What is Brainwave Entrainment?
Brainwave Entrainment is the brain’s electrical reaction to rhythmic stimulation (usually via pulses of sound or light), inducing what is scientifically known as “Cortical Evoked Response”. Under stimulation, brainwave patterns have a tendency to tune into, or synchronize with the presented entrainment light and/or sound, in the same way that pendulum clocks will begin to sync together when placed in proximity.
How Does Rhythmic Stimulus Induce Positive Mental States?
When a stimulus is introduced to the brain (for instance sound), its rhythm is replicated in the brain as electrical impulses. If the rhythm is precise enough, the natural brainwave patterns will mimic the sound stimulus, also known as Frequency Following Response (FFR). FFR is closely related to mental states and brainwave patterns, measured as gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta, respectively. For instance, 4Hz, a delta brainwave, is the frequency of sleep. Thus, when a precisely tuned 4Hz tone is introduced to your brain, it will induce the sleep state. The same principle applies to meditation, concentration, creativity, focus, or any other brainwave state that you would like to entrain.
The Science, Merits, and Implications of Brainwave Entrainment
Experimentation in this particular field of neuroscience has revealed that an individual is able to create in the mind the proper conditions for learning, meditation, relaxation, countering negative emotions, among countless other useful applications. The implications of brainwave entrainment are immense.