Brainwave Entrainment

Here's a quick overview of brainwave entrainment, what it is, why it's interesting and how to try it. For a more comprehensive path click here.

What is Brainwave Entrainment?

Brainwave entrainment is a way of intentionally changing our mental state by using specific sounds or flashing lights. You've probably heard of "alpha" or "theta" brainwaves. These have come from the discovery that there are recognisable and repeatable patterns relating what a person is doing and their dominant brainwave rhythms. Using the correct stimulus (light or sound) we can pull ourselves into a specific mental state. These techniques can be used to help us relax, meditate, sleep ...

What's involved?

The two primary methods are the use of flashing lights or sound with a beat at specific frequencies. The lights are usually built into special glasses, much like opaque sunglasses. Alternatively, you can use audio cassettes which have specially designed sounds intended to draw you into a specific mental state. Both the sound and light can be used at the same time. Either you can use a machine specially designed to produce the correct sounds and signals for the glasses, use your compute to do it, or play appropriately recorded audio cassettes. The light and sound mahines or the computer-based methods are the most flexible but the least portable and most expensive. Professionally produced audio cassettes are inexpensive and available in a wide variety of programmes.

What does it feel like?

I usually lie down in a quiet room with subdued lighting with my eyes closed and play a cassettes on a walkman with headphones. The effect I notice most often is that of finding my mind wandering and realising that I've forgotten about the tones or noise in the earphones. When the mind is wandering the thoughts can go in really odd directions reviving childhood scenes or memories that haven't been thought about for decades.   
    There are many other effects, both mentally and physiologically (see the links below), however, suffice it to say that it can be incredibly relaxing - a wonderful way to unwind, focus or get to sleep - depending on what tape is used.

Are there any dangers?

There seem to be only three real reservations about experimenting with brainwave entrainment and these relate to (a) those predisposed to epilepsy, (b) driving and using dangerous machinery while entrained and (c) a Kundalini awakening. For more details, click here.

How do I get started?

Tape Overview - still to come ...

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