subject: The Use Of Binaural Beats And Isochronic Tones To Induce Brainwave Entrainment. [print this page] In a previous article I mentioned the use of binaural beats and isochronic tone downloads as an assistance to achieving a deep and fulfilling meditative state. Guided meditations such as these can, without any effort on your part, create an unmistakable experience of meditation that relaxes, relieves stress and enlightens. You no longer have to think "Am I doing this right?"
You are.
So what are binaural beats and isochronic tones?
Binaural beats are created by two tones pitched at slightly different frequencies with a difference between around 10 and 30 hertz. When the difference is placed at this level, what the mind "hears" is an overlay of the two sounds combined. They are no longer differentiated by the brain. The brain then tends to follow the combined sound automatically and the effort of combining the sounds engages the conscious mind and frees the unconscious.
Isochronic tones on the other hand, comprise a single tone which has an hypnotic "follow on" effect upon the brainwave frequencies as they harmonise with the pulse. The Isochronic tones are usually set at a specific frequency to have a specific effect upon the mind. The "follow on" effect creates a relaxed alpha brainwave state which calms the constant chatter of the conscious. With both of these meditation techniques, the frequency used can be targeted to effect a specific part of the brain to achieve desired, focused results.
Both of these methods create observable effects within the user. The alteration of brain waves to an alpha frequency (the frequency of meditation) quickly induces in the participant a state of deep meditation which continues until the stimulus ends. Time distortion and changing visual stimulation behind the closed eyes are two common results of using either binaural beats or isochronic tones.
Which is better?
This totally depends on the user. A wimpy answer I know, but the only one that makes sense. Personally, I prefer the isochronic tones. They seem to induce a deeper and more pleasant meditation for me. For me, binaural beats are effective but in a different way and I find that time distortion and visual stimulation is at a lesser level. Nevertheless, both brainwave entrainment methods work to achieve deeper meditation far more swiftly than I have ever achieved on my own.
