Binaural Beats
My friend Laura recently introduced me to the SUPER trippy realm of binaural beats. It’s an auditory illusion when two different pure-tone sine waves, creating an auditory illusion of a third tone. This third sound is called a binaural beat. And when the third tone is in the range of .1-50 Hz, these frequencies are thought to elicit incredibly healing reactions in our brain correlating with different perceptual, motor and cognitive states.
Very few studies have sought to isolate the effect of binaural beats on listeners; however, a few studies have shown that such auditory stimulation has been shown to improve immune function, facilitate relaxation, improve mood, and contribute to alleviated stress. Specifically, some investigations show that the (EEG) readings attained while a subject is meditating are comparable to those taken while he or she is listening to binaural beats has increased activity in the Alpha and Theta bands.
Gamma 30-50 Hz | Gamma brainwave states are the most rapid in frequency. Gamma has long been considered the brainwave that is able to link and process information from all parts of the brain. It is the frequency that brings with it the ability to process large amounts of information in relatively small amounts of time. Think of generating more Gamma activity as getting a processor upgrade for your brain.
Unfortunately Gamma brainwaves have received the least attention and research, although more attention is currently being paid to them.
Alpha 8-14 Hz | These are lower frequency waves: The state is generated when our thoughts are really not concentrated and our minds wonder freely, or we are in a relaxed state such as meditating or daydreaming. We also experience Alpha Brainwaves when we are gently busy with routine tasks like pottering in the garden, taking a shower, putting on makeup, doing light housework. Alpha is considered to be the bridge between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind.
Theta 4-8 Hz | Theta brainwave states have been used in meditation for centuries: It is common for people to feel as if they are in a trance, where the mind feels as though it may have gone to sleep although it is conscious of what is happening around it. Theta induces a capacity for prolonged daydreaming, where a loss of time may be experienced.
Theta waves are also conducive to visualization and creativity and the mind in this very relaxed state is highly receptive to direct suggestion under hypnosis. As with Alpha, in Theta our brain hemispheres are synchronized and we experience whole brain functioning.
Delta .1-4 Hz | This is the slowest band of waves that our brains produce and they occur when we are in deep, dreamless sleep. These waves are very beneficial for the body which restores and heals itself when in this state. The delta state releases anti-aging hormones, including melatonin and DHEA. Human growth hormone (HGH) is another anti-aging hormone that is increased when delta brainwaves are occurring inside the brain, due to the stimulation of the pituitary gland. HGH maintains the skin, bone density, cartilage, and the joints in your body as well as speeds up the healing process of joint and cartilage injuries. HGH can also help heal physical pain.
In healthy amounts, delta brainwaves can also cause a person to have an advanced state of empathy, understanding, and compassion for others.
Delta is the place of deepest relaxation, deepest healing, deepest spiritual connection and deepest connection with the subconscious mind. It is considered to be the gateway to the unconscious mind and the collective unconscious, bringing access to the universal psyche or mind.
A Few To Get You Started
