Brainwave Entrainment And The Use Of Binaural Beats
Entrainment is a concept in physics that describes the effects of synchronisation of two or more rhythmic cycles. It is a universal principle that also exists in many other branches of science. Brainwave entrainment, also known as brainwave synchronisation, refers to the changes that can be made to brain wave frequencies using an external periodic stimulus either by using sound or light.
When a stimulus is presented such as a rhythmic sound of a drumbeat, the brain will try to reproduce the sound. This effect is called the Frequency Following Response (FFR). FFR is a natural phenomenon in the way our brain responds to the dominant stimulus that is presented.
Understanding the effects of brainwave entrainment and FFR is very useful as different frequencies in the electrical activity of the brain can be used to determine the mental state. A frequency of around 4Hz is associated with sleep, so creating a pulse of 4Hz using stimulus to the brain can help in inducing a sleep like state in the brain. This manipulation using the FFR concept can be applied to all other mental states such as concentration, creativity and help in achieve a state of meditation.
The discovery of binaural beats has been widely used in brainwave entrainment. A binaural beat is the perceived beat in our brain as a result of two different stimuli that possess different frequencies. The frequency of the two external beats needs to be under 1000Hz and the difference between the two has to be under 30Hz. Research has shown that the ability in humans to hear binaural beats is a result of adaptation in the evolutionary process.
Binaural beats used in brainwave entrainment allow the access to altered states of consciousness. Binaural beats are sometimes mixed with music to enhance the state of relaxation. Audio recordings using binaural beats are helpful in pain reduction, stress management and enhancing sleep. Depending on what is required, binaural beats can be used to relax or stimulate brain activity.
The effectiveness of binaural beats in brainwave entrainment is dependent on a few factors. Listening to binaural beats passively is not necessarily going to propel the individual to a changed mental state. There needs to be a willingness to relax and focus before a change can be experienced in one’s consciousness.
The stimulus in entrainment does not only have to be related to hearing. It can also be visual or a combination of both. One example is the use of Dreamachine that creates visual stroboscopic stimuli. It has been found that the use of such stimulus may trigger photosensitive epilepsy.
There are also other uses of binaural beats in brainwave entrainment. For example, binaural beats may be used to treat addictions and uncover repressed memories. However, the validity of such recoveries of memory may be questioned as shown with other similar techniques, it can lead to the creation of false memories. Studies in brainwave entrainment using sound also claim to improve one’s learning ability, and retain information for longer.
Comprehensive discussion on the concept, mechanics and dynamics of brain wave entrainment and binaural beats, now available on http://entrainmentlab.com
Article Source: ArticleSpan
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