Brainwave patterns inside the brain are produced by the electric activity of billions of neurons. A brainwave frequency can be found when measuring this electric activity. Brainwave patterns – when measured – clearly show what the individual is experiencing and feeling. Brainwave patterns can be categorized into a number of different groupings, as follows:
Beta: Set between the frequency ranges of 14Hz to 30Hz. Beta frequency shows an alert and active state of consciousness, and is the dominate frequency during waking hours.
Alpha: This frequency is active during moments of relaxation and low visual inputs. It works between the frequencies of 8-14hz.
Theta: One of the most well known brainwave frequencies, theta is experienced whilst dreaming, and during the passage phase between sleep and wakefulness.
Delta: The frequency of deep sleep, at a frequency range of 1Hz – 4Hz. Delta is not commonly found whilst in the awakened state, although is sometimes found during very deep meditations of those with extensive meditative experience.
Public Interest
It has been more than thirty years since brainwave entrainment first came to public attention. Interest began with what was known as a ‘mind machine’. Fundamentally a pair of goggles containing embedded lights, which flickered at a pre-set rate. Brainwave synchronization was easily accomplished by setting the lights to blink at a fixed value. Therefore a new marketplace was born, which would eventually lead to a large variety of brainwave based productions.
By their very nature, the study of brainwaves form a vital ingredient of neurology. A 2006 study carried out by the University of California, established brainwave changes within adolescence as the brain reorganizes. A number of studies have been directed into the effects of psychedelics on brainwave patterns. Much of these research studies were taken out in the decades prior to endorsements against such research. However research continues through the study of tribal rituals such as those in Peru and Brazil.
Altered states of consciousness are also heavily engaged with the shamanic practices of Brazil and Peru. Most frequently these are used to gain deep personal insight, as well as attain psychological and physical healing.
It is popularly believed that shamanic rites ever adopt entheogenic means. Nonetheless, this is not always the case; other shamanic civilizations have used sound in order to stimulate altered states of consciousness. References abound within contemporary literature and films showing such tribal scenes. These ancient exercises have not been misplaced, in fact they have found their way into popular society through brainwave entrainment.
Brainwave Entrainment – a Modern Shaman Practice
Brainwave technology has seen a good deal of development in recent years, much of this can be put down to the increasing amount of those engaged in alternative lifestyles. A marked change has occurred over the past two decades, showing a stunning uptake in alternative fringe subjects such as meditation and other mystic practices.
Bringing ones attention to personal and emotional realizations the foundation upon which brainwave entrainment may be further developed; it opens up realms of the mind which are only just being scientifically seen.
