Binaural Beats
When we hear a sound, it is processed in the auditory cortex of our brain, where it is analysed. Our brains process sounds in different frequencies, which are measured in Hertz (Hz).
The Hertz value also changes depending on what we do as in:
Gamma waves 30-100 cycles per second: Heightened consciousness, deep meditation, spiritual experiences, insight/focus.
Beta – 13 - 30 cycles per second. Busy, thinking, active.
Alpha – 7 - 13 cycles per second. Relaxation, meditation, creativity.
Theta – 4 - 7 cycles per second. Dreaming, meditation, ESP.
Delta - 1.5 - 4 cycles per second. Deep sleep below dream-level.
When we listen to binaural beats a different frequency plays in each ear and we magic up an auditory illusion of an extra frequency.
As our brain processes the difference between the two frequencies, a new frequency known as the binaural beat forms.
For example, if a tone of 300 Hz is played in one ear, and a tone of 310 Hz is played in the other ear, the binaural beat that our brain perceives is 10 Hz - please see chart. This is in the Alpha spectrum; the meditative state.
Research has shown that listening to binaural beats can have a variety of effects on our brain and body, including:
- Relaxation: the beats can stimulating the production of alpha brain waves, which are associated with a relaxed state.
- Focus: beta brain waves, are associated with increased alertness and concentration.
- Better Sleep: delta brain waves are associated with deep sleep.
- Pain Reduction: binaural beats can stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. This is true for me. When using the specially composed and engineered music combined with self-hypnosis/meditation the effect is profound.
Binaural beats are an excellent way to improve mental and physical well-being or purely for pleasure.