The Ultimate Brainwave Entrainment Quick
Start Guide
Oct 18, 2014
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The Ultimate Brainwave Entrainment Quick Start Guide
If like me you have been interested and active in the mind-body-spirit movement for any length
of time Im pretty sure that you have used creative visualization. Most likely you have heard
about or used some form of brainwave entrainment too.
As you may know, entraining your brainwaves can be a highly effective method for personal
growth. Different brainwave states will produce different results for you.
So What Are Brainwaves?
Your brain is made up of billions of brain cells called neurons, which use electricity to
communicate with each other.
The combination of millions of neurons sending signals at once produces an significant amount
of electrical activity in the brain, which can be detected using sensitive medical equipment such
as an electroencephalogram (EEG).
This electrical activity of the brain is commonly known as a Brainwave pattern, because of its
cyclic, wave-like nature.
You can train your brain to change your brainwaves by learning meditation and relaxation
techniques. However, it can take weeks, and for some people even years to experience the proven
and powerful benefits of brainwave entrainment through meditation alone.
There is also a short cut to getting the best from your brainwaves by using an audio tone known
as binaural beats.
Binaural beats effectively entrain and synchronize your brainwaves to enhance any specific
brainwave pattern. This allows you to rapidly enter states of relaxation, focus, high-energy, or
meditation whenever you want.
Brain Entrainment Device
What Are The Benefits of Modifying Our Brainwaves?
In general, we are accustomed to being in the beta brain rhythm. We are in a Beta brainwave
pattern when we are consciously alert. It is the default and dominant brainwave for most of us
most of the time. We are in Beta when we feel agitated, tense, hurried, pressured, afraid and
stressed. The frequencies range from 13 to 60 pulses per second in the Hertz scale.
When we alter our brain rhythm to alpha, we are slowing our brainwaves down. The benefit of
this is that we put ourselves in the ideal brain state for optimal performance and super learning.
We become better at analyzing complex situations, learning new information, memorizing data,
and performing elaborate tasks.
Some forms of meditation, relaxation exercises, and activities that enable a sense of calm, also
naturally create this alpha state.
According to neuroscientists, the effect of decreasing the brain rhythm from beta to alpha via
deep relaxation techniques and the use of binaural beats brain entrainment, changes the levels of
certain beneficial brain chemicals.
Studies show that alpha states significantly increase beta-endorphin, noroepinephrine and
dopamine. These naturally occurring chemicals are linked to feelings of expanded mental clarity
and generate an internal environment for new learning and accessing previously learned
information. This positive effect lasts for hours and even days.
The Five Categories of Brainwaves
Beta Brainwaves
(14 To 32 Hz Alert, Focused)
Beta is the most common brain wave pattern: Beta brainwaves are produced when we are wide
awake, alert, active and engaged in mental activity, usually involving more the rational, realityoriented left hemisphere of our brain. When beta wave activity becomes very intense, our brain
hemispheres become less synchronized. Beta state is required to function properly in your
everyday life.
Features and Benefits of a Beta State
* This Is The Brainwave For The Fight-Flight Response
* Increased Concentration And Alertness
* Improved Logic, Reasoning And Critical Thinking
* Feelings Of Anxiety, Stress, Scattered Unfocused Thought
Note: Excessive Beta Brainwaves Are Also A Feature Of Insomnia
Alpha Brainwaves
(7 To 14 Hz Relaxed Yet Aware, Meditative)
These are lower frequency waves: The state is generated when our thoughts are really not
concentrated and our minds wonder freely, or we are in a relaxed state such as meditating or
daydreaming. We also experience Alpha Brainwaves when we are gently busy with routine tasks
like pottering in the garden, taking a shower, putting on makeup, doing light housework. Alpha is
considered to be the bridge between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind.
Features and Benefits of An Alpha State
* Our Brain Hemispheres Become Naturally Synchronized, Or In-Phase With Each Other.
* Relaxed Detached (absent-minded) Awareness And Daydreaming Mind.
* Enables Us To Remember Our Dreams And Meditative States.
* Link Between Conscious And Subconscious Mind, Gateway To Meditation.
