Key brainwaves produce beneficial effects
NeuroSonica sessions may incorporate any of the following brainwave frequencies, and combinations thereof, according to the requirements and purpose of that session. All brainwave frequencies perform multiple functions and benefits - so achieving a healthy brainwave balance is important. (For more about this see 'You and Your Brainwaves').
As there is some overlap at their boundaries, researchers may give slightly different readings and the frequency thresholds shown below are approximations based on general consensus.
They are presented in descending order of frequency ,fastest to slowest, as measured in Hertz (Hz) or cycles per second.
GAMMA & HYPER GAMMA: ~ 38 – 100 + Hz
- High level integration and synchronization of brain centres involved in learning, memory, thought generation, task processing, motor function; improved creativity, comprehension and concentration.
This fascinating, high energy brainwave is increasingly used by clinicians for assistance with depression and certain learning disorders. Considered by Nobel Prize winner Sir Francis Crick and others to be the key to cognition and the brain’s optimal frequency of functioning, 40Hz Gamma in particular has recently been shown to be an important frequency band for higher mental functioning, self-awareness and other aspects of heightened consciousness and peak performance. It is also known to occur when we are simultaneously processing information in both hemispheres. Higher than normal resting levels of Gamma have been found to occur in the frontal lobes of Buddhist monks with extensive meditation experience. Whales and dolphins are also known to operate in this frequency. Gamma is typically most present during the formation of new brain circuits and is also thought to have 'anti-depressant' effects. Some researchers believe increasing Gamma levels may be helpful for Alzheimer's disease and even Autism. N-Vital, N-Gym and N-Lifter all include Gamma in some of their sessions.
BETA: ~ 15 – 38 Hz
- Focused, analytical, rational, wide awake, alert awareness; concentrated, focused mind; heightened sensory perception, emotional stability.
Beta is a 'fast' high frequency bandwidth typically associated with our normal state of alert, eyes open waking consciousness in which our neocortex (new brain) is actively firing. In Beta a person is aware of self and surroundings, alert and active, with increased mental ability and focus, peak states of concentration and visual acuity. However certain higher levels can create anxiety or agitation and are never used in our sessions. Beta based protocols are commonly used to with assist with ‘slow wave’ conditions like Depression and AD/HD as it is generally under produced in these conditions. It is also used for improving general brain fitness, performance and focus, especially at an optimal 18.5 Hz. It is also an excellent frequency to 'wake up' your brain when you are feeling tired. It is typically seen on both sides of the head in symmetrical distribution although most evident frontally. All our suites include Beta in some of their sessions.
SENSORY MOTOR RHYTHM (SMR ) ~ 12.5 – 15 Hz
- Physical and mental calm, non-impulsive, external awareness, quiet alertness.
SMR brainwaves (a sub-band or slow form of Beta) are characterised by a state of being relaxed but at the same time alert, focused and attentive. They occur most often when the body is inactive, and as they reduce the urge to move, can be helpful in overcoming sleep related problems such as 'restless leg syndrome'. High SMR levels are typically found in athletes and other physically healthy people - which may also account for their generally healthy sleeping patterns. It is also believed that sufferers of AD/HD can be helped by increasing these brainwaves. This general purpose bandwidth has many useful applications including benefits for concentration, reading speed and energy levels, as well as offering help for insomnia, depression, anxiety and stress. All of our suites contain SMR in at least one session.
ALPHA: ~ 8 – 12.5 Hz
- Relaxed, tranquil consciousness; pleasant inward awareness; 'super learning'; body/mind integration.
Alpha frequencies have many applications and benefits. Alpha is associated with a relaxed waking state and typically occurs when we shut our eyes, calm down and begin to withdraw from external sensory stimulation and the electrical activity that it produces. It is the dominant rhythm in normal relaxed adults, especially so beyond the age of 13. (Unfortunately, today's stressful and demanding lifestyle leaves many of us "Alpha challenged"). Creative people tend to increase Alpha when they are listening or arriving at a solution. Alpha contains the window frequency known as the Schumann Resonance - the resonant frequency of the earth's electromagnetic field of which we are a part. Excellent for relaxation, visualization and creating 'super learning' states, Alpha also has had a long clinical association with anxiety and stress relief and, more recently, for helping with autism, depression and AD/HD. It is dominant in light meditation, contemplative prayer and states of relaxation and is associated with serotonin production. Alpha is typically abolished by opening the eyes and active cognition. It is believed that Alpha brainwaves in the right (emotional) hemisphere of the brain should typically occur 10 to 15 % more than in the left in order to ensure a sense of wellbeing. This is one reason reducing Alpha levels in the left hemisphere and replacing them with faster Beta has proven useful for treating depression. Every suite contains at least one or two Alpha based sessions.
