Truemors
Recently, professionals in the areas
of psychology, neurology, medical health and self-help have begun
utilizing the power of brainwave entrainment in their work with
patients.
What is brainwave entrainment?
It
is a relatively young but rapidly growing field that involves the study
of how altering brainwaves naturally can allow people to easily enter
states of increased intelligence, creativity, relaxation, pure energy
and more! Researchers and scientists have found that different bands
of
brainwaves are associated with different mental states. Years of
research has shown that brainwaves not only provide insight into an
individual’s mind and body, but they can be stimulated to actually
change that person’s current state. By causing the brain to produce or
decrease specific types of brainwave frequencies, it is possible to
bring about a large variety of mental states and emotional reactions.
How does this work?
Here’s
the science behind this incredible breakthrough: The brain is made up
of billions of brain cells called neurons, which communicate with each
other using electrical signals. All of these neurons sending signals
at once produce a large amount of electrical activity commonly called a
Brainwave pattern, because of its “wave” or cyclic-like nature.
“Entrainment” is a principle in physics,
where two cycles synchronize naturally with each other in order to work
more efficiently. Entrainment is applied to chemistry, astronomy,
electrical systems and much more – but can also be applied to the
brain. When the brain is provided with a stimulus, through the ears,
eyes or other senses, it emits an electrical charge in response. This
is called a Cortical Evoked Response. These electrical responses travel
throughout the brain to become what an individual sees and hears. When
the brain is given a consistent, repeating stimulus, such as drum beats
or flashes of light, the brain responds by synchronizing, or
entraining, its electric cycles to the external rhythm. This is
commonly called the Frequency Following Response (or FFR), and it can
be used to effectively alter the brainwave pattern of the audience.
In
the last 10 years, there have been great advancements in the field of
brainwave entrainment as it relates to cognitive functioning. Studies
have shown that the brains of many people are actually functioning at
low capacity. By targeting the specific brainwave band that is related
to states of intense concentration and strong focus, scientists have
been able to help individuals improve their academic performance.
Entrainment can also be used to induce states of relaxation and even
deep states akin to deep meditation. This can have profound benefits
for people who are seeking to perform certain types of work, art or
even attain certain spiritual states.
Still Wondering Whether Brainwave Entrainment Really Works?
In
1999, the Journal of Neurotherapy published a case study conducted by
Thomas Budzynski, Ph.D. In the study Dr. Budzynski used 8 college
students who were struggling academically. After undergoing
audio-visual brainwave stimulation, the students outperformed a control
group and significantly increased their grade point average. The GPA
for the 8 students continued to rise even after treatment was
discontinued!
Drs. Siegfried and Susan Othmer found that neurofeedback brainwave
training in the 15-18 Hz range can produce significant shifts in IQ
score, particularly with people who are suffering from ADD/ADHD and
other disorders. In cases where the starting IQ value is less than 100,
the average IQ increase was 33 points! They also found significant
improvements in memory, reading and arithmetic. In a one year
follow-up, trainees showed major improvements in self-esteem,
concentration and self-expression.
There Are Two Ways to Alter Brainwaves: Binaural Beats and Isochronic Tones
Binaural
beats are the most recognized form of brainwave
entrainment. With binaural beats, a slightly different tone is
presented into each ear. The tones then combine in the brain to form a
pulse or “beat”. The pulse heard by the listener is actually the
difference between the two tones.
For example, if the left ear is given a tone at 20 hertz and the right
ear is given a tone of 30 hertz, then the listener will hear a beat of
10 hertz. And the brain will entrain to that rhythm. While binaural
beats are by far the most used form of brainwave entrainment, other
more modern methods are quickly gaining popularity. The most promising
of the new methods is Isochronic Tones. Isochronic tones are a
somewhat less well known form of entrainment; however, they have proven
to be much more effective. Isochronic entrainment uses a single tone
that is manually spaced, turning on and off in a precise pattern. This
actually enhances the effectiveness of audio entrainment.
Three More Reasons Why Isochronic Tones Are Better Than Binaural Beats:
1) Binaural beats require the use of headphones or special speaker assignments.
Isochronic tones do not rely on speaker assignments, and therefore can
be used without headphones or any special speaker assignments.
2)
Binaural beats are incapable of entraining the brain’s hemispheres
individually (because they require both ears). Binaural beats are a
disadvantage because
many of the modern entrainment protocols used in clinical work
currently requires the use of separate stimulation to each ear. This is
useful for deep meditation, depression, ADD treatment and cognitive
enhancement.
3) Studies have found that binaural beats are not as effective as isochronic tones
due to the way brain processes the beats. Dr. Gerald Oster’s, a pioneer
in the field of brainwave technology, study of binaural beats concluded
that the depth or intensity of the resulting "beat" is only around 3
decibels or 1/10th the volume of a whisper.
The difference between the peaks and troughs in the wave pattern determines the strength of the Cortical Evoked Response.
Looking at the binaural beat pattern on a monitor, it is clear that the
wave is
shallow. The entrainment is harder to detect and leaves only a minor
electrical imprint on the brain. Conversely, the isochronic tone
pattern shows each pulse as individual and separated. This results in
much greater evoked potentials within the auditory cortex of the brain.
In
conclusion, researchers are creating more effective products and
getting better results than ever. The uses of brainwave entrainment
are expanding because of more precise technology. Whether you want to
sleep better, learn easier or experience peak states, there is now a
way to do that. Follow this link to learn more about Isochronic Brainwave Entrainment.
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