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Help Topics: Binaural Brainwave Entrainment Our Approach Program Stages What to Expect Brainwave Frequencies 1. Binaural Brainwave Entrainment This app uses advanced Binaural Brainwave Entrainment to stimulate brainwave frequencies associated with different states of mind. Brainwave frequencies are in most cases below the range of human hearing and therefore must be induced through the use of binaural tones, a technique where two different audible frequencies are played into each ear to induce an inaudible low frequency beat. Headphones or earbuds must be worn for this technique to be effective, as the left and right audio must each be isolated. During the entrainment process two different carrier tones are played into the left and right ears. The frequency difference between these tones matches the brainwave frequency of the target state of mind. The user will hear these carrier tones as an audible tone, however, when processing these two different tones the human brain will perceive the small frequency difference between the tones as an inaudible periodic beat. When exposed to this beat the listener’s brainwaves will begin to synchronize with the beat frequency. What allows the human brain to perceive this beat is our directional hearing system, located in the brain stem. The brain’s directional hearing system calculates frequency shifts between sound entering the left and right ear to quickly locate the direction of the sound. This process is more effective in the presence of background noise or ambient sounds, which allows humans to hear and locate even subtle sounds, like an animal moving nearby in a forest that is filled with noise. It also allows humans to perceive the beat frequency produced by tuning forks when tuning piano keys. As an example, the human ear can’t directly perceive the .5 – 2 Hz Delta-wave frequencies associated with deep sleep because it is well below human hearing range, but if you wear headphones or earbuds with one side playing a 135 Hz tone and the other playing a 136 Hz tone your brain will perceive the 1 Hz difference between those frequencies as a periodic beat, in this case matching a low delta wave frequency associated with sleep. As you listen, your own brainwaves will begin to match that frequency. The process is the same for other states of mind and their associated brainwave frequencies. To help make the process more effective and enjoyable ambient background sounds have been included in the app. The balance between the volume of the brainwave tones and the ambient background is also adjustable, allowing you to create the most relaxing and effective brainwave entrainment experience possible. We have also included the ability for users to create a playlist of their own iTunes music to use as the background. Important note regarding iTunes Audio Volume: When using iTunes Music the Ambient Background volume slider dissappears because iTunes audio volume cannot be controlled independently of the device volume. The device volume is controlled with the physical volume control on the side of the device. Only audio bundled with the app can have its volume freely adjusted below the device volume. Whether using the included Ambience or your own iTunes tracks the Brainwave tones only need to be audible to be effective. They don’t have to be the dominant sound to be effective. 2. Our Approach Our Brainwave Entrainment apps have been designed from the ground up to be the most advanced and effective binaural brainwave entrainment applications available. Every aspect of the audio design has been tuned to maximize the effectiveness of the brainwave entrainment programs. For example, the audible components of binaural tones have been designed to be close in frequency to the “Om” chant frequency, which is the sound made by Buddhist monks during meditation. This is known to be deeply relaxing and to enhance the mind’s receptiveness to binaural tones, and the brainwave entrainment process. This application also improves upon standard binaural techniques by overlaying multiple binaural tones to stimulate a range of brainwave frequencies simultaneously. In addition to these layers, we also use multi-stage programs to gently bring the user to the desired frequency in stages to create very specific states of mind. These techniques allow our applications to take the user through a series of stages that combine to create completely unique experiences. 3. Program Stages Each program is composed of between 1 and 7 stages. Some programs do not require multiple stages in order to achieve the target mental state, while others require several stages. On the iPhone or iPod Touch tapping on the Program Details button will display a description of the selected program, as well as the number of stages the selected program contains. This button is not present when the app is run on the iPad as the program details are always visible on that device. As you change programs on the program selection dial you will notice a white bar above and below the duration selection buttons indicating the recommended minimum duration for the selected program. You will also see this duration shown in the program details described above. To play the program for the recommended duration tap the duration button highlighted by the two white bars. This will set the timer to that duration. If you select a duration longer than recommended the app will automatically adjust each stage accordingly. If you select a shorter time the program may not be as effective. You may find that the first stage of some programs can sound similar, this is because some programs require similar initial stages. For example, two programs may both begin with a relaxing Alpha/Theta wave stage first, before diverging and progressing into unique stages. If the brainwave program you’re using is composed of multiple stages you will hear each stage fade-out before the next stage fades-in. This is to prevent interference between consecutive stages. To adjust the duration of the audio volume fade tap the button to launch the General Settings dialog. All program stages have been designed to use a closely matching carrier frequency, the “Om” frequency mentioned above, so as to avoid a startling difference between each stage. Other binaural applications use vastly different carrier