Brainwave entrainment
The purpose of Brainwave Entrainment is the tuning of the brain to frequencies (beta, alpha, theta, delta, gamma) associated with certain states of consciousness. Consider various mental activities such as
- ‘sleep’,
- ‘concentration and focus’,
- ‘joy’,
- ‘rest’ and
- the ‘meditative state of consciousness’.
Our brains are an incredibly complex network of neural processes and the activities in our brains can be measured as brainwaves. By measuring brainwaves, we see that the brain is constantly adapting to what our senses perceive and how we process that information. In doing so, brainwaves tell us what state of mind a person is in and the mental activities that go with it.
Meditating better with Brainwave Entrainment
What you see here is a measurement of several minutes where especially the red line is already noticeable; Delta - thinking. In the beginning somewhat restless. Then occasional peaks where you see more space between Delta and Alpha and at the termination everything is restless again. The peaks are moments when I opened my eyes for a moment and looked at the reading.
Synchronising the brainwaves
As our brain continuously adapts to the most dominant signals it receives through the senses, it can also be stimulated. Through conscious use of ‘binaural’ and ‘monaural’ rhythm and isochronic tones, or Brainwave Entrainment, we can direct the brain waves, so to speak. The synchronisation of both hemispheres of the brain - Hemispheric Synchronisation - is a desired end result of Brainwave Entrainment. It is a state of consciousness where both hemispheres of the brain show the same patterns and activity. It is often said that people with better synchronisation are happier, emotionally stable and less prone to mental illness. This is especially seen in people who meditate regularly and report being happy with their lives.
The frequency bands of brain waves
A distinction is made between different bandwidths of consciousness and their corresponding frequencies. For frequencies, we speak of Hertz, which corresponds to 1 wave or vibration per second.
Beta - 12 to 30Hz
Brain waves in the Beta bandwidth belong to our normal waking consciousness. These are associated with alertness, logical thinking, problem-solving, concentration and other active mental activities. You are also in this state of consciousness during exercise and in conversation with other people.
Higher levels of Beta can be the result of stress, excitement or restlessness. Even though you need to be in a Beta consciousness to perform your normal daily activities many people are in the higher stress-related frequencies.
Alpha - 7 to 12 Hz
Alpha brain waves are slower in frequency compared to Beta and therefore naturally create a more relaxed state of consciousness. The state of consciousness is common in people who are naturally calm and relaxed. It is like daydreaming or when you close your eyes to meditate. This frequency promotes imagination, memory, concentration, creativity and reduces stress which benefits learning.
Meditation increases Alpha frequencies in the brain and the ability to retain this in everyday things. More Alpha is generally seen in children than in adults.
Theta - 4 to 7Hz
Theta brain waves are seen during deep relaxation and meditation, light sleep and/or the rem sleep where you dream. It is also where the subconscious mind is active and you are able to come to deep insights and intuition. It is in this awareness that we come to higher universal insights that can change our lives.
It sounds contradictory, but the lower the brainwaves, the easier one learns. Theta is the consciousness where visualisations, inspiration and creativity is powerful. Meditation and yoga is often hailed as beneficial because it generates these theta frequencies in the brain. Many people also get paranormal experiences due to higher sensitivity during theta.
Delta - 0.5 to 4Hz
Brain waves in the bandwidth of Delta have the highest amplitude and are observed in deep sleep. These frequencies are an opening to mystical experiences and the collective unconscious. Of course, we all know the healing effect that comes from a good night's sleep, which is associated with these frequencies.
Experienced yogis who are able to get into deep meditation may be able to get in touch with their subconscious. To this are attributed things like self-healing, higher insights and wisdom about many aspects of life and our existence.
