Binaural beats
I have been curious about what binaural beats are for a little while now. I have heard people talking about them and had been told they are good to listen to if you suffer with insomnia (which I don’t), wanted help to reach deeper meditative states or for general well-being.
Psychology today has this to say about binaural beats.
When two tones of slightly different frequencies are played in separate ears simultaneously (usually through headphones), the human brain perceives the creation of a new, third tone, whose frequency is equivalent to the difference between the two tones being played. This auditory illusion is called a binaural beat. For example, if a person hears a tone of 405 Hz in one ear and a tone of 415 Hz in the other, they would be hearing a binaural beat with a frequency of 10 Hz.
Binaural beats are said to provide many of the same benefits as meditation: lower stress, increase focus, aid with sleep and relaxation, boost mood, assist with pain management, and foster creativity.
I decided I wanted to give it a try. If I liked it I would try it for a week and see how I felt. I am always interested in anything that helps create health and relaxation.
There are 5 different types of brain waves that we can measure using an EEG (electroencephalograph).
They are –
| Frequency band | Frequency | Brain states |
| Gamma (γ) | 35+ Hz | Concentration |
| Beta (β) | 12–35 Hz | Keeping you attention focused, analytical thinking and problem solving, stimulating energy and action |
| Alpha (α) | 8–12 Hz | Very relaxed, reduces stress, maintains positive thinking, state of flow |
| Theta (θ) | 4–8 Hz | Deeply relaxed, inward focused, meditation, creativity |
| Delta (δ) | 0.5–4 Hz | Deep sleep, healing and pain relief, meditation |
So, when you listen and your brain creates a binaural beat frequency that matches one of the 5 brain waves, your actual brain waves will entrain (match) the beat. Thereby, creating a sense of relaxation, healing or alertness, whichever you choose.
When I looked on YouTube for some examples of Binaural beats I was surprised how many there are and the multitude of different areas of life they may help with, such as, clearing the mind, helping with sleep problems, boost your brain power and many more.
I chose one that was for Healing Your Body Permanently | Restore Body Healing Energy. Sounded like something I would enjoy.
Binaural beats have to be listened to through headphones to be effective and noise cancelling headphones are what are suggested as best.
I settled myself in a relaxed position and put on my headphones with the chosen beat.
I’m not sure what I expected and to begin with I didn’t like the sensation. It was strange noises that sounded like they were coming from different directions. My head felt like it was bouncing for a few minutes trying to work out what was going on. It reminded me of those relaxation CD’s with whale sounds or tropical noises with the slow easy music in the background but this had no music in the background, just sounds. It was like I was listening to Jean Michel Jarre without the back beat.
After about 20 minutes I felt completely relaxed. It felt like my whole body was gently vibrating. At the end of the track I felt good. I had enjoyed it and definitely wanted to try again.
I don’t have trouble sleeping or staying focused but I will always be happy with healing energy, vibrations or now, brain waves so I chose to stick with the same track. I listened again for the following 6 days. I have felt great, energized and present.
This could be the placebo effect, there is not much science around the subject so this was just my experience but I enjoyed it and believe it works for me. Whatever it is, I will continue listening for as long as it feels good.