Brain Entrainment

Brain entrainment refers to the brainwave response to repetitive sensory stimulation, like pulses of sound or light. When the brain is given a constant rhythmic stimulus, the brain will entrain by synchronizing brainwaves to that stimulus. This is called a Frequency-Following Response (FFR). Brainwaves and sound frequencies are measured in Hertz (Hz). If we stimulate the brain with precise frequency beating or pulses, we can produce a FFR in the brain. This can be used to exercise and train the brain according to the desired state of consciousness. This is a proven scientific process, reportedly measured with EEG machines. Binaural beats are one of the most common and powerful forms of brain entrainment, “bi” meaning two and “aural” meaning heard.

 

 

Audio and Neurological Aspects of Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are a scientifically proven brain entrainment process that slowly started to gain recognition after an article called, “Auditory Beats in the Brain”, by Dr Gerald Oster, was published in the October 1973 edition of Scientific America. However, binaural beats were initially discovered in 1839 by H. W. Dove, a German experimenter.

Binaural beats work by sending two different Hz frequencies, to each ear via stereo headphones. With headphones the brain instantly calculates the difference, causing the left and right brain hemispheres to work in unison to hear a phantom frequency or “third tone”, the centred Hz difference between the two tones. The Hz separation of the 2 frequencies produces a constant gentle beat and its pulse match the Hz separation per second.

For example, if a sine-wave tone is tuned to 438.5Hz and panned left, then another tone is tuned to 441.5 Hz and panned right. When the two constant tones are heard in the headphone environment, a binaural beat pulsating at 3Hz per second is perceived at the phantom tone of 440Hz.

 

 

Outside of headphones, this audio is heard as a phase separation, as the frequencies are combined in the air. A phase separation has a limited entrainment potential compared to a binaural beat, as there are no neurological calculations that lead to whole brain synchronization. Binaural beats in the Alpha, Theta and Delta range could be described as a form of meditation and mind aerobics combined.

The binaural beat process can be used to stimulate altered states of consciousness by selecting binaural beat patterns to match a desired brainwave. After a few minutes of listening and calculating, the brain starts to match this binaural beat because of a process called frequency follow response (FFR). In reality, a binaural beat is not heard as true sound in the headphone environment. It is more like a neurological signal perceived within the brain by both left and right hemispheres working together in unison to produce the phantom tone.

The FFR is processed in the superior olivary nuclei, which are two centres located symmetrically on either side of the brain. These nuclei are the first centres to receive signals from both ears. The information is calculated and then sent to the reticular formation, which is the part of the brain that governs consciousness and awareness. The reticular formation then initiates changes in the thalamus and the cortex, thus enhancing our state of consciousness.

The phantom tone range with binaural beats is from 0.5Hz to just over 40Hz. Above 40Hz the two tones are no longer combined and are heard as two separate tones. However, this is not a limitation as that is the same range as all the primary brainwaves. Also, it is worth mentioning that binaural beat entrainment above 26Hz should only be done in short bursts between 8 to 16 seconds as this is entering the Gamma range and that is the nature of Gamma brainwaves.

People who meditate on a regular basis naturally produce more Gamma brainwaves and this has been linked to higher consciousness and increased flashes of insight. Furthermore, binaural Gamma entrainment is best done over Alpha or Theta binaural beats, so that the brain is already activated in regards to the constant binaural calculation. Gamma brainwaves are not produced when the brain is in a Delta state.

The neural synchronicity stimulated by binaural beats is a major aspect that assists the brain to function at a higher level. With regular use the brain becomes frequently more synchronized and this is an optimum state of mind. The brain continually forms new connections following new experiences. The quality and strength of neuronal connections can vary according to the input received by the brain.

 

 

Binaural beats in the Alpha, Theta and Delta range provide a continuous relaxed input and promote healthy rewiring through its audio neurological signal calculation. These new audio experiences in the brain trigger a burst of new connections between neurons. With repetition, these new neural pathways become fit, just like going to a gym, and it is the fittest connections in our brains that survive. The binaural beat process is faster, easier and more than just meditation. After several weeks of repeated listening the brain becomes more synchronized and starts to form permanent relaxed memories in both hemispheres.

By providing a new set of frequencies approximately every 2 to 3 months, the brain is provided with the optimum ratio between a new experience to trigger new connections and enough repetition for neuronal strength. The relaxing effects of binaural beats are usually felt within the first seven minutes. After regular listening the entrainment process happens sooner.

