Biohacking with Binaural Beats Therapy

Yes, I am a huge proponent of this groundbreaking soundwave therapy, as I have tried it myself a couple of times to treat insomnia when it struck. Every single time it worked like magic. Binaural beats is to be auditorily consumed for different purposes and preferably—for efficacy—with stereo headphones.

What is binaural beats therapy and how does it work?

The reason why you will need headphones is because the main trick of binaural beats is that it sends two different frequencies (sounds), one to each ear, which the brain then detects phase differences between these signals, producing a sensation of a third “beat”. The word binaural means "having or relating to two ears." The binaural beat is perceived as a fluctuation rhythm at the frequency of the difference between the two auditory inputs. For example, if the right ear detects a tone at 200 Hz and the left at 210 Hz, the binaural beat heard is the difference between the two frequencies — 10 Hz. For this to work as it should, you will imperatively need stereo headphones.

According to researchers, when a person listens to binaural beats for a recommended time, their levels of arousal change. These changes occur because the binaural beats activate specific systems in the brain. An electroencephalogram (EEG) that recorded the electrical brain activity of people listening to binaural beats showed that the effect on a person's body varied according to the frequency pattern used.

There are five brainwaves identified. These brainwaves operate alternately to make sure the brain is awake and alert and in situations that require our focus, and dreamy and peaceful when doing meditation or restorative activities. The problem arises when the brain becomes foggy when you need to concentrate and super alert when you have to sleep.

Here is an illustration of the five known categories of brain frequency pattern:

Gamma (highest frequency): insight and expanded consciousness. These are the most ‘high vibe’ waves used to concentrate, learn new information and store memories. Any cognitive functions are done using these brainwaves.

They are also used to hyper-focus by musicians and Zen masters during meditation. Too much gamma waves can lead to stress, while too little to depression.

Beta: concentration and learning. In our society, most of us experience these waves for the majority of the time. These waves are used to focus on what is going on right now and is great for reading and socializing. They put you in an alert state. There is a downside to beta waves. They drain your energy and creativity. Too much beta can lead to anxiety, while not enough to poor cognition.

Alpha: relaxation. Alpha brainwaves are used to daydream, wind down after a long day with a book, and any relaxing activities including many meditations.

If you are unable to relax and shift from beta to alpha at the end of the day, you may be experiencing “alpha blocking” phenomenon which leads to insomnia, anxiety, and other emotional distress. Too much alpha wave activity can lead to an inability to focus due to constant daydreaming, while not enough can cause insomnia.

Theta: dreaming and flow states. These waves are used for sleeping and are linked to a dream state. If you are sleeping and dreaming, your brain is in the theta state. This state is linked to vivid imagery and intuition—you can use it to access messages from your spirit guides.

Too much theta wave activity is associated with being impulsive and unbalanced, while not enough can lead to a poor ability to process emotions.

Delta (shortest frequency): deep sleep. Unlike theta, delta waves do not allow you to dream, instead, they promote deep, healing sleep. This state can be achieved in a deep, transcendental meditation.

It is also associated with a hypnotic state while being awake that leads to great performance—being on autopilot. This hypnotic state can induce random sparks of creativity and insightful ideas. Because the brain is working on autopilot, it has a chance to create. Too much delta wave activity can lead to learning problems, and not enough to poor sleep and inability to gain energy.

(source: articles.spiritsciencecentral.com)

How to use Binaural beats?

Now that you know about how each of the five brainwaves work you can biohack them at will with the help of binaural beats. To make the most out of this emerging soundwave therapy, you will need to consider the following (besides the headphones):

- Set up a time: 15-30 minutes of listening time.

- Repeat for 21 days: just like working out to become fitter, the best results are achieved through continual practice.

- Find a quiet and relaxing place to listen.

- Stay patient/enjoy the experiment.

    Note:

1.      While binaural beats, as is scientifically backed helps in biohacking your brainwaves, you need to be aware that personal development is not limited to this therapy.

2.      Please avoid using binaural beats if you have hearing problems or other issues such as epilepsy, pregnancy. Consult with your doctor or any other qualified professional to check whether binaural beats therapy is right you.

3.    It is absolutely NOT recommended to use binaural beats therapy while undertaking tasks requiring your full alertness and attention, such as driving. 

Why does it matter?

Here is a brief list of scientifically proved benefits of using binaural beats:

- Reduced levels of cortisol of up to 70 to 80%. Cortisol is a hormone commonly associated with stress. High levels of cortisol can lead to anxiety, depression and other malfunctions of the body.

- Increased levels of DHEA. DHEA affects the aging process of a person; high levels of this hormone strengths the immune system.

- Increased levels of melatonin of up to 97.77%. Melatonin plays a role in restful sleep.

- Improved psychomotor performance and mood.

- Increased focus and concentration.

- Increased confidence.

- Deeper meditation.

Where can I find binaural beats?

You can find binaural beats music for free online on youtube. There is also this cool website which I discovered recently. Check it out: https://free-binaural-beats.com/

Et voilà.

Please feel free to leave your comments and share your experiences!