THETA: ~ 4 – 8 Hz
- Increased memory, creativity, imagery and visualization; free-flowing lucid thought; spatial navigation tasks; ‘super learning’, inspiration, drowsiness and heightened suggestibility.
Descending from Alpha, we move down into Theta and the deeper subcortical regions of the brain. Classed as 'slow wave' activity, these sleep inducing, low-frequency brainwaves are associated with creativity, dreamlike 'flow states', memory consolidation, vivid imagery, extrasensory perception skills and a great deal of other sub-conscious activity. Dominant in deep meditation, trance and REM states, Theta states are also associated with the production of many vital neurochemicals including vasopressin & catecholamine. It is also thought to be the optimum level for deep thought and the reception of information beyond normal consciousness as well as the gateway for learning and memory. In fact, many therapists consider that working with clients in Theta provides the optimal state for changing unwanted sub-conscious behaviours and programs. Additionally, it is also believed to reflect activity from the limbic system. Theta is abnormal in healthy awake adults but perfectly normal in children up to 13 years which may help account for their heightened uptake of information and learning. However, over production of Theta (especially during the day) is commonly linked with 'slow wave' conditions like depression, AD/HD and PTSD. As always, a healthy balance of appropriate brainwaves is crucial for optimal functioning. Every suite contains at least some Theta in their relaxation sessions - but especially N-Calm and N-Sleeper.
DELTA & SUB-DELTA (EPSILON):~ 0.1– 4 Hz
- Deep dreamless sleep, regeneration and self-healing
Delta and Sub-Delta are the slowest / lowest frequency brainwaves in which we are usually completely unconscious and catatonic. They are predominant during deep, restorative non REM sleep stages 3 and 4 when there is very little activity in the neocortex (new brain). Delta/Sub-Delta tend to be the highest in amplitude and the slowest waves and the dominant rhythm in infants up to 1 year. Associated with feelings of deep peace, Delta brainwaves are known to assist with pituitary release of HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and assist with immune functioning ,healing and regeneration and to soothe the limbic /emotional system. Delta also contains a window frequency associated with heart/brain coherence. All suites contain at least some Delta/Sub Delta in their relaxation sessions, but especially N-Sleeper.
Our Unique Hybrid Sound Technologies Bring You Many Additional Benefits
“As is well known, sound has great power over inorganic matter...How much more powerful, then, must be the impact of this force on the vibrating, living substance of our sensitive bodies”. Dr Roberto Assigioli MD.
Our world first hybrid sound technology harnesses the power of mutliple sound technologies to bring you multiple benefits.
All our technologies are highly effective when used alone - but when combined they create a powerful synergy far surpassing the benefits of any individual technology, including clinical brainwave entrainment. In other words, the sum is much greater than the parts! The end result are NeuroSonica's amazing soundscapes - not music per se - but complex aural landscapes, each with multiple benefits and applications .
These include, but are not limited to the following:
- FREQUENCIES TO STIMULATE OR RELAX YOUR BRAIN
“There are sounds which are as good as 2 cups of coffee.” Dr Alfred Tomatis
In addition to leading edge synchronisation technologies, many sessions include very specific high and low frequencies that have been shown to produce significant stimulation and relaxation effects in the brain. Many of these are at, or just beyond the normal hearing threshold. Our research in this field owes much to the pioneering work of Dr Alfred Tomatis and others into the effects of particular sound frequencies upon the brain and ears. Tomatis believed that the human ear stimulated and recharged the brain with high frequency sounds or tones from 8,000 to 16,000 Hz plus. Conversely, he believed the brain could be de-energised with low frequencies. Although we incorporate some of his understanding of frequencies, NeuroSonica technologies are much broader in scope than those used in Tomatis based sound therapies.
According to Rafaele Joudry, M. Psych. “….high frequency sound stimulates, energises and recharges the cortex of the brain, resulting in increased energy, greater learning capabilities, better memory, creativity, and a feeling of connection with others and the world around you.”
