FAQ – NeuroTōnz

Binaural beats is the term for the pulse created when one ear hears something slightly different from the other ear, and this effect can only be realized when wearing headphones. For example, if you set the frequency of sound in the right ear to 100 Hz and the frequency in the left ear to 105 Hz, the brain automatically synthesizes those two frequencies and produces the sensations of a third beat — which is the difference between the two (5 Hz in this example). The brain then entrains itself to that third beat. In this example, the brain entrains to 5 Hz which is a Theta brainwave.

Through this process, the right and left brain must communicate in order to create this “difference” beat — also known as the binaural beat. Listening to binaural beats in this way increases right/left brain hemisphere synchronization, something that does not often occur in waking consciousness.

Left hemisphere thinking is more detailed, logical, practical, mathematical, scientific, and analytical. Right hemisphere thinking is more creative, intuitive, abstract, and “big-picture” focused. Most people use one hemisphere more dominantly than the other. Meditation works to balance both hemispheres of the brain, producing what doctors call whole brain functioning. Brainwave Entrainment immediately creates this balance through the use of binaural beats. The benefits of creating synchronization and balance in the hemispheres are profound – the mind becomes more powerful and more focused; memory is improved; creativity and intuition are increased; cognitive performance is enhanced; and overall mental health is improved.

This is summed up by the following quote by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson in Neuroacoustics: The Healing Power of Sound: “By entraining brainwaves with binaural beats using headphones, it is possible to float the brain in this state of hemispheric synchronization for prolonged periods. Each time we do this, it is like exercising a new brain function, which makes the brain more able to engage this function as it’s normal repertoire of behavior.”

Alpha brainwave frequencies, which range from 7.5 to 13 Hz, are the first frequencies beneath Beta.

In a wakeful state, Alpha brainwave frequencies are associated with being in a calm, alert, and internally-directed state. Compared to the highly productive and alert Beta state which often comes with anxiety and increased worries, Alpha allows us to be productive, focused, and alert without the unnecessary distractions and anxious feelings. In Alpha, our brainwaves are slowed down just enough to be centered and focused but remain at a high enough frequency to maintain alertness and tremendous focus.

Alpha is also associated with light sleep, as it's one of three brainwaves that we cycle in and out of while we sleep each night. When our brains are in Alpha and we're asleep, we often feel like we're in a "transition" zone between waking and sleeping. This is when we are processing past mental thoughts & activities and rebalancing our mental patterns for the next day.

Alpha is an exceptional state for creative problem solving. Rather than trying to force a solution during a faster Beta brain state, in Alpha we allow the solution to intuitively come to us by being present, mindful and alert, allowing us easier access to the creative genius within.

Alpha is also an ideal state for peak performance. Whether you’re an athlete, a dancer, an executive, a public speaker, or just someone preparing for a job interview or other important ‘performance”, being completely present in a state of calm alertness is the secret to getting into your flow. Or as athletes often call it … getting into the zone.

In meditative states, Alpha is associated with Zen meditation and mindfulness states. This is a great brain state to explore your real purpose in this life, the reason for your being. As Dr. Jeffrey Thompson at the Center for Neuroacoustic Research describes it, the Alpha brainwave state helps to uncover not only the major goal of your life, but also the type of work which facilitates the fulfillment of your true purpose.