* Receptive To Casual And Auto Suggestions (Hypnosis State)
* Increased Vividness Benefits Creative Visualization And Triggers Imagination
* Increased Memory Retention , Concentration & Focus For Super Learning
Health Benefits Include:
* Reduced Anxiety
* Alleviates Stress And Depression
* Reduces Chronic Pain
* Reduction Of High Blood Pressure
* Increases Athletic Performance
* Increased Cerebral Blood Flow
* Increased Motivation, Energy, And Happiness
Theta Brainwaves
(3.5 To 7 Hz Deep Relaxation, Twilight State)
Theta Brainwave States Have Been Used In Meditation For Centuries:
It is common for people to feel as if they are in a trance, where the mind feels as though it may
have gone to sleep although it is conscious of what is happening around it. Theta induces a
capacity for prolonged daydreaming, where a loss of time may be experienced.
Theta waves are also conducive to visualization and creativity and the mind in this very relaxed
state is highly receptive to direct suggestion under hypnosis. As with Alpha, in Theta our brain
hemispheres are synchronized and we experience whole brain functioning.
Features And Benefits Of Theta Brainwaves
* Increased Sense Of Inner Peace And Emotional Stability
* Deep Relaxation
* Improved Memory
* Heightened Intuition And Inspiration
* Calms The Chatter Of Your Mind
* Increased Psychic Abilities And Sense Of Spiritual Connection
Health Benefits Of Theta Brainwaves:
* Speed Healing, Improved Physical Healing
* Sleep Onset And Better More Restful Sleep
* Release Beneficial Hormones Related To Health And Longevity
* Reduce Mental Fatigue
* Reduction of Anxiety And Stress
Note: Research Has Proven Thirty Minutes A Day Of Theta Meditation Can Dramatically
Improve A Persons Overall Health And Well-Being.
Theta Meditation Has Also Been Known To Result In A Reduced Need For Sleep.
Delta Brainwaves
(0.1 To 3.5 Hz Deep Sleep )
This is the slowest band of waves that our brains produce and they occur when we are in deep,
dreamless sleep. These waves are very beneficial for the body which restores and heals itself
when in this state. The delta state releases anti-aging hormones, including melatonin and DHEA.
Human growth hormone (HGH) is another anti-aging hormone that is increased when delta
brainwaves are occurring inside the brain, due to the stimulation of the pituitary gland. HGH
maintains the skin, bone density, cartilage, and the joints in your body as well as speeds up the
healing process of joint and cartilage injuries. HGH can also help heal physical pain.
In healthy amounts, delta brainwaves can also cause a person to have an advanced state of
empathy, understanding, and compassion for others.
Delta is the place of deepest relaxation, deepest healing, deepest spiritual connection and deepest
connection with the subconscious mind. It is considered to be the gateway to the unconscious
mind and the collective unconscious, bringing access to the universal psyche or mind.
Gamma Brainwaves
(40Hz or Higher: Zen Mind Mastery)
Gamma brainwave states are the most rapid in frequency. Gamma has long been considered the
brainwave that is able to link and process information from all parts of the brain. It is the
frequency that brings with it the ability to process large amounts of information in relatively
small amounts of time. Think of generating more Gamma activity as getting a processor upgrade
for your brain.
Unfortunately Gamma brainwaves have received the least attention and research, although more
attention is currently being paid to them.
Having High Amounts of Gamma Brainwave Activity Has Been Associated With:
* Having High Levels of Intelligence
* Being Compassionate
* Having High Amounts of Self-Control
* Having Greater Than Average Feelings of Natural Happiness.
* Increased Awareness Through Your Five Senses
Research has indicated at moments when bursts of precognition or high-level information
processing occur, your brainwaves briefly reach the Gamma state.
What are Gamma Brain Waves? How To Produce More Gamma Waves With or Without
Meditation
There are many different brain waves. Gamma waves are one of them and it has to be said that
they are even rather special waves!
What are Gamma Waves?
Gamma waves are typically of a high frequency and amplitude. Gamma brain waves are one of
the fastest waves that reach all parts of the brain. Their frequency is normally 40 Hz and more. It
has already been observed that people can produce gamma waves that have an amplitude of 100
Hz! These are called "Hyper-gamma brain waves" and are a subtype of gamma brain waves.
