What is Brainwave Entrainment?
Brainwave Entrainment is not a new technology. It has been
studied extensively for a little over 70 years. It refers to the brain's
electrical response to rhythmic sensory stimulation, such as pulses of sound
or light. You have probably been using brainwave entrainment to alter your
brainwave states without evening knowing. For example the calming effect of
gazing into a fire or flame, drumming, listening to certain styles of music
or watching TV.
When the brain is given any stimulus, through the ears, the eyes or any of
the other senses, it emits an electrical charge in response. These
electrical responses travel throughout the brain to become what you see and
what you hear. When the brain is presented with a rhythmic stimulus, such as
a sound or a beat for example, the rhythm is reproduced in the brain in the
form of these electrical impulses. If the rhythm becomes consistent enough,
it can start to resemble the natural internal rhythms of the brain, called
brainwaves. When this happens, the brain responds by synchronizing its own
electric cycles to the same rhythm.
Scientific studies have shown that brainwave entrainment in form or tones or
light pulses reduces pain, anxiety, ADHD, headaches, fibromyalgia and even
premenstrual symptoms in women.
Brainwave entrainment has also been used successfully for performance
enhancement; improving memory, focus and mental speed; inducing sleep and
advanced states of meditation. It may also stimulate the release of helpful
chemicals such as Human Growth Hormone and Serotonin which not only reduce
ageing but may improve immune system function.
Brainwave Frequencies
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Let’s take a look at some of the different frequencies the brain operates at:
Delta waves (0.1 to 3 Hz) are the lowest frequency. They predominate during deep dreamless sleep and are involved with our ability to integrate and let go. They are said to reflect our unconscious mind. These waves are the dominant rhythm in infants up to one year of age and are present in stages 3 and 4 of sleep.
Theta waves (3 to 8 Hz) are classed as "slow" activity. They are seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and are a repository for memories, emotions and sensations. They are strong during internal focus, meditation, prayer, and dreamful sleep.
Alpha waves (8 to 12 Hz) usually predominate first thing in the morning or during daydreaming. Good healthy alpha production promotes mental resourcefulness and coordination and enhances an overall sense of relaxation and calm. The brain starts to produce alpha during relaxation with closed eyes.
Beta waves (12 to 38 Hz) are generally regarded as our normal rhythm. They predominate when we have our eyes open and are listening and thinking, solving analytical problems, making decisions or processing information about the world around us. They are the dominant rhythm in those who are alert or anxious or who have their eyes open. Because they have a large range they may be sub divided into 3 categories:
- Low Beta or Sensory motor (12 to 15 Hz) SMR is associated with body motion and the body’s ability to fall asleep. Low levels are associated with insomnia and anxiety states.
- Beta 1 (15 to 20 Hz) is associated with alertness and focus.
- Beta 2 (20 to 38 Hz) is associated with agitation and anxiety states. This pattern is often found in people suffering with ADHD.
How Does it Work?
What happens in audio brainwave entrainment is that the brain begins to “follow” the frequency of the pulses of sound. Audio brainwave entrainment uses technology that inserts subtle beats, modulations and pulses into music. When you listen to the music, slight vibrations occur in the ear drum that is then echoed by the brain. The brain then begins to help you change your mental state by altering the frequency of your brainwaves. For example, if you are stressed or anxious you are often producing too many high beta range brainwaves. When you listen to a recording containing alpha brainwaves your body entrains to these waves and starts producing alpha waves which results in a calm and relaxed feeling.
Is it Useful for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
If you are a person
who suffers from ADHD you probably have issues
focusing. Individuals with ADD/ADHD
have specific brainwave patterns. Through audio brainwave entrainment the
person is able to actually speed up their brainwaves so that they can begin
to concentrate. The audio causes the left brain to remain dominant so that
the person can increase their ability to concentrate, reduce emotional
response and also to reduce hyperactivity.
These audio brainwave entrainment increases the beta brainwaves and acts as
a “mental workout” of sorts. You are able to increase the electrical
activity in the brain, increase the blood flow to the brain, and promote new
nerve cell growth in the brain. Individuals can cause major shifts in the
brainwave patterns after one short session.
However, to change your emotions and behaviours over time you will want to
use a series of sessions on a regular basis over several months. Eventually,
your brain will be trained to produce these same patterns on its own, thus
allowing you to have greater control over your ability to concentrate and
reduce hyperactivity.
Which Form is More Effective “Binaural” or “Isochronic”?
Most of the current products available are based on binaural beats which require the use of headphones. However, isochronic tones (single tones that are manually spaced, turning on and off in an accurate pattern) which do not require headphones have proven to be more effective than binaural beats.
Who would Benefit from Brainwave Entrainment?
Everyone can gain some benefit from brainwave entrainment. It is effective for meditation, relaxation, creativity and memory enhancement as well as performance enhancement for sports people.
In addition, brainwave entrainment has shown to be effective for various ailments particularly insomnia, anxiety and stress, pain relief, headaches, fibromyalgia and fatigue, premenstrual tension and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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