waves for different types of binaural beats. When this is done though it is typically only for effect and can actually disturb the entrainment process. What matters is not the audible component of the carrier signal, but the inaudible difference between the frequencies being played into each ear. Therefore, we intentially try to keep the carrier waves within certain relaxing ranges to make the experience more comfortable for the user. 4. What to Expect The instructions in this document detail how to use the app and explain the different settings and options that are available. It’s important though to also understand what to expect when you press play and to know where to focus your mind to maximize the effectiveness of the brainwave entrainment process. First, depending on how you’ve configured your volume settings you will hear two sounds after you’ve selected a program and pressed play. One is the background ambient audio and the other sound is the audible component of the brainwave signal, the binaural tones. The brainwave audio only needs to be audible to be effective. If the program contains multiple stages you will hear each stage fade out before the next one fades in. The brainwave entrainment process takes several minutes to take hold and is best achieved by not consciously “trying” to achieve the given state. It is more important to relax than to try to consciously focus your mind on the brainwave audio. 4. Brainwave Frequencies Below is a description of the Brainwave Frequencies used by the binaural programs in the BrainWave App Series: Deep Delta (1 Hz) This is on the lower end of the delta spectrum. Strongly associated with deep, dreamless sleep (stage 3 and 4 of NREM sleep). It represents some of the deepest restorative sleep stages where the body heals and grows. May also be present during profound meditative states in some individuals. Low Delta (2 Hz) Still deep within the realm of dreamless sleep. Again, associated with restorative sleep where the body’s healing processes are active. Sometimes observed in deep meditation or in states of trance. High Delta (3 Hz) Nearing the boundary between delta and theta frequencies. Still within the range of deep, dreamless sleep. Commonly found in the transition between deep sleep and the lighter stages of sleep. Low Theta (4 Hz) This is on the lower end of the theta spectrum. Associated with deep states of meditation and trance. It can also correspond to states of deep sleep in some individuals. May play a role in memory consolidation during REM sleep. Mid Theta (5 Hz) Still considered a deep meditation state. Can correspond to REM sleep, where dreaming occurs. Related to creative insight, visualization, and imagination. High Theta (6 Hz) Moving towards the higher end of the theta range. Often linked with creative visualization. Associated with relaxation, problem-solving, and intuitive thinking. Low Alpha (7 Hz) This is at the lower end of the alpha spectrum. It’s often seen during deep relaxation or meditative states. At this frequency, there can be a blending of theta and alpha activity, which may be associated with deep relaxation, creativity, and visualization. Mid Alpha (10 Hz) This is right in the middle of the alpha range and is a hallmark frequency for the alpha state. It’s often associated with light meditation, relaxation, and a state of calm awareness. It’s also linked to reductions in stress, promoting relaxation, and mental clarity. High Alpha (12 Hz) Moving towards the upper end of the alpha range. Can be seen in states of relaxed alertness. Associated with a calm and mindful awareness, potentially aiding in tasks that require relaxed focus. This frequency can also serve as a bridge to the more alert beta brainwave states. Low Beta (14 Hz) The transition point from the relaxed alpha state to the more alert beta state. Light concentration and active processing of information. A state of enhanced alertness begins to set in compared to the alpha state. Suitable for tasks that require attention but aren’t overly complex or stressful. Mid Beta (20 Hz) Represents a more dominant frequency in the beta range. Engaged in active problem-solving, decision-making, and focused mental activity. Suitable for tasks that require logical sequencing and analytical processing. High-Mid Beta (25 Hz) Represents the higher spectrum of the beta range before it transitions into gamma frequencies. Useful for complex cognitive tasks and situations requiring heightened awareness or quick reaction times. High Beta (30 Hz) At the boundary between high beta and low gamma. Gamma waves typically start around 30 Hz and go up to around 100 Hz. Complex Thought: Engaging in very complex mental processes or integrating different pieces of information. Peak Concentration: This frequency may be present during “in the zone” or “flow” states where one is completely absorbed in a task. Low Gamma (35 Hz) The lower end of the gamma spectrum. Enhanced Perception: Increased sensory perception and rapid information processing. Problem Solving: Processing complex problems and integrating varied information sources. Gamma (40 Hz) This is a crucial frequency in neuroscience, often linked to various cognitive functions. Binding Theory: There’s a hypothesis in neuroscience called the “binding theory” that suggests that this frequency may help in ‘binding’ and connecting information from different parts of the brain. Conscious Awareness: Enhanced alertness and awareness are associated with this frequency. Mid-Gamma (60 Hz) Represents the mid-range of the gamma spectrum. Peak Cognitive Functioning: May be present during complex cognitive activities that require high levels of concentration and integration of information. Sensory Integration: Assisting in combining different senses into a cohesive experience. High Gamma (80 Hz) Transitioning to the higher end of the gamma spectrum. Optimal Cognitive Performance: Often associated with peak performance, optimal attention, and information processing. Flow States: Possible presence during “in the zone” moments, where there’s complete immersion in an activity. Max Gamma (100 Hz) Approaching the ceiling of typically measured brainwave frequencies. Hyperalertness: Extreme levels of alertness and cognitive processing speed. Complex Neural Processing: Could be indicative of highly complex neural computations and integration.