Let us look more closely at what brainwave entrainment exactly is;
Brainwave entrainment or "brainwave synchronization," is any practice that aims to cause brainwave frequencies to fall into step with a periodic stimulus having a frequency corresponding to the intended brain-state (for example, to induce sleep), usually attempted with the use of specialized software. It purportedly depends upon a "frequency following" response on the assumption that the human brain has a tendency to change its dominant EEG frequency towards the frequency of a dominant external stimulus. (Wikipedia)
There are five main brainwave states;
Beta
The Beta brainwave state is associated with a heightened state of alertness and focused concentration. When your mind is actively engaged in mental activities, the dominant brainwave state will be Beta. A person in active conversation, playing sports or making a presentation would be in a Beta state. The Beta brainwave state corresponds to frequencies ranging from 12Hz to 40Hz.
Alpha
Alpha brainwaves are slower in frequency than Beta brainwaves and represent a state of relaxed mental awareness or reflection. Alpha brainwave states are typically associated with contemplation, visualization, problem solving and accessing deeper levels of creativity. The Alpha brainwave state corresponds to frequencies ranging from 8 Hz to 12 Hz.
Theta
Theta brainwaves are even slower in frequency and represent a state of deep relaxation and meditation, enhanced creativity, stress relief, light sleep and dreaming. Theta brainwave states have been used in meditation for centuries. Research has proven thirty minutes a day of Theta meditation can dramatically improve a person’s overall health and well-being. Theta meditation has also been known to cause the need for less sleep. The Theta brainwave state corresponds to frequencies ranging from 4Hz to 8 Hz.
Delta
Delta brainwaves are the slowest in frequency and represent a state of deep dreamless sleep. Delta brainwave states have long been associated with healing. While Delta brainwave states usually only occur in deep sleep, it is possible to train yourself to remain awake while reaching the Delta state to experience even deeper levels of meditation and awareness. The Delta brainwave state corresponds to frequencies from 0Hz to 4Hz.
Gamma
Gamma brainwave states are the most rapid in frequency. They have received the least attention and research, although more attention is currently being paid to them than in years past. Research has indicated at moments when bursts of insight or high-level information processing occur, there are corresponding increases in brain activity in the Gamma range. The Gamma brainwave state corresponds to frequencies of 40Hz or higher.
source: http://www.immramainstitute.com/brai...ta-beta-gamma/
Your brainwave frequency can be influenced or entrained to a desired frequency by a safe sound system called "binaural beats."
Binaural beats or binaural tones are auditory processing artifacts, or apparent sounds, the perception of which arises in the brain for specific physical stimuli. This effect was discovered in 1839 by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, and earned greater public awareness in the late 20th century based on claims that binaural beats could help induce relaxation, meditation, creativity and other desirable mental states. The effect on the brainwaves depends on the difference in frequencies of each tone: for example, if 300 Hz was played in one ear and 310 in the other, then the binaural beat would have a frequency of 10 Hz. (Wikipedia)
Benefits of brainwave entrainment
The main benefits for people in w/d are decreased anxiety and akathisia and improved ability to sleep.
An uncontrolled pilot study of Delta binaural beat technology over 60 days has shown positive effect on self-reported psychologic measures, especially anxiety. There was significant decrease in trait anxiety, an increase in quality of life, and a decrease in insulin-like growth factor-1 and dopamine and has been successfully shown to decrease mild anxiety. A randomised, controlled study concluded that binaural beat audio could lessen hospital acute pre-operative anxiety.(Wikipedia)
[…]
by using specific frequencies an individual can stimulate certain glands to produce desired hormones. Beta-endorphin has been modulated in studies using alpha-theta brain wave training, and dopamine with binaural beats. (Wikipedia)
One of the best known research organizations devoted to the exploration of human consciousness, the Monroe Institute, founded by Robert Allan Monroe in the early 1970s, seems to have confirmed the beneficial effects of specific sound patterns on our capabilities;
In his research, Monroe produced evidence that;
certain combinations of frequencies appeared to enhance alertness; others to induce sleep; and still others to evoke expanded states of consciousness. […] Assisted by specialists in psychology, medicine, biochemistry, psychiatry, electrical engineering, physics, and education, Robert Monroe developed Hemi-Sync, a patented audio technology that is claimed to facilitate enhanced performance. (Wikipedia)
Binaural recordings are now widely available (CDs, Youtube), with all kinds of music and with nature sounds.
Even if in early WD you may find it too stimulating for your nervous system, try going back to it every 6 months or so. At some point, this technique could start helping you to take the edge off of your anxiety and agitation or help you sleep.
Please, share with us your experience with brain entrainment. How many of you have tried it in WD? How did it work?
Thank you, Sheila, for all the great ideas for this thread and for the idea of creating it in the first place.
