GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acidm, is the most important natural neurotransmitter found in the brain. Discovered in 1950, GABA was researched and tested before it ultimately gained the reputation as a chemical that could induce relaxation, analgesia, and sleep. Studies have been conducted, two specifically, regarding the use of GABA and its effect on relaxation and immunity to stress.

The first study was conducted with 13 participants. The study set out to look at the relationship between GABA intake and brain wave activity. The results showed that the GABA had greatly increased brain alpha wave activity within 60 minutes of being orally administered (it had also, in turn, decreased beta waves). These results indicated that GABA not only increased the propensity for relaxation, but, also decreased overall anxiety levels within the experiment’s participants.

The second study looked at participants whom were placed in a “stressed out” mental state. This was done by asking them to cross a swaying bridge. The volunteers were divided into two groups; a placebo group and a group who was administered GABA treatments. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in the saliva were tested throughout the experiment (lgA inhibits relaxation). In the end, it was determined that lgA levels were significantly higher in the group that had received GABA, when compared to the placebo group. The conclusion indicated once again, that GABA could be used as a natural relaxant within 60 minutes of oral consumption.

more via The Effects Of GABA | Vitamins & Supplements.

Beta waves between 13-40 HZ are associated with peak concentration, heightened alertness and visual acuity.·

Alpha waves between 7-12 HZ are associated with deep relaxation and are considered the gateway to our creativity·

Theta waves between 4-7 HZ are associated with the twilight state that we experience fleetingly as we drift off to sleep and are strongly linked with creativity and intuition.·

Delta waves between 0-4 HZ. are associated with deep sleep.As we slow the brainwave patterns from beta to alpha to theta to delta, there is a corresponding increase in balance or synchronization between the two hemispheres of the brain. Scientists have noted that these slower brainwave patterns are accompanied by deep tranquillity, flashes of creative insight, euphoria, intensely focused attention, and enhanced learning abilities.

More via Using your Brainwaves to enhance Your Creativity – Best Beaches Blog.

It is my desire to ensure this article leaves you with a better understanding of binaural beats and how you can use them in your life.

The power of binaural beats technology is about to be explaned.

Binaural beats are just tones which are generated to have a specific frequency and when listened to they can entrain your brain. Brain entrainment is just a fancy term used to describe what happens when a technology, such as binaural beats, is used to alter your brainwaves. Having the ability to change your brainwaves is enormously beneficial. With the right binaural beats you can produce a sense of deep relaxation, heightened creativity or even alert focus. As well as many other states that are available you can also create a feeling of euphoria and even expereience added health benefits.

Binaural beats were first discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove in 1839. Dove learned that by taking two tones, that only differed by a small frequency, and playing one into the left ear and the other into the right ear, a beat effect was produced in the brain – even though no auditory beat actually existed. The beat had a frequency equal to the difference between the two tones. An example would be if one binaural tone has a frequency of 2000 hertz and the other binaural tone has a frequency of 2010 herts then the binuaral beat that the brain hears would have a frequency of 10 hertz which is the mathematical difference between the 2 tones. The beat itself does not really exist. It is merely the brain’s perception of what it is hearing that causes these binaural beats. They do not exist independently of the brain. A simile would be when you hear a word when the wind blows or see a shape in a cloud. Nothing is really happening but your brain tries to put meaning to what it is hearing and seeing!

Although this was a great discovery it wasn’t until 1973, when Gerald Oster’s article “Auditory Beats in the Brain” was published by Scientific American, that the enormous benefits of using binaural beat technology became apparent. It was found that when these binaural tones are played the brainwaves of the listener will follow the frequency of the beat that is produced.  It is now known that certain frequencies are conductive to different internal experiences. If your brainwaves are between 8 – 12 hertz, for example, you are said to be in the Alpha state. The ability to entrain the brain into different states is highly beneficial. Let’s take a quick look at the common brainwave states and their associated physical states to get some idea of what I mean.

1. Beta – you are in the beta state when you are engaged in thinking activities, anxious or stressed.

2. Alpha – this is the state of relaxed focus. You would be in an alpha state if you were watching a movie or daydreaming, recalling memories.

