Studies have shown that the vibrations from rhythmic sounds have a-profound effect on brain activity. In shamanic traditions, drums were used-in periodic rhythm to transport the shaman into other realms of reality. The-vibrations from this constant rhythm affected the brain in a very specific-manner, allowing the shaman to journey out of his or her body. The steady-rhythmic beat of the drum struck four and one half times per second was the-key to transporting a shaman into the deepest part of his shamanic state of-consciousness. It is no coincidence that 4.5 beats, or cycles per second-corresponds to the trance like state of theta brain wave activity. In direct-correlation, we see similar effects brought on by the constant and rhythmic-drone of Tibetan Buddhist chants, which transport the monks and even other-listeners into realms of blissful meditation.The gentle pulsating rhythms act in a similar fashion; if the frequencies are computer generated, they are precise, consistent and can be targeted to induce highly specific and desired brain-states. Just as we can tune a radio to get a particular station, with computer technology we can tune our consciousness to dial-in a wide variety of-brain states.
*Alertness, Concentration, Focus & Cognition
*Relaxation, Visualization, & Creativity
*Intuition, Memory, Meditation & Vivid Visual Imagery
*Deep Sleep, Healing & Detached Awarness
Like sound waves, the brain has its own set of vibrations it uses to-communicate with itself and the rest of the body.
The Four Waves Themselves
Beta waves range between 13-40 HZ. The beta state is associated with peak-concentration, heightened alertness and visual acuity. Nobel Prize Winner,-Sir Francis Crick and other scientists believe that the 40HZ beta frequency may be key to the act of cognition.
Alpha waves range between 7-12 HZ. This is a place of deep relaxation, but-not quite meditation. In Alpha, we begin to access the wealth of creativity-that lies just below our conscious awareness - it is the gateway, the entry-point that leads into deeper states of consciousness. Alpha is also the home-of the window frequency known as the Schuman Resonance, which is the-resonant frequency of the earth's electromagnetic field.
Theta waves range between 4-7 HZ. Theta is one of the more elusive and-extraordinary realms we can explore. It is also known as the twilight state-which we normally only experience fleetingly as we rise up out of the depths-of delta upon waking, or drifting off to sleep. In theta we are in a waking-dream, vivid imagery flashes before the mind's eye and we are receptive to-information beyond our normal conscious awareness. Theta has also been-identified as the gateway to learning and memory. Theta meditation increases-creativity, enhances learning, reduces stress and awakens intuition and-other extrasensory perception skills.
Delta waves range between 0-4 HZ. Delta is associated with deep sleep. In-addition, certain frequencies in the delta range trigger the release of-Growth Hormone beneficial for healing and regeneration. This is why sleep,-deep restorative sleep is so essential to the healing process.
Source: http://peyote.com/jonstef/brain.htm