"Holophonics™ broadcasts directly to the brain. The reference tone in Holophonics™ is analogous to a laser beam in a hologram.” Marilyn Ferguson, Editor of Brain Mind Bulletin
We also include strategic use of HolophonicTM sounds in some of our stimulation sessions.This technology, the "aural equivalent of a hologram", was pioneered by Hugo Zuccarelli who, after studying the mathematics of how the human auditory system perceives sound, postulated the idea that the inner ear analyzes sound in a holographic manner. His development of Holophonics™ has subsequently lead to several international awards, recognition by the film and music industries and the scientific community, including NASA and highly respected brain researchers Drs Stanislav Grof and Michael Talbot.
Holophonics™ not only appears to have interesting brain stimulation and other beneficial 'psychoacoustic' properties, but is great to listen to - adding to the enjoyment of NeuroSonica's rich and fascinating soundscapes.
"...researchers have found evidence indicating that human health and behaviour appear to be affected by changes in Schumann resonances." Annette Deyhle, Ph.D.
The earth's biosphere, like a tuning fork, produces its own natural electromagnetic frequencies called Schumann's Resonances (SR). The predominant frequency of this primordial 'hearbeat' is shared with the human heart and brain (in the alpha bandwidth) - forming a natural feedback loop. Scientists have even suggested that the frequencies of human brainwaves evolved in response to these signals. The incorporation of key SR frequencies in some of our relaxation sessions is designed to help you 'tune into' and resonate with these natural healing frequencies of our planet. In fact, many now believe this form of 'environmental synchronisation' may be especially important in a time when we are increasingly bombarded with electromagnetic and other forms of technological pollution and atmospheric 'noise' - and its likely association with many of our psychobiological problems and conditions.
The possible effects of this interference with the earth's - and our own - natural frequencies is supported by the following statements of R.A. Miller, solid state and bio-physicist, and his colleague I. Miller. "There is a harmonic relationship between the earth and our mind/bodies...Our internal rhythms interact with external rhythms, affecting our balance, REM patterns, health, and mental focus. SR waves probably help regulate our bodies' internal clocks, affecting sleep/dream patterns, arousal patterns, and hormonal secretion."
"...the brain's activity is naturally synchronised to that of the heart." Rollin McCraty, Ph.D, William A.Tiller Ph.D. and Mike Atkinson.
Scientists involved in the Global Coherence Initiative Project and HeartMath Institute have identified and measured a specific frequency in which a positive 'coherence' or resonant entrainment occurs between the heart and the brain. In addition to pumping blood, the heart actually functions as a 'little brain', containing some 40,000 plus neurons it learns, remembers, senses and is in constant communication with the cranial brain. The heart/brain coherency frequency is associated with genuine positive emotions and many physiological benefits. We have incorporated this extremely soothing and healing frequency in our deeper relaxation and sleep sessions.
According to earth scientist and author Greg Braden "When we create this coherence inside our bodies, it triggers about 1,400 biochemical changes. Anti-aging processes begin. DHEA level - the life-giving hormone - surges in our bodies. Our immune systems become really strong. We think more clearly. We become less aggressive."
- MANY MORE TECHNIQUES AND PROCESSES GO INTO OUR UNIQUE SOUNDSCAPES!
Our soundscapes are further reinforced by many other sound techniques and processes, some of which include:
- Our own unique 'multi-pulse technologies' (not entrainment)
- Asymmetrical sound delivery - different sounds, pulses etc to each hemisphere
- Special compositional techniques
- Carefully selected nature sounds (eg. at specific Hz )
- Alternative sound technologies including ; 'Energy Chimes' (very pure tones at specific 'healing frequencies'), Rife frequencies, Solfeggio 'sacred' frequencies and other esoteric sound traditions.
“There is a clear difference in this audio compared to the average quiet, reflective music. I can't help but notice how intricate the music & sounds are; focussing on the left/right brain…it is clear there has been a lot of work, study and research gone into the development of NeuroSonica.” D. Piro Acc. Clinician & Mental Hlth Social Worker - AASW ,Master Clinician - AARC Inc.
THE NEUROLOGICAL BENEFITS OF COMPLEX AUDIO
"When a novel stimulus is applied to the brain, the brain lights up and cerebral blood flow increases." Dr Thomas Budzynski
We have spent years researching and creating these complex tracks in order to bring you the best multi-purpose brain audio available anywhere. This is in part because the brain thrives on novelty and musical/aural complexity - both of which are thought to greatly enhance the formation of new neural connections and promote blood flow within the brain. This is far less likely to occur with the simple, repetitive music or other sounds used on most 'new age', brain entrainment or relaxation audio which quickly leads to habituation, decreasing effectiveness...and boredom! We also minimise or avoid the use of predictable musical 'tunes' for similar reasons.
