Sound & Vibrational Healing: What Are Binaural Beats and How Do They Work?...

In 1973, Gerald Oster introduced binaural beats to the world in the Scientific American paper. This introduction became one of the first bridges between sound physics and the human neurological response. His study proved that when two slightly different frequencies are played separately in each ear, the brain perceives a third "phantom" tone. For example, if the left ear hears 200 Hz and the right ear hears 210 Hz, then the brain perceives a 10 Hz beat. What this does for the brain is influence brainwave states, which is the concept called "brain entrainment".

Headphones allow the auditory brainstem (the superior olivary complex) to process the difference between frequencies in the brain. The neurons fire rhythmically and help to synchronize the brainwave patterns, which is a process called "entrainment". Different brainwaves and frequencies induce different states of consciousness. For example, Delta waves induce deep sleep and restoration at 0.5 - 4 Hz, while the Beta waves create alertness and the brain activity of thinking at 13 - 30 Hz. Alpha waves help us focus, relax, and be calm at 8 - 12 Hz, while Gamma waves bring us to high cognitive integration at 30+ Hz. Binaural beats work to help the brain into these states with a little support.

Binaural beats work on the nervous system to help us reduce stress, improve sleep, process our emotions, and even perceive less pain and discomfort in the body. How does this happen? The body, including the brain, thrives on rhythm. From the heart beat, to brain waves, to the pulse of our digestive peristalsis, we can observe that our internal rhythms can influence our external rhythms. This can also happen from the outside in during meditation, chanting, drumming, or other sound healing experiences. It is so powerful that it can actually alter our state of consciousness. Scientific research on this topic has proven that binaural beats help to reduce anxiety, induce relaxation, and help one to focus more on the tasks at hand.

So, how can we practice using these binaural beats for self-healing? First of all, we have to have headphones to separate what each ear is hearing - this is probably the most important part. Next, we have to choose the frequency and results that we are looking for (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, or Gamma waves). After a 10-30 minute session, in a comfortable seated position, breathing slowly and rhythmically, and relaxing the entire being, the binaural beats are able to ground and elevate the entire being. When used with intention, visualization, writing, breathing, or using other awareness tools, the binaural beats become even more effective. The sounds open, activate, and direct the body toward healing. Instead of advertising for frequency shifts or energetic healing, places of care can offer it as a fine tuning of neurological rhythms.

There are certain times and situations where we may not choose binaural beats to help the brain. People with seizure disorder, dissociation disorder, those who are driving, or those who operate heavy machinery, binaural beats can be dangerous. For those who don't have these conditions, binaural beats can help us access altered states of consciousness, reduce fear, shift the nervous system, help us focus, and increase alpha coherence. It is a complete tune up and frequency shift that helps the body to repair itself and heal.