Brainwave Entrainment-What is it?

Brainwave entrainment refers to the brain's electrical response to prolonged and rhythmic sensory stimulation, such as pulses of sound or light, that resulted in the synchronization of the brainwaves to the external stimuli. This is why brainwave entrainment is also sometimes called brainwave synchronization. Every state of mind has a unique electrical signature that can be detected in the brain. These signatures are known as “brainwaves.”Brainwaves can be measured and recorded using specialized equipment - such as an EEG machine. That allows us to map what brainwaves are present during certain key states of mind. For example, we know the exact brainwave patterns that exist when we’re relaxed. or focused. or sleeping. By using a process known as brainwave entrainment – which involves playing specially-created audio sounds into each ear – we can actually influence these brainwaves

Generally speaking, Brainwave Entrainment is a process where the brain synchronizes to and resonates with external stimuli. When a brain is given a single stimulus, such as a pulse of sound, it responds by emitting a corresponding electrical discharge. This corresponding electrical discharge is called the cortical evoked response. This electrical activity in the brain can be measured using a machine called an electroencephalograph (EEG) and sensitive electrodes attached to the scalp. When the brain is presented with a rhythmic stimulus, e.g. drum beats, the rhythm is reproduced in the brain in the form of these electrical impulses. When the rhythm becomes fast and consistent enough, our brain electrical impulses start to synchronize with the rhythm. This is called the Frequency Following Response (FFR).

Types of brainwaves

Beta brainwave (13Hz-) is our normal waking brainwave state. When we are highly stressed or emotionally charged such as anger, we get high beta brainwaves, e.g. 30 Hz – 48 Hz.

We experience alpha brainwave (8 Hz-13 Hz) usually when we first wake up in the morning from sleep or as we are about to fall asleep at night. These are called hypnagogic states and are best for mental programming and hypnosis as they are very receptive to suggestions.

This also explains why many people find it easy to meditate first thing in the morning.

Theta brainwave (4 Hz-8 Hz) occurs in light sleep. This is also the range where lucid dreaming and out of body experiences occur. It is also believed that this state is more intuitive and is closely connected to the collective unconscious.

Delta brainwave (0.1 Hz-4 Hz) occurs in deep, dreamless sleep. Generally, people are not conscious when they are in this state. However, some exceptional individuals practicing certain specific meditation techniques can stay conscious while in this state. Our body and mind heal well in this state.