3. Theta – this is the state of sleep, very deep relaxation or most forms of meditation.

4. Delta – this is the state of very deep sleep where the body repairs itself and the immune system is strong.

Each of these states has corresponding benefits. Entering the Beta brainwave state heightens alterness and focus. If you wanted to relax, learn new information or reprogram your beliefs then the Alpha state would be the most appropriate. Let’s say you desired a change in the way you viewed memories. Perhaps they have strong negative emotional ties with them. You could use the Theta brainwave state to release the emotions connected to the memories. If you need to accelerate your healing, strengthen your immune system or undertake some powerful self improvement work then the Delta state would prove highly beneficial.

Here are the frequencies associated with the brainwave states mentioned above:

1. Beta – 13 – 25 Hz.
2. Alpha – 8 – 12 Hz.
3. Theta – 4 – 7 Hz.
4. Delta – 1 – 3 Hz.

Many people wonder why they can’t just listen to the desired frequency without the need for two separate tones. This cannot be done as we can only hear sounds that are between 20 and 20000 hertz.  Therefore frequencies that fall in the range of the desirable states, that we wish to create, would just not be heard if they were played as one track. As the tones used in binaural beats recordings create a beat that doesn’t really exist, this problem is avoided. In addition, the binaural tones, that cause the beat, have the added advantage of increasing communication between the two cerebral parts of the brain.

Michael McGrath

via Brainwave Entrainment & Mind Control Techniques | To Reduce Stress.

First of all, I’m sure you’re curious right off the bat to hear what binaural beats sound like, so let’s take a listen:

via Binaural Beats.

You can think about brainwave meditation as an optimized form of meditation, since it basically combines the old, traditional meditation techniques and exercise with the advanced technology, a technology that allows you to discipline your mind more efficiently

What Does Brainwave Meditation Stand for?

Brainwave meditation is based on the binaural beats these beats are sent to the brain, under the form of audio signals or stimuli with a certain frequency Therefore, brainwave meditation is often associated with a genuine massage for the brain What is the purpose of this massage?

Basically, brainwave meditation CDs help to induce a state of calmness and peace, a state that helps you relax and meditate in an optimum manner The main role of the brainwave meditation CD is to help the practitioners enter the desirable theta state and the surprising thing is that even the beginners who use brainwave technology can actually reach this state, without having experience in the meditation field Why is the theta state desirable?

via Are Brainwave Meditation Cds Really The Ultimate Meditation | True Visionary.

There thousands of different types of relaxation music available today, so many in fact, that perhaps some of us are a bit overwhelmed at times trying to figure out where to start as far as selecting the relaxation music style that fits our current need the most. One thing to take into consideration when trying to choose among the many different styles of relaxation music is that some types of relaxation may be more effective and more relaxing than others.

Both science and the experience of many people point to the usefulness of relaxation music that is embedded with either binaural beats or isochronic tones. Binaural beats and isochronic tones are specially generated sounds that alter your brainwave frequencies.

Simply by listening to relaxation music embedded with either isochronic tones or binaural beats your brainwaves can be changed in such a way that you actually experience the benefits of the accompanying brainwave state that the binaural beats or isochronic tones help induce in you.

via All About Music and Jazz » Blog Archive » Twenty-First Century Relaxation Music For Meditation.

Brainwave Entrainment is not new. in fact our ancestors used it in their dances and rituals. They used drums and other types of rhythmic instruments like rattles to create beats which would have a certain effect on those listening.

A very fast beat would whip people into a frenzy to prepare them for battle or any activity which required a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Other slower beats would calm people down almost to a dreamlike meditative state necessary for healing or to implant ideas into the subconscious minds of the listeners.

When we’re awake we are mainly in a state of beta,

via Natural Sleep Aids.

Analysis has shown that some brainwaves, like intense relaxation, are ideal for learning and retaining new information while delta brainwave states promote relaxed healthy sleep. Until the adaptation of binaural beats tapes, CDs and MP3s, the only technique to create deliberate changes in your brainwave patterns was with deep meditation. For thousands of years this type of meditation has only been possible for practitioners of meditation with over 20 years experience, such as Zen Buddhist Monks.

via Binaural Beats | Meditation | Health and Nutrition Guidelines.