate relief after one session. For complex trauma, it may take multiple sessions over weeks or months. This is a tool, not a magic bullet.
No. It can be a valuable adjunct to therapy, especially EMDR or somatic therapies, but it's not a replacement for professional mental health care.
This could mean:
- You're already in a calm state (good!)
- You're dissociated (disconnected from emotions)
- The threshold needs adjustment (try
--threshold 0.8) - You need to engage more actively with the target memory
Turn off the TENS, stop the audio, open your eyes. You're in control. The system alerts you, but you decide when to engage.
The vagus nerve has better accessibility on the left side via the auricular branch (at the tragus). The right side can work but is less reliable.
A gentle tingle or "buzz". NOT pain, NOT muscle twitching. If your ear is jumping or it hurts, turn it down immediately.
Yes, as long as it has:
- Adjustable pulse width (200 µs)
- Adjustable frequency (25-30 Hz range)
- Standard electrode connectors
You should feel:
- Slight tingling in the ear
- Possible subtle slowing of heart rate
- Sense of calm or relaxation
You should NOT feel:
- Pain
- Muscle twitching/spasms
- Dizziness or nausea
No. Stick to the left ear/shoulder configuration only. Other placements could interfere with the vagus nerve stimulation or create safety issues.
- TENS misuse: Placing electrodes incorrectly (near heart) or using too high intensity
- Psychological distress: Trauma work can be intense
- Dissociation: Getting "stuck" in an altered state
- Overuse: Processing too much too fast
All are manageable with proper precautions.
- Immediately turn TENS to zero
- Stop audio
- Open eyes
- Stand up and move around
- Use 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique
- Call a friend or crisis line if needed
Check with your prescriber. Some medications affect brainwaves or seizure threshold. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers should be discussed with your doctor first.
This system was designed with PTSD in mind (inspired by EMDR). However, if you have severe PTSD, work with a trauma therapist first. Do not use this as a replacement for professional care.
Do not use binaural beats or isochronic tones (Protocol B). The rhythmic stimulation could potentially trigger seizures. Protocol A with bilateral audio may be safer, but consult a neurologist first.
- Ensure it's powered on (hold button, blue LED should appear)
- Check Bluetooth is enabled on your computer
- Make sure no other apps are connected to it (close official Muse app)
- Try moving closer to the computer
- Restart the Muse (hold power button to turn off, then on)
Some noise is expected, especially if:
- Hair is interfering with sensors
- Sensors aren't making good contact
- You're moving or clenching jaw
- Room has electrical interference (LED lights)
Try: moistening sensors slightly, pushing hair aside, sitting still.
Yes, but you may need to:
- Part hair to expose TP9/TP10 areas behind ears
- Slightly moisten sensors for better contact
- Use hair gel or water on contact points
Yes, after each session:
- Wipe sensors with alcohol wipe or damp cloth
- Remove any skin oils or hair products
- Let air dry
This improves signal quality and extends sensor life.
- Clean skin with alcohol wipe first (removes oils)
- Ensure sticky pads aren't dried out (replace if old)
- Consider using conductive gel
- Store pads in sealed bag to retain moisture
The research is mixed. Some studies show effects, others don't. Anecdotally, many people report state changes. Your mileage may vary. What matters is whether it works for YOU.
No for binaural beats (Protocol B) - they require stereo separation between ears.
Maybe for bilateral EMDR (Protocol A), but headphones are strongly recommended for better effect.
Binaural beats aren't a "sound" you hear directly. They're a perceived "wobbling" or "pulsing" created by your brain processing two slightly different frequencies. Turn up the volume slightly and close your eyes - you should feel a subtle pulse.
Not recommended for Protocol A. Lyrics tax working memory, which interferes with trauma processing. Use instrumental bilateral audio instead.
For Protocol B, it depends. Mantras or chants can enhance the experience, but pop songs will likely pull you out of the state.
For Protocol A (trauma processing):
- Emotional release (crying, anger)
- New perspectives on old memories
- Reduced "charge" on the memory (lower SUDS score)
- Physical sensations (yawning, shaking - trauma release)
- Spontaneous insights
For Protocol B (exploration):
- Visual imagery (geometric patterns, symbols)
- "Knowing" without thinking
- Time dilation
- Sense of presence or communication
- Mystical unity experiences
Possible reasons:
- Need to adjust settings (threshold, TENS intensity)
- Need more sessions to build up effect
- Expectations too high (subtle effects are normal)
- Not the right tool for your particular needs
Not everyone responds the same way. That's okay.
Trauma doesn't get "cured" - it gets integrated. The goal is not to erase memories but to change your relationship to them, so they no longer control you. This tool can help with that process, but it's not a silver bullet.
Some people report feeling more "themselves" after releasing old patterns. Others notice they're calmer, less reactive, more present. But you're not becoming a different person - you're becoming a healed version of yourself.
- GitHub Issues: For bugs and technical problems
- GitHub Discussions: For general questions and sharing experiences
- (Future: Discord/Telegram community)
Please do! (Anonymized, of course). Data sharing helps improve the algorithms. Consider contributing to future research.
See CONTRIBUTING.md. We need:
- Testers
- Code contributors
- Documentation writers
- Hardware developers
- Researchers
Not currently. This is a DIY tool. If you're a therapist interested in using this with clients, we'd love to hear from you, but we don't have formal training yet.
Solution: Install OpenMuse:
pip install https://github.com/DominiqueMakowski/OpenMuse/zipball/mainSolution:
- Turn Bluetooth on/off
- Restart computer
- Update Bluetooth drivers
- Try a different Bluetooth adapter (USB dongles work well)
Solution: Add your user to the bluetooth group:
sudo usermod -a -G bluetooth $USERThen log out and back in.
Solution:
- Check Muse sensor contact (all should be green in official app)
- Restart Muse headband
- Restart monitor script
- Try different preset:
--preset p1035
Solution:
- Try different electrode position (slightly adjust tragus clip)
- Use conductive gel on electrodes
- Your sensitivity may be high - lower intensity is fine if you feel the effect
- Consider your unit may be too powerful - try a different model
We're using the same principles that underlie meditation, prayer, and ancient practices. We're just making them more accessible and consistent through technology. You could argue that all tools (from fire to eyeglasses) are "messing with nature."
In a sense, yes - we're using technology to enhance human capabilities. But it's also deeply humanist: we're trying to heal trauma and connect people to their own innate potential.
The system works regardless of your belief system. The neuroscience is real. However, the interpretation of the experiences (are they brain states or genuine mystical encounters?) is up to you.
Any powerful tool can be misused. That's why we emphasize:
- Open source (transparency)
- Safety guidelines
- User autonomy (you control the system)
- Ethical use (healing, not manipulation)
See CHANGELOG.md for details. Key goals:
- Automated TENS control (V2)
- Real-time visualization
- Session analytics
- Mobile app
- Custom hardware (closed-loop, V3)
Estimated 12-24 months. Requires:
- Custom PCB design
- Safety testing
- Regulatory considerations
Yes! See CONTRIBUTING.md. We especially need:
- Engineers with PCB design experience
- Embedded systems programmers
- People with BCI research background
Still have questions? Open a Discussion on GitHub or create an Issue.
"The only bad question is the one you don't ask."