Did you read that properly it is brain ‘entrainment’ and not ‘entertainment’. I remember the first time I came across this term I misread it as entertainment 🙂
Have you come across ‘Brainwave Entrainment’ before? If No or if you have heard about this term and wondering what it means, then continue reading. Let me try if I can make this entertaining for you 🙂
To understand brainwave entrainment, first let us understand brainwaves;
What are Brainwaves?
Brainwaves were discovered by German neurologist Hans Berger in the mid 1920s. The human brain is made up of astounding 100 billion brain cells called neurons. These brain cells communicate with each other using little spikes of electricity. This electrical activity occurring in the brain is called as brainwaves. The electrical activity generated by the brain can be monitored and recorded by medical equipment called EEG (electroencephalography).
These brainwaves operate at different frequencies, in fact at the root of our thoughts, emotions, feelings and behavior is the communication between the cells within our brain. Our brainwaves tend to change according to what we are doing and feeling. When slower brainwaves are dominant, we can feel sleepy or dreamy and similarly when higher frequencies are dominant then we might feel stressed or hyper-alert. These frequencies (higher or lower) can be measured in cycles per second know as Hertz (Hz).
Types of Brainwaves?
1. Beta Brainwaves (14 – 40Hz) – Alert or Waking Consciousness Wave
Beta brainwaves are produced when we are awake, alert and actively engaged in mental activity. In fact most part of the day when we are at work our brain produces beta wave. Beta state is required to function effectively in your everyday life. However, when beta wave activity becomes very intense we tend to experience feelings of anxiety, stress.
2. Alpha Brainwaves (7.5 – 14Hz) – Relaxed Yet Alert Wave
Alpha brainwaves are produced when we are in a relaxed state such as meditating or daydreaming. It is a lower frequency wave and is generated when we are doing light routine tasks like watering the plants, taking a shower, cleaning utensils or putting on makeup. Alpha wave is considered to be the bridge between conscious mind and subconscious mind.
3. Theta Brainwaves (4 – 7.5Hz) – Sleeping or Deep Relaxation Wave
Theta brainwaves are present during deep meditation and light sleep. It is usual for people to feel as if they are in trance, where the mind feels as if it may have gone to sleep although is conscious of what is happening around it. Theta waves are conducive to visualization and creativity. The mind in this state is very relaxed and is highly receptive to direct suggestions under hypnosis.
4. Delta Brainwaves (0.1 – 3.5Hz) – Deep Sleep Wave
Delta brainwaves are the slowest and occur when we are in deep sleep. These waves are very beneficial for the body which restores and heals itself when in this state. The delta state releases in the body anti-aging hormones, including melatonin and DHEA. Deep sleep is important for the body and that’s why not having enough sleep is detrimental to your health in more ways than one.
5. Gamma Brainwaves (above 40Hz) – The Insight Wave
The Gamma waves are the fastest frequency. It is the frequency that brings with it the ability to process large amounts of information in relatively small amounts of time. Research has indicated at moments when bursts of insight or high level of information processing occur, your brainwave briefly reach the Gamma state. Unfortunately, Gamma brainwaves have received the least attention, albeit more attention is currently being paid to them.
To experience a six-level meditation program that uses special sounds to help influence your brainwave patterns, I highly recommend that you check out >>> Brain Evolution System
Significance of Brainwaves
With the understanding of brainwaves you can tell a lot about a person by simply observing their brainwave patterns. For instance; anxious people tend to produce a high amount of Beta Waves while people with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) tend to produce a high amount of Alpha / Theta brainwaves.
Researchers have found that not only are brainwaves representative of mental state, but they can be stimulated to change a person’s mental state, and even help treat a variety of mental disorders. Certain brainwave patterns can even be used to access exotic or extraordinary experiences such as ‘lucid dreaming’.
What is Brainwave Entrainment?
You are now aware about brainwave, now lets define entrainment.
Entrainment refers to a natural phenomenon in which one entity resonates synchronously with another in response to its dominant frequency of vibration. And whether this resonance occurs on a gross or subtle level, it invariably involves rhythm.
Brainwave entrainment is an assisted form of meditation which can be brought about by means of sounds that entrain brainwaves into certain natural and beneficial frequencies. So brainwave entrainment will use certain technology to alter brain waves so that you can change the way you feel.
For instance: If you feel anxious and stressed, by using brainwave entrainment you can allow your brain to slow down and as a result, feel more peaceful and calm – Isn’t that cool 🙂
This happens because your body contains an automatic entrainment mechanism that syncs you up with strong, external rhythms or beats. So when you listen to certain beats or rhythms we naturally entrain to the rhythms around us and most of the time we are not even aware of it.
Brainwave Entrainment v/s Meditation
In the traditional meditation practice you are taught to focus on your breath to help still your mind to experience peace and become more focused. It is a well know fact that people struggle to meditate and even if they do meditate, many are unable to silent their monkey mind. Is this the case with you as well ?
