Binaural beat therapy is a type of sound therapy that is
still experimental and is being tried for various body conditions and in
anxiety and stress. What exactly is binaural beat therapy and how does it
function and help?
Binaural beat therapy: the mechanics
In this, the researchers make use of the fact that the right
and left ears of humans receive a slightly different frequency tone but the
brain takes it as a single tone. The tones chosen in the recorded sounds are
below 1000 Hz. The binaural beat that is perceived by the patient is the
frequency difference between the waves that enter the right and left ears. Let
us take an example. If the right ear takes in a frequency of 110 Hz and the
left ear takes it as 100 Hz, the binaural beat would be 10 Hz. The believers of
this mode of therapy claim that when a person listens to such binaural beats
for a specific period of time for a specific number of days, the desired action
on sleep and behavior is observed.
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| Binaural beat mechanism (Source: Binaural beat meditation) |
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Five types of frequency pattern
1.
Delta pattern: In this, the frequency is of 0.5
to 4 Hz. It leads to a deeper and dreamless sleep.
2.
Theta pattern: Here, the frequency difference
set is 4-7 Hz. Here, sleep is of the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) type and boosts
creativity.
3.
Alpha pattern: The set frequency difference here
is 7-13 Hz. And it provides a relaxed state.
4.
Beta pattern: 13-30 Hz is the frequency
difference here. It helps increased focus, concentration, and alertness. But it
should not be given in cases of anxiety as it might get accentuated.
5.
Gamma pattern: In this, 30-50 Hz frequency
difference is made. This maintains arousal phase in an awake person.
Uses of binaural beat therapy
It is used to lessen anxiety and tension and the associated
problems. At the same time, binaural beat therapy can be used to enhance
alertness and concentration. Many people find that their level of confidence
has increased after this form of sound therapy. Beta pattern frequencies were
shown to enhance long-term memory. The mood is elevated and psychomotor performance
is improved. But it does not change EEG waves or emotional activity.
In this, a person puts on a pair of stereo headphones and
uses a music system to play the music. A number of studies have been carried
out in this field but more studies are needed before it could be incorporated
into the general therapeutic armamentarium. Though generally safe, more
research into its long-term ill-effects if any need to be carried out.
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