Duncan CrowBrainwaves are frequency patterns; different brainwaves are produced during different mental activities. Research confirms that brainwave patterns correspond to specific states of consciousness. During all these 'states', other frequencies are still present.
Beta waves are found with normal, waking consciousness while our attention is directed towards our external environment. They are also present during stress and anxiety. Beta waves are approximately 14 to 30 Hz (cycles per second).
Alpha waves at frequencies between 8 and 14 Hz occur when we are relaxed and not thinking about anything in particular. They are also associated with: calm; comprehension; attention focusing, meditation and balance; increased norepinephrin, serotonin levels; decreased blood lactate levels; increased beta-endorphin levels; enhanced immune system; reduced stress.
Theta is a state of deep relaxation with brainwaves between 4 and 8 Hz. It is found in more advanced meditators, and it is associated with: bursts of creative insight; sleep learning and vivid mental imagery; deeper states of attention focusing, meditation and balance; problem solving; gaining insight and discovering new concepts; traveling the perinatal matrix to resolve life issues; flashes of deep insight into paradigm issues; increased intuitive and creative ability; increased psychic abilities.
Delta is the slowest of brainwave activity at between .5 and 4 Hz. and is found during deep, dreamless sleep and sometimes in very experienced meditators. Delta brainwave activity has also been recorded in states of transpersonal awareness such as: deepest states of attention focusing, meditation and balance; expanded awareness; out of body experience; open visions and transpersonal experience; deeper insight and understanding; gaining a sense of Oneness.
Japan's leading neurophysiologist, Dr. Tomio Hirai reports that Zen meditators are able to alter Alpha/Theta frequency according to their depth of meditation. According to Dr. Hirai, Meditation is not merely a state between mental stability and sleep, but a condition in which the mind operates at the optimum. In this condition the person is relaxed but ready to accept and respond positively to any stimulus that may reach him.
Meditation is becoming increasingly popular in the western world as a way to experience psychospiritual progress and simultaneously strengthen us so we may better deal with the stressors imposed by our situation and our society. Active participation is necessary in order to learn the desired state; in other words, when a brainwave pattern is practiced over a period of time, the brain actually learns the state and it becomes easier to produce the desired brainwave state at will.
But for many people it is difficult to practice their meditation for any length of time; due to distractions and the time required to learn it, many of us just don't seem to get to the depth, or state, and the desired effects. Fortunately a discovery made decades ago can help us learn to get to that level more efficiently. It is possible to train the dominant brain frequency from one stage to another when external stimulus is applied to the brain. For example, if an individual in the beta stage is presented with a stimulus of 10Hz for some time, the brain frequency is likely to change towards 10 Hz. The effect will be relaxing to the individual. This phenomenon, called frequency following response or entrainment, is evident without conscious effort. This phenomenon, called frequency following response or mind entrainment, is evident without conscious effort, but a willingness to focus the attention while remaining relaxed and alert is a primary factor in how effective the stimulus is for learning a specific brainwave state and getting there on your own.
The stimulus is provided by a binaural beat computer program, or a recording, of different tones to each ear. The different tones are received by the brain, and the 5 Hz, 10 Hz, or whatever difference between the two tones is what the brain starts to follow, entrain, or in other words synchronize both brain hemispheres with. By using binaural beats, one can expedite the training of the brain and enjoy the same benefits that meditation gives, in an arguably much more effective use of your time. It's fast; soon you can experience many of the positive aspects of meditative states listed above. The concept is well-researched and is fully explained on the Altered-States site below.
An additional benefit of using binaural technology is a need for less sleep. Some users are able to reduce their sleep requirement by as much as 3 - 4 hours each night. It is believed that the theta pattern replaces the need for deep dreaming, which is the main purpose of sleep. Another interesting side effect is that many users report a dramatic increase in sex drive. Perhaps the most unusual side effect is the reported increase in psychic ability, including episodes of precognition, out-of-body experiences, and spontaneous channeling.
I recommend the Brainwave Generator for an inexpensive computer binaural beat program. The portable Orion Light and Sound Machine, the Brainwave Suite CD set, and the High Performance Mind CD set are available at Wellness Tools and there's all that and more - everything you could possibly need for mind improvement - at Altered-States. Check out their Brain Sync, Meditation, and Monroe Institute's Human Mind and Mind Food Hemi-Sync series. Hemi-Sync is the Monroe Institute's patented name for synchronizing your left and right brain using binaural beat.
I also recommend good nutrition, particularly high-dose b vitamins and magnesium for their calming influence. Many people employ Sacramental herbs as a way to augment psychospiritual growth.