In relation to audio levels, it does not matter if one of the two separate signals is lower in volume in the left or right ear. As long as the two differently tuned frequencies are panned completely separate left and right in the headphone environment, the brain will hear a binaural beat. This also means if one ear has a slightly lower hearing threshold, the binaural entrainment processing will still be effective.

These binaural frequencies have been used to assist lucid dreaming, altered states and out of body experiences. With extended use the pineal gland is activated and positive energy directed to the pre-frontal cortex, making binaural beats a truly powerful tool for developing higher consciousness.

The brain doesn’t become dependent on binaural beats for relaxation. Over time, it actually becomes more resilient to stress. As this process continues to develop further, more binaural stimuli are received by the brain. With binaural entrainment, more traditional forms of meditation become easier to learn and implement without the many years of required practice as done by Buddhist Monks.

As the synchronized hemispheres and neurons develop, greater personal awareness and insight follows. The greater stress resilience makes binaural beat therapy a valuable tool in relation to personal development, counseling and other therapeutic settings.

The Therapeutic applications are more than just relaxation. Binaural beats are a powerful tool for resolving depression and other emotional problems. Unfortunately, because of a dominant pharmacology model to mental health, binaural beats are still a criminally overlooked tool, in the vast majority of mainstream medical setting.

Binaural beats can also provide immense support and neural regeneration for most neurological disorders. However, binaural beats are not recommended for epilepsy.

However, binaural beats are not recommended for epilepsy.

Binaural beats provide the brain with energy. Epilepsy has problems with the discharge of energy within the brain. Binaural beats should not be used by people with epilepsy unless they first consult a physician or neurologist.

Binaural beat frequencies are a valuable tool for personal development and the management of physical and emotional health. However, these frequencies should not take the place of professional medical treatment for any serious medical issue.

Furthermore, do not listen to binaural beats whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.

 

Brainwaves

Brainwave	Frequency rate	Occurrence	One second EEG sample
Delta	0.5 – 4Hz	Deep Sleep
Theta	4 - 8Hz	During REM sleep
Alpha	8 - 12Hz	Awake & relaxed, pre-sleep & pre-waking
High Alpha (SMR)	12 - 16Hz	Focused & alert
Low Beta (SMR)
Beta	16 - 25Hz	Awake & alert, multi-tasking
Gamma (primary)	30 - 40Hz	Flashes of insight & higher processing
Gamma (total)	25 - 80Hz

 

 

 

 

Theta frequencies (Meditate with eyes closed)

Support to the immune system and healing process

Deeper meditation and enhanced problem solving

Greater insight and creative flow

Consolidation of information from short to long term memory

 

 

Delta frequencies (Meditate with eyes closed)

Enhanced meditation and expanded awareness

Physical and emotional healing and regeneration

Increased feelings of connection and reduced opposition

Cleansing of sub-conscious blockage

 

 

Research shows that meditative states release and balance levels of many beneficial neurotransmitters.

 

Neurotransmitter	Function
5-HT (serotonin)	Regulates mood & behaviour, sleep & appetite
Acetylcholine	Assists memory, perception, cognition and motivation
Dopamine	Regulates muscle control and balance, assists cognition, also linked with reward and pleasurable feelings
Endogenous Morphine (endorphins)	The body’s natural pain killers
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)	Induces relaxation & sleep
Melatonin	Regulates sleep patterns
Hormone	Function
DHEA	Produced by the adrenal glands, reduces the effects of stress related hormones, such as cortisol, linked to anti-aging. Enhances the immune system and neural connections
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)	Produced by the pituitary gland. Linked to anti-aging, has an important role in brain development, maturation and function

People who meditate regularly have DHEA levels comparable to those 5 to 10 years younger.

Binaural beats make it easy to gain these benefits and take you “Beyond Meditation”

 

 

Binaural Beat MP3 downloads without music

These binaural beats are made from pure sinewaves and should be played at a soft volume. You can listen to them on their own or use them as a basis for making your own meditations. Unisonic Ascension has made these binaural beats with subtle variations in volume and a minimal fade from the beginning to the end as this is the safest way to listen to a pure sinewave binaural beat on its own. These three naked binaural beats in Alpha, Theta and Delta can be used separately or as a package. Each one of these MP3's is approximately 10 minutes each, equalling 30 minutes in total. As these are pure sinewaves without music or any other atmospheric sounds they must be played at a soft volume. For an extended journey you could make a program such as (Alpha, Theta, Delta, Theta, Alpha) or experiment along these lines.