With brainwave entrainment technology you don’t need to maintain focus because the technology creates the same brainwaves in minutes that the traditional meditation practice may take time. So you experience benefits faster, in fact to realize deep positive transformations you may require to practice the traditional meditation practices for years. With brainwave entrainment you are most likely to experience benefits at a faster rate.
Hence, it is a shortcut to extraordinary results and also a form of meditation which requires less effort.
Why Brainwave Entrainment – Is the need of the hour ?
Today stress is experienced by everyone in one form or another. The effect of stress creates a hormone in our body called Cortisol. High levels of cortisols can severely damage our body and its cells.
The cure for stress and reduced cortisol is a daily meditation practice. If you find meditation difficult or find it difficult to concentrate then you can listen to specifically designed brainwave entrainment audios. As you listen to these audios regularly then you will most likely notice following benefits over time.
- Reduction in the stress levels and feel more calm, centered and optimistic.
- Experience greater vitality and looking younger than your age.
- Become more emotionally balanced and expressive.
- Think more creatively and effectively.
- Possess deeper insights.
To experience a six-level meditation program that uses special sounds to help influence your brainwave patterns, I highly recommend that you check out >>> Brain Evolution System
How To Use Brain Entrainment?
The most popular and effective brainwave entrainment is the use of audio recordings with headphones or earphones. We all know how pleasant certain sounds can be – like the sound of rainfall, forest streams, Tibetan bell, singing bowls. Today it is possible to use sound waves to modify, regulate and improve one’s brain chemistry. Sound wave therapy has been proven by countless scientific studies to significantly reduce stress, improve memory, boost mood and optimize brain function.
It is important to note here that the sounds of nature or any ambient music do not create the brain entrainment. The entrainment is created by inaudible frequency tones embedded in the sounds. The soothing sounds like the forest streams or rainfall that you hear mask the actual frequency tones.
We will look into three of the most popular entrainment sound wave forms:
- Binaural Beats
- Monaural Beats
- Isochronic Tones
How do Binaural Beats work?
When you listen to binaural beats, you are actually listening to two separate tones with slightly different frequency. Each frequency goes to each of your ear independently. When this happens your brain creates a third tone, making up the difference between the two frequencies. For instance, if 150 Hz is played in the right ear, and 155 Hz to the left ear, the difference between the tones will be experienced by your brain 5 Hz (i.e. 155 Hz minus 150 Hz). This shift in frequency then shifts your brain pattern and changes your state of mind.
How do Monaural Beats work?
Monaural beats are combined into one sound before they actually reach the human ear, unlike the binaural beats wherein the brain mimic the difference between two separate tones played to each ear. In order for the brain to hear and interpret monaural beats, the tones must be of same frequency. For instance, 85Hz in your left ear and 85 Hz in your right ear. Monaural beats are more flexible and does not require use of headphones, you can listen to them on speakers provided the surrounding is not noisy.
How do Isochronic Tones work?
Isochronic tones are often considered to be younger cousin of binaural beats. These tones are defined by a single tone being turned on and turned off in rapid succession, like pulses. There is just a single unchanging tone that is produced; what is unique is the rapid volume change of the tone. It goes from 0 to 100 and then back again in volume in an evenly spaced way. The distinctive pulses are designed to rapidly alter your brain activity.
Studies that have compared the effectiveness of binaural beats, monaural beats and isochronic tones generally agree that each have their pros and cons.
Who should use Brainwave Entrainment?
Do not use brainwave entrainment if you are prone to seizures or if you are pregnant. Also, take extra caution if you under 25 years of age as the brain is still developing and is more sensitive.
The side-effects can be seen if you overuse it. A twenty-minute session to start with is sufficient. If you experience constant headaches, increased anxiety, dizziness then discontinue and consult medical help.
In general, use of brainwave entrainment has no ill-effects for vast majority of people. It is a great self-help tool and is highly recommended for people who wish to live life to their full potential.
To experience a six-level meditation program that uses special sounds to help influence your brainwave patterns, I highly recommend that you check out >>> Brain Evolution System
Hi Satish,
You have opened my mind to a new experience – the world of Brainwave Entrainment.
I read that word correctly the first time but I confused it with brain training like you do with the IQ exercises on your Nintendo and all.
Thank you for a well presented technical expose of this concept.
How easy is it to discern one’s wave length pattern?
Cheers
Femi
Hi Femi,
Thank you for reading the post, I am glad you enjoyed the concept of brainwave Entrainment. With brainwave entrainment technology you can actually train your brain, there are specifically designed brain entrainment audio tracks (MP3s) which enable you to retrain your brain with specific audio frequencies. As you listen to these audios regularly then you will most likely notice following benefits over time.
