What are binaural beats?
Binaural beats are a form of sound technology that puts your brain into the same relaxed state that you are in whilst meditating. Binaural beats are often referred to as the “lazy man’s way to meditate” because there is no special skills or practice involved- all you need is headphones and your phone!
How do binaural beats work?
Binaural beats work by causing your brain to synchronize itself with the frequency of the beat that you are listening to. In doing so, it manipulates your brainwave activity to induce your desired brainwaves. Humans have five different brainwave patterns that are all associated with alternate states of consciousness. During traditional meditation methods people usually experience alpha or theta brainwaves. Theta waves are characterised by deep relaxation, daydreaming and creativity. While alpha waves are associated with relaxed wakefulness and can occur during light meditation.
What are the benefits of binaural beats?
Research has shown that listening to binaural beats can be beneficial in the following ways:
Decreases stress and anxiety
Research suggests that binaural beats can induce theta or alpha waves which are linked to feelings of increased relaxation (Vernon, 2009; Turow & Lane, 2011). In particular, the alpha frequency boosts the production and turnover rates of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that increases relaxation and eases pain. The Alternative Therapy Health and Medicine (2001) found that patients experiencing mild anxiety, who listened to binaural beats five times a week, reported a significant reduction in their symptoms of anxiety.
Improves sleep quality and onset
Research has found that binaural beats can make your fall asleep faster, by inducing the frequencies in the brain that are associated with sleep. Binaural beats have also been found to improve sleep quality (Ablen, Kleinert, Strufer & Schneider, 2014).
Increases positivity
Users of binaural beats consistently report feelings of increased happiness and optimism. Studies conducted by the Marie Curie Cancer Memorial Foundation Research Department indicate that alpha and theta waves prompt the release of endorphins which leads to improved memory, learning and feelings of euphoria.
Increases concentration and attention
High frequency binaural beats are associated with alertness, improved attention and greater concentration (Vernon., 2009; Turow & Lane., 2011). Reedijk, Bolders, Clazato and Hommel (2015) report that binaural beats increasing the efficiency of how people allocate their attention over time. Studies have also shown that binaural beats can reduce symptoms of inattention in children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Kennel, Taylor, Lyon & Bourguignon, 2010).
Increases intelligence and mental abilities
Binaural beats can create greater synchronicity between the brain hemispheres. As a result, listeners think more holistically, as opposed to being pigeon-holed as a right-brain creative or left-brain analyst.
Interested? Check out the links provided below:
For theta waves, click here for a one hour session.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a longer session we recommend this three hour session (also good for sleep).
Binaural beats specifically for meditation: Click here for a great fourteen-minute meditation that helps promote relaxation and happiness. Click here if you would like a super quick 7-minute meditation. Click here for binaural beats accompanied by a guided meditation.
Binaural beats for sleep Click here for a binaural beats video that goes 8 hours (for a whole night sleep) Click here for a video to help you fall asleep fast. Click here if you would like a binaural beats coupled with guided meditation.
Binaural beats to enhance focus Click here for a video to help boost your concentration. Or try this one if you prefer a shorter video for the same purpose. Click here for a video to help increased energy.
To decrease stress Click here for a video for stress relief.
To increase positivity Click here for a quick video or here for a longer video.