 

Frequency 528 Hz as binaural beats (no music)

MP3 Digital Audio Download $1.50 528Hz Phantom Tone – 10 Hz Binaural Beats (Alpha) - 10:00 min This is a plain Binaural Beat stimulating Alpha Brain Wave activity. Made available for educational purposes. For regular listening and a palatable experience it is recommended instead for people to practice with any of our Binaural Beats Integrated with music.

MP3 Digital Audio Download $1.50 528Hz Phantom Tone – 5 Hz Binaural Beats (Theta) - 10:00 min This is a plain Binaural Beat stimulating Theta Brain Wave activity. Made available for educational purposes. For regular listening and a palatable experience it is recommended instead for people to practice with any of our Binaural Beats Integrated with music.

MP3 Digital Audio Download $1.50 528Hz Phantom Tone – 1 Hz Binaural Beats (Delta) - 10:00 min) This is a plain Binaural Beat stimulating Delta Brain Wave activity. Made available for educational purposes. For regular listening and a palatable experience it is recommended instead for people to practice with any of our Binaural Beats Integrated with music.

 

 

 

 

 

Isochronic White Noise and Tones

 

 

Isochronic tones are similar to monaural beats but can be in the form of white noise or tones and like monaural beats do not require use of head phones for brain entrainment stimulation to occur. Allowing for easier delivery of an audio psychology intervention when a child cannot use headphones. Due to the nature of isochronic tones, the entrainment potential can be less effective than binaural beats and usually need extended sessions and treatment programs. Isochronic tones are safe for use by people with a history of epilepsy. Always play at a soft volume through speakers. Low ambient volumes are required since the benefits and tolerance to isochronic tones are lost at higher sound volumes. When a child listens to this an ambient background sound at a level that is not irritating to the child, their brain will synchronise to the tones rather than exclude the stimulation. When in doubt, play softer.

 

 

Isochronic White Noise and Tones

MP3 Digital Audio Download $2.50 8Hz ISO White Noise (Low Alpha Isochronic) - 31:00 min) An Isochronic White Noise entrainment that is safe to use for children who cannot use Binaural Beats or need a little extra preparation before later doing so. This can be used as a soft atmos to play or resting. Also, it can be used prior to the Theta isochronic tones as a longer preparation for sleep entrainment. Isochronic entrainment is softer and gentler but does require an extended program to be successful.

MP3 Digital Audio Download $2.50 6Hz ISO White Noise (Theta Isochronic) - 31:00 min) Isochronic White Noise entrainment that can be used before sleep and day naps to assist in the entrainment of 6Hz Theta brain waves. This is a safe gentle approach that does not require headphones and should be played through speakers and an extremely soft volume. Much like a patting whisper. You may use the Alpha white noise track to extend the entrainment potential if needed. If you child takes an extended time to calm down in the evenings start with the 8Hz and follow on with the 6Hz Theta.

MP3 Digital Audio Download $2.50 ISO 528 Hz (Low Alpha Isochronic) - 30:00 min) An Isochronic 528 Hz Tone entrainment that is safe to use for people who cannot use Binaural Beats or need a little extra preparation before later doing so. This can be used as a soft atmos to play or resting. Also, it can be used prior to the Theta isochronic tones as a longer preparation for sleep entrainment. Isochronic entrainment is softer and gentler but does require an extended program to be successful.

MP3 Digital Audio Download $2.50 ISO Love Drone (Theta Isochronic) - 30:00 min) An Isochronic pure Tone & semi-melodic-Drone combination tuned to 528 Hz & at a Theta entrainment rate of 7 Hz. This can be used as a soft atmos for play or rest. Isochronic entrainment is softer and gentler but does require an extended program to be successful.

MP3 Digital Audio Download $2.50 ISO Wake Up (Delta to Alpha Isochronic) - 30:00 min Isochronic White Noise & subtle musical drone entrainment, which maybe used to aid waking the mornings. Much like a patting whisper this is a safe gentle approach that does not require headphones and should be played through speakers and an soft volume.