They occur when millions of neurons are active at the same time and "fire" these electrical
impulses simultaneously.
Normally, people do not produce these brain waves under normal circumstances. These brain
waves were mostly found in geniuses, for example, in a professor of physics. I like to call them
"the genius brain waves". They were also observed in meditators who were practicing the loving
kindness meditation. As it seems, gamma waves either occur in very intelligent people or in
those people who experience unconditional love. It has been observed that Buddhist monks who
started to practice the loving kindness meditation almost immediately at will produced gamma
brain waves.
So, in essence, gamma brain waves occur when there is an unusually high brain activity.
Increasing gamma waves with either binaural beats or specific meditations can lead to a number
of marvelous benefits. Afterwards, I will give you some advice on how to increase gamma waves
and what to do in order to experience them more often and spontaneously.
Benefits of Gamma Waves
Better Memory
Increased Focus On Tasks
Better Learning: Since The Brain Is So Super-Active, People Are Able To Learn
Faster (information Is Processed At A Much Higher Rate!).
A High Amount Of Gamma Waves Works Like An Anti-Depressant.
Studies Have Shown That A Gamma Brain Wave Therapy Was Successful Against
Add
Bliss: People Have Feelings Of Extreme Bliss.
Compassion: People Tend To Have A Profound Compassion Towards Other People.
Enhanced Senses: It Seems That The Senses Work Better And Reality Is Perceived
More Vividly.
Works Like Coffee For Some People.
3 Ways How To Increase Gamma Waves
One way to increase gamma waves is to listen to binaural beats. I recommend you to have a glass
of water next to you after you finish your session. Sometimes, it happens that you feel a bit
dizzy. Other than in the lower binaural beats I recommend you to do something that involves
active thinking like reading or learning. Normally, one would silent his/her mind and focus on
the binaural beats (like in theta brainwave entrainment for example.), but in this case you should
be doing something.
Another more natural way (in my opinion) is to meditate. Most meditations are good to increase
gamma wave activity, but THE best meditation for this is the loving kindness meditation. This
meditation will not be described in this article, since it would be far too long. If you are
interested in learning more about this special meditation, please read the full article on how to do
the loving kindness meditation.
The last way I can give you from personal experience is to "recognize" their occurrence.
Sometimes, especially when you start meditating or listening to binaural beats, you will have
sudden feelings of bliss (for example) in your everyday life. This can happen in school, while
watching TV, in the gym or anywhere else. Recognize these sudden occurrences and "hold on to
them" and your brain will automatically learn that you desire these states and that they are good.
Consequently, it will happen more often in the future, which will also have positively affect your
behavior towards yourself and other people.
Each of us can use brainwave entrainment to achieve a variety of results. You may want to target
a specific brainwave frequency range to help you relax,. On the other hand you may want to
increase your creative energy, improve your memory, deepen your sleep or get better results
when playing a sport.
How Long Does it Take To Experience States of Bliss?
This was a question from a user.
There is no definite answer to it, since these phenomena are quite individual. There are many
factors that are important, such as meditation, food, physical activity and so on.
Long experienced meditators are very probable to experience these states of bliss during the
gamma brainwave entrainment and for the next few hours after they stop listening to gamma
binaural beats.
People, with no meditation background, do not experience these states of bliss right after the
session (but some do!). In my case, as an unexperienced meditator, it took me 2 days until I
started to experience these feelings of bliss. They occurred quite randomly. It is important that
you listen on a daily basis to gamma binaural beats.
Personal Experience
Some time ago, I started listening to gamma binaural beats. It happened that I felt a bit dizzy and
had the need to drink something. Normally, I felt better afterwards. Also, after a 15 minutes
session where I simply focused on the mere binaural beats I felt "overwhelmed". It feels as if my
brain is not yet ready to "embrace" the entirely or to tune in into these frequencies. This didn't
happen with other binaural beats (delta, theta etc.).
When I was reading a book (for example, Faust, Ulysses and other complicated books) I was
able to focus on the text very good and my reading speed even increased slightly, while listening
to gamma binaural beats.
