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Binaural beats are an auditory phenomenon discovered in 1839 by physician and meteorologist Heinrich Wilhelm Dove. They occur when two sounds of slightly different frequencies (below 1500 Hz and with a difference of less than 30 Hz) are listened to separately, one in each ear, through headphones. The brain perceives a third frequency, called the binaural beat, which is not present in the environment but is created internally by the combination of the two distinct sound channels.
Our hearing perceives frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Below 20 Hz, they are called infrasound, while above 20,000 Hz, they are called ultrasound. Some types of beats can be even more powerful if they use not only the frequency difference through stereo headphones (not mono), but also inaudible frequencies, i.e., below 20 Hz, to achieve optimal effect. However, not all devices support this method, so the frequency difference is used with a stereophonic system.
From a neurophysiological perspective, binaural beats influence brainwaves, which are electrical oscillations measured in the brain and associated with different mental states and cognitive functions. Brainwaves are primarily classified as delta (0-4 Hz, deep sleep), theta (4-8 Hz, deep relaxation, light sleep), alpha (8-13 Hz, relaxed state, soft attention), beta (13-30 Hz, alertness and concentration), and gamma (>30 Hz, learning and complex problem solving). Listening to specific binaural beat frequencies therefore induces a shift or synchronization of brainwaves toward the frequency corresponding to the perceived beat, a phenomenon known as "entrainment" or entrainment of brain oscillatory responses.
This synchronization can promote:
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Reduction of stress and anxiety: Studies show that binaural beats induce states of relaxation comparable to meditation or deep breathing exercises, lowering stress-related hormone levels (e.g., cortisol) and increasing calming hormones such as melatonin. In a clinical setting, a trial on volunteers with anxiety disorders showed a significant average reduction in anxiety after regular listening.
Improved sleep: Exposure to binaural beats in the delta and theta frequencies is correlated with easier falling asleep and improved sleep management, particularly deep sleep. Some experimental studies have observed an increase in subjective sleep quality and duration.
Cognitive enhancement and memory: Binaural beats in the alpha and beta frequencies can improve concentration, memory, and attention span. In specific experiments, subjects exposed to binaural beats at 40 Hz (gamma frequencies) showed improvements in selective attention and learning, suggesting a strengthening of inter-area brain communication.
Pain regulation and complementary medical therapies: The use of binaural beats has been tested for the management of chronic and acute pain, with evidence of reduced pain perception through brainwave modulation and stimulation of the release of beta-endorphins and other neurotransmitters. Some research suggests applications in neurological rehabilitation and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, where sensitivity to binaural beats could also have diagnostic and therapeutic value.
The mechanism is linked to the fact that sound vibrations at specific frequencies can induce a resonance effect in nerve cells, facilitating the synchronization of neuronal activity in brain circuits involved in emotion, relaxation, cognitive processes, and hormonal regulation. Binaural beats act as a guide rhythm that synchronizes brain activity on specific frequencies, allowing for the non-invasive modulation of psychophysical states.
Mood regulation: In addition to reducing anxiety, binaural beats can positively influence overall mood, facilitating more balanced and stable emotional states.
Furthermore, if the right frequencies are chosen, binaural beats with stereo headphones can even greatly facilitate meditation and lead to altered states of consciousness. For best results, I used active noise-canceling headphones. This way, when they're on, it's also difficult to be abruptly awakened from a trance by sudden noises, as these headphones have high insulating and absorbing power thanks to both the membrane, which provides passive isolation, and the electronics with a microphone, which emits a wave that's inverse to external noise, dampening the wave and thus actively isolating it.
The only problem here is choosing the right meditation videos, even on YouTube, which contain specific frequency tones that enable altered states of consciousness. Unfortunately, many of the videos are also harmful, and it's not easy to find pure ones. Perhaps in the future, a section dedicated to ToZ-verified videos could be created that we could use for meditation.
A small note: I've read that certain heartbeats can even trigger a spontaneous physio-kundalini sequence in sensitive individuals with particularly sensitive nervous systems.