This is yet another of the many reasons NeuroSonica soundscapes are so captivating for your brain and can even help auditory processing.
In fact you'll probably find your brain and your ears 'asking' for more!
NEUROSONICA: MULTIPLE TECHNOLOGIES = MUTLIPLE BENEFITS
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What is brainwave synchronisation?
Brainwave synchronisation or 'entrainment' is one of the key technologies used in NeuroSonica’s advanced neuroacoustic audio. It is a special scientific pulse based technology - ours was perfected using a hospital EEG machine.
While it is probably the most well known and publicised brain-sound technique, our unique neuroacoustic hybrid technologies offer many additional benefits to those produced by entrainment.
However, the following explains some of the principles and effects of high quality clinical brainwave entrainment when used as a stand alone technology.The benefits of our additional technologies are covered elsewhere throughout this site.
“Within our own bodies, we are constantly locking in our own rhythms. Our heart rate, respiration and brain waves all entrain to each other.” Johnathon Goldman in ‘Sonic Entrainment’.
Entrainment is a completely natural phenomenon and simply means to vibrate in harmony, synchronise or lock into phase.
It occurs throughout nature, physics and biology. For example, if you strike one tuning fork near another of the same pitch it will cause the un-struck one to vibrate ‘in sympathy’ or entrain to the other. Randomly swinging pendulums of similar lengths begin to swing in unison or entrain after a period of time and even fireflies will entrain by synchronising their signal flashes.
In humans, entrainment or brainwave synchronisation can be induced visually, kinaesthetically or audibly in response to repetitive external stimuli.
The calming effects of certain music and sounds, or of staring at a flickering fire or waves on the sea occur because they cause your brainwaves to entrain or synchronize to their relaxing rhythm and pulse. There is even a natural tendency for the heart and breathing rates of people in close proximity to entrain, the timing of menstrual cycles of women in dormitories and so on.
The synchronisation phenomenon resulting from the repetivite stimulus of brainwave entrainment is called the Frequency Following Response (FFR).
How it works
One of the easiest and most effective ways to deliver a synchronisation or entrainment stimulus to the brain is using pulses via the ears. Your ears act like a sort of 'super-highway' to the brain, and of course the brain is highly responsive to certain forms of sound.
During our sessions you will hear some of our specially engineered sounds, frequencies and pulses embedded within our soundtracks. While some are obvious, many are subtle and may not be audible. As the sessions progress the brain begins to synchronise or entrain to these pulses by generating its own predominant brainwave patterns at the same frequency or cycles per second as the incoming pulses.
For example, an Alpha brainwave pulse delivered at between 8-12 Hz (cycles per second) will start to increase your own Alpha brainwave activity and you will feel the resulting relaxation and other benefits of Alpha. The same process occurs for Beta, Delta, Theta, SMR or Gamma brainwaves, depending on the frequency or cycles per second of the incoming pulses.
According to entrainment theory (and increasingly supported by neuroplasticity research) in time this process increases the brains ease and ability to produce these particular brainwave frequencies - even independantly of the stimulus.
For example, it is well known that someone with depression (known as a 'slow wave' condition) is typically lacking in the production of faster, stimulating brainwaves such as Beta, needed for alertness and concentration. It appears however, that through regular exposure to Beta based entrainment pulses - especially during the day when it should be the predominant frequency - their brain begins to produce this frequency in greater amounts, helping offset its overproduction of the problematic 'slow waves' like Theta.
Brainwave training therefore is believed to broaden the repertoire of available frequencies, help the brain to switch from one to another more easily when needed, and generally create more balanced combinations of waveforms for the performance of various tasks.
Other benefits of Entrainment
Brainwave entrainment is wholistic and has many mind-body benefits, as described on the homepage for this site. These include:
As well as increasing flexibility in accessing different brainwave states, the stimulation caused by entrainment actually 'exercises' the brain (and, when combined with our additional technologies, the inner ear). The resulting increased blood flow, neural growth and so on all promote general brain 'fitness' which in turn encourages better physical, mental and emotional health, increased intellectual functioning and other benefits. The analogy of taking your brain to a gym is perhaps an apt one as it is akin to the global benefits produced by physical fitness.
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Hemispheric Integration/coordination
One of the most widely acknowledged benefits of entrainment is its assistance in integrating the left/right brain hemispheres and the promotion of 'whole brain integration'.