Another phenomenon, I was able to observe on myself, was that I was able to stay awake the
whole night without any coffee or black tea or whatsoever! Moreover, I was more awake and
more focused on learning material than with caffein in my blood (I still recommend you to go the
bed than staying awake all nights, though).
Ever since I started recognizing these sudden feelings of bliss it started to occur more often and
as I realized I am a more happier person in general!
It's really good to know about brainwaves and how they might be used to change your life for the
better!
Brain Wave Entrainment Further Explained
Brain Wave Entrainment is any procedure that causes one's brainwave frequencies to
synchronize with a periodic stimulus (sound, vibration or light) having a frequency
corresponding to the intended brain-state (for example, to induce a trance, dreams, sleep or
relaxation.) It is also called the Flicker-response because of how staring at a campfire or the
flickering of a burning candle can lull you into a state of calmness and serenity. There was an
extensive article on this phenomenon by Gerard Oster inScientific American in 1973. It may
sound novel, but in many ways, this is old tech.
Most wisdom traditions have employed methods that allow the subjects' brain waves to slow
down such as meditation, [Hindu] kirtan, [Gregorian, Menzuma or Sufi] chanting, Hebrew
davening, Native American drum circles and rain chants, Tibetan prayer bowls, and whirling
dervishes and African trance dancing. The rhythm of these wisdom tradition technologies
actually slows people's brain waves from their normal busy brain frequency we call Beta (13-30
cycles per second or Hz), to Alpha (8-13Hz) -- meditation, Theta (4-8Hz) -- deep relaxation and
dreaming, and Delta (.5-4Hz) -- slow wave or dreamless sleep.
To alter brain states, other cultures use peyote, ayahuasca, mushrooms and more recently LSD.
One can also learn to control and slow down their brain waves through various neuro-feedback
technologies such as electroencephalograph (EEG), galvanic skin response (GSR), and heart,
pulse and breath rate monitors. These devices measure stress and relaxation parameters and then
"play" back the signals to the user so they can use the signals as a beacon to guide and "steer"
themselves into a relaxed state. This takes some time, work and discipline but is much quicker
than learning meditation.
With brain wave entrainment technology, changing brain wave states is an instantaneous and
effortless process. The 'periodic stimulus' can be sound, vibrations and/or light. We have found
that we get the best results with blinking lights which are experienced through closed eyelids.
This is only problematic for people with existing diagnosis of photo-induced epilepsy, as
blinking lights can induce a seizure in them.
Most programs start at a work/life busy brain Beta frequency of twenty light flashes per second
(20Hz) and slowly ramp them down to Alpha (relaxation and meditation) at 8-12 HZ, Theta
(deep relaxation and dreaming) at 4-8 Hz) and Delta (dreamless deep relaxation) of .5-4Hz. We
have taken measurements at Mass General with state of the art EEG equipment and have seen a
slowing of the brain waves from Beta to Theta in two minutes and complete brain wave
harmonization in the left, right, anterior, posterior and occipital regions of the brain.
A psychiatrist and professor of medicine, Dr. Badri Rickhi, reported to the New York Times that
"these [light and sound] machines help stop your mind from wandering."
When the brain is given a stimulus, through the ears, eyes or other senses, it emits an electrical
charge in response, called a Cortical Evoked Response (shown below). These electrical
responses travel throughout the brain to become what you "see and hear." This activity can be
measured using sensitive electrodes attached to the scalp.
When the brain is presented with a rhythmic stimulus, such as a drum beat for example, the
rhythm is reproduced in the brain in the form of these electrical impulses. If the rhythm becomes
fast and consistent enough, it can start to resemble the natural internal rhythms of the brain,
called brainwaves. When this happens, the brain responds by synchronizing its own electric
cycles to the same rhythm. This is commonly called the Frequency Following Response (or
FFR):
FFR can be useful because brainwaves are very much related to mental state. For example, a 4
Hz brainwave is associated with sleep, so a 4 Hz sound pattern would help reproduce the sleep
state in your brain. The same concept can be applied to many other mental states, including
concentration, relaxation and meditation.