Brainwaves are produced in our brain. Our emotions, thoughts travel through the brain cells and communicate with each other in the form of electrical pulses and signals. Millions of signals communicate with each other producing electrical activity in our brain. This electrical activity can be detected by using specialized equipment such as EEG (electroencephalograph). Hope this helps ~ Stay Blessed 🙂
Hi Satish,
Super exciting article. You’ve succeeded in giving me a basic understanding of this topic! I have never heard of it before but your words make great sense to me.
I’m a proper candidate for some more meditation in my daily life as there’re many stressful situations in my business.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and going into details about the different types of brainwaves. That was very interesting to read!
– Jonas
Hi Jonas,
I am glad you enjoyed the post on Brainwave Entrainment, I suggest you hang in there & spend some time on my website, you will find loads of info on meditation and how make it a part of your daily routine ~ Stay Blessed 🙂
Hi Satish,
This is fascinating. I’ve been meditating for the last 6 months, traditional breathing method. I was looking for something else for focusing and motivation and just started to combine music with visualization methods. I had no idea about this and I’m going to look into this further as it seems a better option for me. Thank you, I’m glad I came across your website
Hi Sass,
I am glad you found this post informative.
It is a well-known fact that people struggle to meditate. With brainwave entrainment technology you don’t need to maintain focus because the technology creates the same brainwaves in minutes that the traditional meditation practice may take time. So you experience benefits faster, in fact, to realize deep positive transformations you may require to practice the traditional meditation practices for years ~ Stay Blessed 🙂
Hi Satish,
I really found your article on Brainwave Entrainment really amazing. This information is brand new to me, I have been using meditation for years however struggle to maintain continuity. Great, it provides so many health benefits such as anxiety relief which is a major part of all our lives, you are doing so many people an awesome favor by providing this information.
Thank you
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I am glad you found this information useful. Brainwave Entrainment is an assisted form of meditation which can be brought about by means of sounds that entrain brainwaves into certain natural and beneficial frequencies. With brainwave Entrainment you are most likely to experience benefits at a faster rate ~ Stay Blessed 🙂
Hi Satish,
I had heard about all these frequencies but now I actually know what they are 🙂 Brainwave Entrainment seems to be a great self-help tool and is highly recommended for people who wish to live life to their full potential.
Thank you for enlightening me.
Cheers
Pravin
Hi Pravin,
Yes Brainwave Entrainment is definitely a great self help tool to cure stress which is experienced by everyone in one form or another. The effect of stress creates a hormone in our body called Cortisol. High levels of cortisols can severely damage our body and its cells. You can listen to specifically designed brainwave entrainment audios to reduce stress levels and feel more calm, centered and optimistic ~ Stay Blessed 🙂
Hi Satish,
Good post, before this post i have never heard about Brainwave Entrainment, I really like the way you have explained this whole topic, extremely insightful.Thanks.
Hi Steven,
I am glad you found this post useful ~ Stay Blessed 🙂
Hi Satish,
I have heard of the terms of Brain Entrainment, Monaural and Binaural terms before…and that’s it! You have written a great article explaining what Brain Entrainment is. I have always wanted to try Tibetan singing bowls and I am one step closer to trying it thanks to you. I am already pretty calm, centered and optimistic person anyway, except when my kids start acting up, but that’s another story. But your article can make me even more patient with situations I may find myself in.
Regards,
Courtney-
Hi Courtney,
The Tibetan Singing Bowls are an ancient technology, about 2500 years old, for stimulating our brainwaves. Brainwave Entrainment, Binaural Beats & Isochronic Tones, Tibetan Singing Bowl create a pulsation of sound to entrain our brain. Tibetan Singing Bowls create a pulsating tone, that feels good and helps you to relax. The more you listen the deeper you relax, as your brainwaves begin to entrain with the Tibetan Singing Bowl’s tone. The benefit of this entrainment is that your brain waves can be “toned” so that you can deliberately experience pleasant and/or productive mental/emotional states. The new technology of Brainwave Entrainment works exactly in the same manner ~ Stay Blessed 🙂
Hi Satish,
This was a great article. I found Brainwave Entrainment to be very interesting. I have a terrible time with meditation and have never really tried to master it. I do however, love the sounds of nature. As I am writing this I am listening to the chirps of the frogs at the nearby water hole. I like your perspective on Traditional Meditation v/s Brainwave Entrainment. Thank you for sharing this and I look forward to practice to it.
Hi Annette,
As I understand from your comment, it seems you have tried Meditation however are facing difficulties when it comes to practicing on a daily basis. It is a well know fact that people struggle to meditate the traditional way, with brainwave entrainment technology you experience benefits faster. In fact to realize deep positive transformations you may require to practice the traditional meditation practices for years.
Brainwave Entrainment in my opinion is a shortcut to extraordinary results and also a form of meditation which requires less effort. Hope this helps ~ Stay Blessed 🙂