| Just what is brainwave entrainment? It is an electrical response by the brain, expressed in the form of brainwaves, which mimics a rhythmic stimulus which is usually created by auditory or visual pulses. The purpose is to create specific brainwave pattern frequencies that are best suited for specific purposes. For instance, if you wanted to practice creative visualization (perfect for self-hypnosis), listening to a brainwave frequency pattern of 6 Hz (theta) for a while, then up to 10 Hz (alpha) is recommended. Brainwave frequency patterns can be used for accelerated learning, treating insomnia, relaxation, meditation, migraine relief, self-hypnosis, and a whole host of other purposes. A comprehensive brainwave frequency list complete with detailed explanations as to what purpose each brainwave frequency pattern is best suited for can be found here.
Binaural Beats
Brainwave entrainment where hypnosis is concerned has for the most part been a product of Binaural Beat Technology which requires headphones for best effect. What are binaural beats and how do they work? When two auditory pulses of slightly different frequencies are listened to with headphones, the difference between the two frequencies creates a rhythmic phantom beat which the brain recognizes and begins to follow or mimic. That phantom beat is the binaural beat. So, if you wanted to create a theta brainwave pattern of 6 Hz, one pulse tone presented to the left ear could be set at 300 Hz, and the other pulse tone presented to the right ear could be set at 306 Hz. A rhythmic binaural beat, representing the difference between the two pulse tones, of 6 Hz is created which the brain recognizes and begins to follow. This following of the binaural beat is referred to as the “frequency-following response.” And this is how specific brainwave frequencies are created. Today there are several other methods besides binaural beat technology used to create brainwave entrainment, and these other methods don’t require headphones. Transparent Corporation has created a new software program, Mind Work Station, which can easily create professional brainwave entrainment sessions, offering a wide range of audio/visual effects, cutting edge neural stimulation methods, and easy integration with biofeedback and EEG devices. Besides Mind Work Station, Transparent Corp. has a number of other brain related software programs, including Neuro-Programmer and Mind Stereo.
Brainwave Entrainment and Self-Hypnosis
Brainwave entrainment can help to make a hypnosis or self-hypnosis experience more effective because it creates specific brainwave patterns that are best suited for the specific purpose of the hypnosis/self-hypnosis session. Normally, it would take an experienced meditator many years to be able to generate a theta state while still remaining consciously aware, but with brainwave entrainment anyone can experience these deeper states of mind. There are a couple things to keep in mind. First, no matter how great the technology might be, a strong desire is still the key element to having success with hypnosis or conscious creation. And also realize that the longer (a month as opposed to one or two days) you listen to a brainwave entrainment frequency, the more easily your brain will follow that frequency. Brainwave entrainment can be an effective and powerful tool. If you want to learn more about brainwave entrainment, simply google “brainwave entrainment” and you’ll come up with an abundance of information.
Warnings
Brainwave entrainment is considered quite safe except for the following people: epileptics; pregnant women; anyone who wears a pacemaker; anyone prone to seizures; anyone under the age of 18 (since those under 18 are more prone to seizures); or those who are photosensitive. Those under medication should consult a physician before listening to audio files with brainwave entrainment. Also, never listen to hypnosis recordings (with or without brainwave entrainment) when under the influence of alcohol or drugs and never while driving a vehicle or operating machinery. |