Your left brain hemisphere is logical, linear, practical, analytical and time orientated, while the right is non-logical, non-linear, abstract, creative and wholistic. It is generally accepted that the more integration and flexibility between them, the better your overall brain function.
Research has indicated that the brain can become up to 5 times more effective if the left side and the right side are integrated! Entrainment assists in exercising and strengthening the ‘bridge’ - known as the 'corpus collosum’ - between the hemispheres of the brain. It actually becomes physically larger and more capable of transmitting data and feedback.
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Chemical fine tuning of the brain
As your predominant brainwaves are guided into new frequency patterns using NeuroSonica many beneficial changes occur in your brain's neurochemistry. These biochemical changes in turn affect your thoughts, emotions and physiology.
"Each brain center generates impulses at a specific frequency, based on the predominant neurotransmitters it secretes… In other words, the brain's internal communications system - its language, if you like - is based on frequency". Dr Margaret Capel.
Research indicates that certain brainwave frequencies can dramatically boost the production of a variety of these neurotransmitters or chemical messengers. For example it has even been suggested that inducing a strong 10-hertz (alpha) signal within the brain can lead to an increase in the production and turnover rate of serotonin comparable to the use of Prozac.This is perhaps not so surprising given that many medications are known to alter brainwaves. For example as observed by Eric R. Braverman, M.D. “Antianxiety medicines also widen out consciousness by decreasing delta and theta and increasing alpha and beta”. Using a brain technology like NeuroSonica of course has the advantage of being non-invasive and drug-free.
Many very important and beneficial neurochemicals are now thought to be responsive to brainwave frequency stimulation including; Serotonin, Acetylcholine, Catecholamines, DHEA, Vasopressin, Melatonin, Dopamine, and Human Growth Hormone. Please see our references for more information (Home / For Practitioners / Further reading) .
How our sessions guide your brain into relaxation or stimulation
Our unique hybrid audio uses multiple sound technologies and techniques to compliment our brainwave synchronisation.The following is in relation to the synchronisation (entrainment) component only.
Very basically, the synchronisation strategies used in our sessions are:
• We begin sessions with frequencies close to your everyday or baseline brainwave patterns.
We do this in order to engage your brainwaves as quickly as possible.
• We then gradually change frequencies and your brain follows along (synchronises or entrains).
As the session continues your brain increasingly produces brainwaves at the desired frequencies, to produce the desired effect.
• Over time your brain learns (re-learns) to produce these beneficial brainwave patterns by itself.
This is the brain 'training' component of our audio. Thanks to "neuroplasticity" your brain can learn new things, adapt to new demands and 'fire' in different patterns and combinations.
You can of course always return to your audio at any time for even deeper results or as a refresher whenever you wish - it will always produce beneficial results - and it’s yours for life!
In fact, we recommend that you regularly use NeuroSonica even after you have achieved initial results, as its many sound technologies will help keep your brain in optimal condition and may even reduce the likelihood of age-related neural decline.
Why we use both stimulation and relaxation
"...the most important part of the health of every individual is the brain’s balance". Eric R. Braverman, M.D.
Our brainwave patterns are often too fast, too slow or just out of balance! This is why most conditions (and general brain performance) can be assisted using synchronisation to either speed them up or slow them down - or special combinations of both to help restore optimal brainwave balance.
For example, so called ‘slow wave’ conditions such as clinical depression and AD/HD are typically associated with an overabundance of slow theta brainwave activity, and so they respond well to stimulation containing faster frequencies such as beta and, in some cases, gamma. In fact, research suggests that giving theta to those with conditions like depression can be counterproductive as it is reinforcing the very brainwave imbalance (too much of the slow wave theta) that is part of the problem!
Other conditions however, including most forms of stress and anxiety, are typically associated with high levels of over-active, faster brainwaves (certain higher frequencies in beta for example) and therefore require relaxation protocols to encourage slower, calmer brainwave patterns such as alpha and theta.(This is why it is impossible to sleep when you are highly stressed and agitated - your brainwaves are way too fast).
All suites contain multiple sessions to provide appropriate combinations of both stimulation and relaxation according to their intended purpose as based on current research.
Some sessions also use 'asymmetrical protocols', for example to stimulate one hemisphere while relaxing the other. This is yet another reason to use correct stereo headphone placement- the opening words 'Neuro' should always be heard in your left ear and 'Sonica' your right.
NEUROSONICA: FOR A LIFETIME OF BRAIN FITNESS AND PERFORMANCE.
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