Since ancient times, shamanic drumming were the earliest forms of purposefully inducing trance states, a crude form of brainwave entrainment. At this point in time, the gist is that if you stimulate the brain at a particular frequency ( through iso-tones, flashing lights, binaural beats…) Your brainwaves will tune to this frequency. We now know this by using EEG machines that have already mapped out our brainwave states while people were connected to them and at the same time being induced with audio frequencies and rhythms.
How Brainwave Entrainment Works
Similarly, this response in frequency following can also be seen in action with those who are prone to epilepsy. If a strobe light flashes at a seizure frequency, the brain will entrain to the flashing light, resulting in a seizure. In this sense, it is not recommended to use brainwave entrainment if you are prone to seizures (or if you’re pregnant, in case you are prone to seizures and are unaware of it), and take special caution when under 26 years of age, as the brain is still developing and is more sensitive.
Don’t overdo it, as most cases of side-effects come after overuse. Everyone reacts differently. The vast majority of people have no ill-effects from brainwave entrainment. But if you happen to experience any unwanted effects, discontinue use, give it a few days, and you will return to normal. On the positive side, we can induce the brainwave states of enhanced focus, relaxation, meditation or sleep, when we push the entire brain into the state we desire.
This works for almost everyone and it’s definitely a great way of leading the mind into states we usually have difficulty reaching. Within these brainwave states we can find typically the Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Here’s a brief summary on each of these states: Gamma – From 32Hz to 64Hz frequency range, Gamma is a very mysterious state and perhaps the least understood. These are very fast brainwave patterns that can improve our feelings of satisfaction, happiness, empathy and compassion with others.
It can allow us to have greater cognitive functioning, better memory retention, data processing and the ability to focus clearly. In this state we can process large amounts of information quickly and often have flashes of insight and intuition.
Experiencing more gamma brainwaves can upgrade the capability of your brain and make you feel in the zone. Conversely, low amounts of gamma production can lead to poor mental health, learning difficulties, low memory capacity and reduced mental processing. Beta – From 16Hz to 32Hz, the Beta state is considered our normal waking state, when we are in the everyday conscious thinking, logical and critical thought. Having the right amount of beta waves allows us to focus and complete school or work-based tasks easily.
Having too much beta may lead to experiencing excessive stress and/or anxiety. The higher beta frequencies are also associated with high levels of arousal. When you drink caffeine or have another stimulant, your beta activity will naturally increase. Think of these as being very fast brain waves that most people exhibit throughout the day in order to complete conscious tasks such as critical thinking, writing, reading, and socialization. Alpha – From 8hz to 16Hz, this state promotes feelings of relaxation, peace, calmness, mood lift, daydreaming, visualizations, enhanced learning ability.
Since Alpha is the frequency range between Beta and Theta, it bridges the gap between our conscious thinking and the subconscious mind.
A curious facts is that when we become stressed, a phenomenon called “alpha blocking” may occur which involves excessive beta activity and very little alpha. Essentially the beta waves “block” out the production of alpha because we become too aroused. On the other side, too much Alpha waves in our brain brings inability to focus, while the optimal dose promotes relaxation as the main effect. Theta – Between 4Hz to 8Hz, this brainwave state is usually experienced in shamanic rituals and hallucinogenic states, when we feel deep and raw emotions.
Other benefits can be lucid dreaming, higher creativity, greater intuition, inner guidance, inspiration and introspection. It is also involved in restorative sleep. Too much Theta activity may lead to bouts of depression and make people be highly suggestible, since they are in a deeply relaxed and semi-hypnotic state. Too little theta state can bring anxiety, poor emotional awareness and stress. This is also why depressants are known to increase theta waves. Delta – From 1Hz to 4Hz, is considered the state of being like a baby in the womb.
It brings up a feeling of being in a transcendental meditation, the healing of the body and restoration of the immune system, and increases the production of natural opiates.
These are the slowest recorded brain waves in human beings, also found in infants and young children. Curious fact is that as we age, we tend to produce less and less delta waves even during sleep. They have also been found to be involved in unconscious bodily functions such as regulating heart beat and digestion. Adequate production of delta waves helps us feel completely rejuvenated after we wake up from a good night’s sleep. If there is abnormal delta activity, an individual may experience learning disabilities or have difficulties maintaining conscious awareness. Too much of it may lead to inability to think and severe ADHD symptoms. These were the basics of brainwave entrainment and its states.
Hi, I’m Holly Celestine and I’m a Vibrational Sound Therapy Practitioner on a mission to liberate and activate human potential. In pursuit of avenues that bring the entire body into balance and harmony, I found that sound frequency and vibration play a vital role in the symbiotic connection to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I’m certified in Biofield Tuning, Voice Analysis, Massage Therapy, Usui Reiki Master and Bodytalk. I use vibrational sound therapy for targeted nervous system relaxation to help people feel relief from their debilitating stress, anxiety, and chronic pain.
I’m a life-long learner, ever evolving and consciously expanding into my best self, tuning into wholeness and balanced vibrations! Connect with me to amplify your highest expression using Sound Therapy. For more details about my practices and studio, please check this video! If you’re interested in having a sound healing session, and experience the optimal side of all the brainwave entrainment states mentioned in this article, Schedule your energy tune up today!
