The Brain Wave Spectrum and Binaural Beats

What are delta brainwaves?

Delta brainwaves are considered the most relaxing brainwave frequency range. Delta brainwaves are commonly associated with the deepest sleep [stages 3 & 4] and a state of unconscious awareness. Delta brainwaves are the lowest in brainwave frequency: ranging from 0 – 4 Hz, but are the highest in amplitude. Delta brainwaves, like other slower brainwave patterns, are generated in the right hemisphere, though they may be observed in widespread patterns throughout various parts of the brain. The delta brainwave range is associated with empathy, the unconscious mind, and a decreased sense of awareness.

What are theta brain waves?

Theta brainwaves are considered extremely relaxing brainwave activity that is commonly associated with sleep and dreaming. Theta brainwaves are high in amplitude and cycle within the range of 4 – 8 Hz and are usually generated in the brains right hemisphere. Theta waves kick in when we feel emotional, relaxed, daydreamy, unfocused, or are asleep. Theta brainwaves are generally thought of as the brainwaves that are dominant in people with A.D.D., high levels of relaxation, high levels of creativity, and random thinking. The theta brainwave is considered the brainwave pattern that is dominant in deeply relaxed, dream sleep.

What are alpha brain waves?

Alpha brain waves are considered relaxed brainwave activity. Alpha brainwaves are brainwaves that cycle within the range of 8 – 12 Hz and are usually generated in the brains right hemisphere or in a synchronized pattern between both right and left hemispheres. Alpha waves kick in when our mind and body are completely relaxed and free of stress.

Alpha is generally thought of as the normal brainwave that is dominant in people who are relaxed, creative, and have a clear mind. Alpha is considered the “normal” brainwave pattern and is dominant when people close their eyes. Children tend to have much higher levels of alpha brainwaves than adults. Alpha brainwaves are considered the healthiest brainwave range and 10 Hz has widely been accepted as the “safest” brainwave frequency to train.

Most children and younger teenagers have a dominant alpha rhythm. There isn’t a single brain wave pattern is better than the others – so don’t think alpha brainwaves are a “cure all.” If your brain is deficient in the alpha brainwave pattern, increasing them can feel awesome! I can personally testify based on my experience.

What are beta brainwaves?

Beta brainwaves are considered “fast brain wave” activity. Beta brainwaves are brainwaves that cycle within the range of 12 – 38 Hz and are usually generated in the brain’s left-hemisphere.

Beta waves kick in when logically thinking, feeling stressed, and feeling tense. Beta is generally thought of as a “normal” rhythm and is dominant in people who are alert, anxious, or have their eyes open. Beta brainwaves are considered to be the normal brainwave pattern in healthy adults.

Most children and teenagers have dominant theta and alpha brainwave patterns. There isn’t a single brain wave pattern is better than the others – so don’t think beta brainwaves are some sort of miracle that your children need! If you happen to be deficient in the beta brain wave range, increasing them may feel like a miracle!

What are gamma brainwaves?

Gamma brainwaves are considered the brain’s optimal frequency of functioning. Gamma brainwaves are commonly associated with increased levels of compassion, feelings of happiness, and optimal brain functioning. Gamma brainwaves are associated with a conscious awareness of reality and increased mental abilities. Gamma brainwaves range from the frequency of 38 Hz – 70 Hz and have a tiny (virtually unnoticeable) amplitude. Gamma brainwaves can be found in virtually every part of the brain. They serve as a binding mechanism between all parts of the brain and help to improve memory and perception.

Binaural Beats

Binaural beats were discovered in 1839 by a German scientist named Heinrich Dove. Ever since, they have been touted as one of the most popular forms of brainwave entrainment, along with monaural beats and isochronic tones.

However, the some studies now show that the effects of binaural beats are actuallypassive relaxation effects and not true brainwave entrainment. We'll explore precisely what that means in the course of this article.

How Do Binaural Beats Work?

The human brain goes through many frequency cycles every day, each having a different effect on your level of consciousness. It is scientifically proven that we can shape these frequencies through sound, visual and tactile cues. The broad term for this is brainwave entrainment and it is recognized to have physiological effects.

Binaural beats are claimed to be a form of brainwave entrainment; a technology that uses two separate sound cues in an attempt to entrain the brain.

For instance, the THETA brainwave frequency occurs during states of still alertness, and in light sleep and dreaming. It is marked by 3-6 cycles (Hz) per second. The human ear doesn't react to frequencies below 20 Hz - so binaural beats play two separate frequencies into each ear (eg, 130Hz in the left / 136Hz in the right).

What effect does this have? Science and opinion is split...

Brainwave Entrainment vs The Ganzfeld Effect

Proponents of binaural beats say the brain compensates for the difference in frequencies heard in the right and left ear, creating an internal frequency of 6 Hz, and thereby entraining a THETA operating state. It then produces a frequency following response, something that has been demonstrated in other brainwave entrainment technologies.

Because the effect is produced within the brain (not in the ears as with monaural beats) it is critical to wear headphones or earphones to ensure separate frequencies are played into each ear.

Opponents of binaural beats suggest the effect is not one of entrainment but simple relaxation. They argue that binaurals are very quiet, with a 2:1 modulation depth, compared to monaurals and isochronics which have a 100,000:1 depth ratio. This means binaurals are less likely to produce an entrainment effect. Instead, they have more of a Ganzfeld Effect; where the mind quietens due to monotonous sensory input.

In nature, a Ganzfeld effect can be experienced when sitting in a quiet field and looking up at the sky, listening to the wind in the trees. If you live in an urban area or can't get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, binaural beats may achieve a relaxing effect, though not in the way they are often touted (ie, brainwave frequency entrainment).

What Are The Effects of Binaural Beats?

• Physical and mental relaxation

• Increasing focus on the inner world

• Visual hypnagogia (seeing colors, patterns and shapes)

• Audial hypnagogia (hearing voices and snippets of conversation)

• Out-of-body phenomena (floating limbs and bodily dissociation)

• Conscious awareness of emerging dream scenes

Binaural Beats vs Isochronic Tones

Irrespective of how the relaxation effect occurs, there is a general consensus on what types of effects you may feel while listening to binaurals. I have experienced various phenomena usually associated with mediation:

These effects are the result of listening to binaural beats as well as a conscious effort to meditate. With practice this helps prepare my mind for more lucid dreams.

In one blind study of binaural beats and their effect on meditation, scientists found that 7 Hz frequencies enhanced meditative focus, while 15 Hz harmed it. So there is something to be said for listening to binaurals vs nothing at all. Other studies have shown a hypnotic and relaxation effect while listening to binaural beats.

If you are considering using brainwave entrainment as a way to access altered states, you may wonder: which is better, binaural beats or isochronic tones?

Without doubt, isochronics in action are more powerful than binaural beats in action. Indeed, EEG studies have conclusively shown than even monaural beats produce a greater frequency following response in the contralateral hemisphere.

There are some studies in support of binaural beats, such as Le Scouarnec who suggested the effect of a reduction in anxiety with THETA binaurals. However, other studies suggest this is not the result of entrainment, and shouldn't be marketed as such. It is more likely a passive meditation response or placebo effect.

Binaural Beats for Lucid Dreaming

Binaural Beats for Meditation

Isochronic Chakra Balance

Isochronic Deep Sleep

Binaural and Isochronic Focus and Memory