Binaural Entrainment Article

Understanding the Relationship Between Brainwaves and the Binaural Beat

Over the course of the past thirty years, a number of researchers have devoted their studies to analyzing and considering the connection between the so-called binaural beat and brainwaves, both in laboratory research animals and in human beings. The net result of these studies thus far is that there is a direct and truly interesting correlation between the binaural beat and brainwave activity -- again, both in laboratory animals and in human beings alike.

The research involving binaural beat and brainwaves centers on the concept that the dominate active brainwave controls and determines a person’s state. (This is a very unscientific and yet accurate definition of the underlying relationship between brainwaves and the state of the human mind and body.)

By way of informative example, assume that a person’s so-called alpha waves are dominate at a particular point in time. Because of the dominance of the alpha waves in that person’s brain at a given moment, that person will be awake but in a relaxed state.

According to experts in this field, it is important to understand that even though in this example the alpha waves are dominate, the other waves associated with the brain are also sent although in lesser amplitudes.

Through research in binaural beat, it has clearly been demonstrated that the binaural beat can effect the brainwave levels in a person’s brain. For example, research has shown that through the use of a certain binaural beat, through the uses of slightly different tones in each ear, the prevalence of alpha waves in a person’s brain can be effected. In other words, through the binaural beat, the alpha wave activity in a person’s brain can be increased causing that person to feel relaxed as if some other specific physical stimulus was trigger the peaceful or relaxed state.

Conversely, other types of binaural beat tones can lower alpha wave activity while at the same time increasing other types of wave activity within the brain. In theory, this could even include an enhancement of brain waves that cause other responses in a human mind -- including potentially unpleasant responses.

Beyond experimentation and a growing use by professionals involved in meditative and relaxation practices, the binaural beat is playing a growing role in medical diagnostic practices. For example, for some time, some healthcare professionals have incorporated the binaural beat in the diagnosis of patients who potentially have Parkinson’s disease. It is also believed that the binaural beat may have a broader application in medical treatment and related regimens in the not too distant future. In other words, research into and extension of the use of the binaural beat is expected to expand within the coming decade with seemingly beneficial consequences.