There are many people who struggle with reaching a meditative state of consciousness. Often it is difficult to achieve a calm, peaceful state of mind because of incoming thoughts that spontaneously erupt in one’s mind. Binaural beats are a scientifically tested and proven tool that can be helpful in reaching the desired meditative state.

What Are Binaural Beats?

The term ‘binaural’ refers to both ears, and the idea behind binaural beats lies in brainwave manipulation by playing a sound at one frequency in one ear and another frequency in the other ear. ‘Binaural beats’ refers to sounds that elicit specific auditory brain-stem responses. These responses come from the part of each of the brain’s hemispheres called superior olivary nucleus. This response comes from sounds at different frequencies being played in opposite ears. Binaural beats are a deviation of brainwave entrainment which is able to create what is called the oscillation effect. This oscillation effect flows from each of the ears with the frequency resonating inside of the brain. Essentially, this is a term used to describe a precise change in one’s brain activity when there is a certain kind of auditory stimulus. When a person listens to two different tones, the brain responds with the auditory illusion of a third tone that is related to the difference between each of the initial tones. This auditory illusion can result in synchronizing brainwave activity.

How Binaural Beats Are Used in Meditation

One of the primary uses of binaural beats is in meditation. Synchronization of brainwave activity has very profound effects and has been associated with meditation, relaxation, and focus. There are binaural beats that can be used to generate and sustain this state of synchronization which can create deep changes in one’s brainwave configurations as well as state of consciousness. Sound frequency is the primary way in which binaural beats can effectively help one reach meditative consciousness. It is much like the state of consciousness that is in between sleeping and waking. This is the threshold of consciousness where people can experience many phenomena, both visual and auditory, such as seeing shapes, colors, or hearing various sounds and voices.

Binaural beats have been reported to have numerous benefits in many areas of life. Highly effective in a meditation practice, binaural beats can assist you in effectively entering a relaxing meditative state. Meditation using binaural beats may help reduce anxiety and stress, increase learning and retention abilities, get better sleep, and increase creativity. It can be successfully incorporated in treatments that can cure migraines, addictions, depression and more.

Some Guidelines for Meditation Using Binaural Beats:

• First, as with any meditation, you should find a comfortable and quiet place free from any distractions
• When listening to binaural beats, be sure that you have sufficient listening time. The brain needs almost 7 minutes for it to fall in sync with the stimulus. In order to experience the full benefits of binaural beats, it is recommended to listen for at least 10-15 minutes.
• For the binaural beats to work properly, it is important that you use headphones, so that a distinct frequency can be heard in each ear.
• Do not listen to binaural beats while you are doing things that require your full attention such as driving.
• Patience is key. As with any type of meditation, it will take some practice to achieve the desired meditative state, even with the help of binaural beats.