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.

Binaural beats and isochronic tones have a lot of popularity among the new age and self help crowd, but on the main the science is unheard of by the general populace. But this can rapidly change as brainwave entrainment gains new recognition as we progress further into the twenty-first century and people seek more and more inner peace of mind.

Some believe that brainwave entrainment is different than actual meditation. But the brainwave entrainment method of listening to binaural beats and isochronic tones in place of regular meditation practice doesnt really exist because listening to an mp3 or cd that is embedded with either binaural beats or isochronic tones is actually a way of meditating. In other words one of the main purposes of meditation is the training of the mind to exit an active, anxious, stressful beta level of mind, and dip into a more calm and relaxing alpha state of mind, and even beyond into theta and delta…

via Brainwave Entrainment: A Shortcut Path Of Meditation | Aneez News Portal.

In general terms brainwave entrainment is the method of using external stimulus, such as binaural beats or isochronic tones, for bringing a persons brainwaves to an intended brainwave level that corresponds with the entrainment used. For example if one is listening to binaural beats that are set at a frequency of 9 hz, then eventually that persons brainwaves will fall into step with that frequency level.

Any practice that aims to cause brainwave frequency to fall into step with a periodic stimulus having a frequency corresponding to the intended brain-state is a form of brainwave entrainment. This is known as “frequency following response” which is actually a natural phenomenon where the brain naturally changes its frequency towards the frequency of a dominant external stimulus.

via Brainwave Entrainment: A New Method Of Meditation? | CarrieSpry.com.

One of the pioneers of accelerated learning, Dr. Georgi Lozanov, determined through his research that music played at 60 beats per minute resulted in the type of brainwave activity needed for learning. Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major K 448, for example, is written in this meter.

Dr. Alfred Tomatis, in his 1991 essay, “Pourquoi Mozart?”, coined the term “Mozart Effect” when he shared his research conclusion that Baroque music, particularly Mozart’s, was written in the perfect meter to stimulate the brainwave activity necessary to accelerate learning.

Additionally, though controversial, research by the University of California, Irvine, also concluded that specific pieces of music composed by Mozart, when played in a controlled learning environment, could enhance the student’s ability to absorb new information quickly, and eve

via masterwordsmith-unplugged: Music.

Having existed for 200 years have given the finest scientific minds to perfect this technology. Binaural beats’ main objective is to use the power of sound and frequency to induce a reaction within the brain and create brain wave changes in the listener. It follows the same concept as deep meditation – a method commonly utilised by religious figures from all over the world. Once you have transcended into a state of utter relaxation, your subconscious mind is freed and able to accept new information and reprogramming.

via How Binaural Beats Can Improve Your Mindset | Asthma, Health, & Technology.

…The therapeutic benefits of music have been known and harnessed since ancient times. It has shown to improve motor skills, spiritual awareness and social skills. It also helps mood disorders and depression. In particular, it can improve a patient’s motivation and outlook on life by completely revitalizing a stagnant soul. Just as a great song can set your day right, successful music therapy can change a person’s life.

via Personal Development Blog.