When a person practices deep meditation & relaxation, he or
she is entering the Alpha brainwave state. Alpha is only
one of the five main brainwaves we currently recognize. Our
brainwaves dominate our moods and activity; Scientific
research discovered that the frequency of the electrical
pulses in the brain determine which brain wave state we are
presently working in.

Certain sound and light pulses have been created that can
actually stimulate the frequency of our brainwaves,
changing them and therefore our state of mind. This is the
nature of brainwave Entrainment and Binaural Beats. The
most commonly categorized frequencies are; Beta, Alpha,
Theta, Delta and Gamma.

Though naturally there is never only one absolute brainwave
speed operating at any one time, there is usually one that
dominates the rest and therefore dominates our moods and
actions:

Sound is a most powerful force and one that affects us on
many different levels. Consider how years ago companies
used gentle tones within elevators of early skyscrapers to
ease the fear and tension of the occupants - elevator
music! Imagine Jaws without its theme tune! A horror film
without tension building and nerve jumping Soundscapes, a
chic flick without its romantic sound tracks - get the idea?

How Do Brainwave Entrainment Sessions Work?

The correct way to guide or entrain the brain with sound
toward the desired brainwave pattern is to first create
pulses of sound frequency that the brain neurons will begin
to synchronize with - like a room full of people who all
begin to dance in rhythm to the beats of a music track.

Once this synchronization is estimated to take place,
usually about six minutes into an uninterrupted session,
the sound pulses begin to gradually change frequency to
guide - or entrain - our brainwaves to the target frequency
and thus produce altered states of mind.

The kinds of tones used in an entrainment session can vary,
some mainly use Binaural Beats and some combine Isochronic
tones to create the pulses. Other music, sounds and nature
tracks can also be combined with the pulses, allowing the
listener to enjoy and 'relax' into the experience more.

What Are Binaural Beats?

Sometimes called Binaural Music, a binaural beat works by
creating a sound frequency that would not usually be
audible to us. For example, it is possible to create a
frequency of 10hz by playing 210hz in one ear of a
headphone, and 200hz in the other ear. The brain processes
the frequencies and only hears the difference between the
two - in this case, 10hz.

They may not always be the most efficient way to entrain
the brain because our brains 'sound mixing' capabilities
reduce the depth of the resulting sound to less than a
whisper, therefore not providing a strong pulse for the
brain to synchronize with.

Binaural Beats use the brain to first process the
information and then 'hear' the tones; they are only made
possible by the use of headphones. Binaural Beats also
depend on an equal operation of BOTH hemispheres (sides) of
the brain, and may therefore not be effective for some.

However they can be useful as they provide a very hypnotic
response, perhaps because the brain is more inwardly
involved in the processing of the sound?

What Are Isochronic Tones?

The tones sometimes used in sessions are Isochronic tones
and tone based pulses. They provide a very consistent,
clear cut rhythm; they stop and start exceptionally fast
allowing the brain to synchronize more easily and
precisely. They produce an extremely strong response and
can provide the most effective way to stimulate the brain.

How Do We Use Brainwave Entrainment?

These sound sessions are used in a variety of ways. Some
use them to achieve a deep state of relaxation or
meditation. There is evidence that certain frequencies can
alleviate such conditions as ADD, Depression, Stress,
Anxiety and more. Harvard Medical School professor Herbert
Benson states in his book; `The Breakout Principle' that
the effects of stress can be alleviated by focusing one's
mind on a repetitive sound, word, phrase or movement, which
is very much how entrainment to sound works.

At the other end of the frequency scale, Beta Waves are
known to be good for chronic fatigue, slow metabolism,
heightened concentration and preparation for physical
activity. Even grander claims are made by some that this
type of sound technology can induce states of paranormal
experience such as O.B.E. (Outer Body Experience), Psychic
exploration and contact with realms that are normally
hidden to us!

On experience, they do ignite a very strong sense of
personal depth and an invitation to discover more about
oneself and what may be going on just outside of normal
consciousness.

The majority of `sessions' available are generally to be
used with headphones. This is not only to enable the use of
Binaural Beats but to heighten the sense of isolation from
outside stimulus and enable a deeper concentration. There
are, however, many sessions available that can be used
without the need for headphones and are useful for a less
active involvement with the sound, perhaps to play in the
bedroom to relieve insomnia.

There are health warnings that come with this type of sound
therapy, being that the nature of the repetitive beats are
not suitable for those prone to fits, seizures and epilepsy
and possibly to be avoided by the pregnant woman. There is
little evidence however that any harm has come to those who
use this therapy, but that does not mean harm is not
possible and a person should always remain aware and
responsible for their own health!

Personally I feel that it would be a shame to avoid
something that may improve or enrich ones life and am a
great believer in self help and improvement where this is
possible! In other words, Brainwave Entrainment may be
worth a try rather than to suffer or to miss out on
something that may bring a little more quality to ones life.

See our chart to understand how these brainwaves affect us

About the Author:

The author Donna Oxley strives to provide relevant
information & insight into the many liberating benefits of
meditation & self improvement. Also her website at
http://www.relaxmp3.co.uk provides inexpensive Mp3 sessions
relating to meditation by sound - including hypnotic
binaural beats, brainwave entrainment, simple nature sounds.