Our brain is made up of billions of brain cells or neurons which use electricity to communicate with one another. The combination of millions of neurons sending signals all at the same time produces an enormous amount of electrical activity in the brain. This activity can be detected and mapped using EEG devices. Such mapping shows that the brain is emitting specific frequency brainwave patterns that relate directly to different mental processes all the way from wide awake and highly focused (beta) to deep, dreamless sleep (delta).
Following are the 4 most common brainwave classifications:
Beta 13hz - 40hz: Wide awake. This is generally the mental state most people are in during the day and most of their waking lives. Usually, this state in itself is uneventful, but don't underestimate its importance. Many people lack sufficient Beta activity, which can cause mental or emotional disorders such as depression, ADD and insomnia. Stimulating Beta activity can improve emotional stability, energy levels, attentiveness and concentration.
Alpha 7hz - 13hz: Awake but relaxed and not processing much information. When you get up in the morning and just before sleep, you are naturally in this state. When you close your eyes your brain automatically starts producing more Alpha waves. Alpha is usually the goal of experienced meditators, but to enter it using NP2 is incredibly easy. Since Alpha is a very receptive, absorbent mental state, you can also use it for effective self-hypnosis, mental re-programming, accelerated learning and more.
Theta 4hz - 7hz: Light sleep or extreme relaxation. Theta can also be used for hypnosis, accelerated learning and self-programming using pre-recorded suggestions.
Delta 0 hz - 4hz: Deep, dreamless sleep. Delta is the slowest band of brainwaves. When your dominant brainwave is Delta, your body is healing itself and "resetting" its internal clocks. You do not dream in this state and are completely unconscious.
By using EEG devices it has been scientifically proven that when external stimulus is applied to the brain it is possible to change the dominant brain frequency from one stage to another. This is called entrainment. For example if an individual in the beta stage (see chart above) with a brain frequency of about 20 Hz, is presented with a stimulus from the alpha stage of 10 Hz for some time, the brain frequency is likely to change from that of 20 Hz to 10 Hz - from a active beta state of mind, to a more relaxed state of mind at the alpha level. This is called frequency following response. This same example can be applied to going from a alpha state of mind to a deep theta state of mind and so on.
The technological methods used to entrain brainwaves (called brainwave entrainment) to desired beta/alpha/theta/delta states are known as binaural beats and isochronic tones, to name the two most popular. Additionally flickering lights can be used to entrain the brainwaves. Each of these different brainwave entrainment methods have their own advantage in synchronizing brain activity to the desired brain states.
Defining Binaural Beats and Isochronic Beats
Binaural Beats - Binaural beats require headphones if you want to see results. Binaural Beats work by broadcasting two separate frequencies in each ear. For example, if you want to tune your brain to a 7 Hz frequency, you could play 200 Hz in your right ear, and 207 Hz in your left ear. The brain will compensate for the difference between the two and produce a third tone that will be exactly 7 Hz. This will result in your brain frequency being lowered to the theta level of 7 Hz.
Isochronic Tones - These are sharper sounding than binaural beats thus they are more powerful in their effect on the brain and are believed to be more effective than binaural beats.
Binaural beats and isochronic tones by themselves are not very pleasant to listen to. This obstacle is overcome by embedding these beats/tones into soothing ambient music, nature sounds, the sounds of bells or chimes and so on. (See Energy and Focus Mp3 Pack).
