The first audio component in our Healing Minds by Design® programs is called a “binaural tone“ or “binaural beat.”

Binaural beats have historically been used for inducing relaxation, creativity, meditation, and other desirable states of mind. Other research indicates its usefulness in helping to reduce anxiety, controlling addictions, and as an aid in sleeping.  They have often been referred to as "digital drugs."

Even though binaural beats have been around since the 1830’s, they’re still relatively new to the health-care field.  Binaural beats were first discovered by accident in 1839 by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, a Prussian physicist and meteorologist, when he was conducting experiments for his meteorological research, but the general public did not become aware of their significance and potential use until the mid-1970’s.

In a nutshell, binaural beats work like this: slightly different sound frequencies played separately to each ear produce a perception of interference, or a “beat.” The effect on brainwaves depends on the difference in frequencies of each individual tone. For example, if 200 Hz were played in one ear and 210 Hz in the other, then the binaural beat would have a frequency of 10 Hz.

​Binaural beats are believed to influence brainwaves through something called “Brainwave Entrainment.” Brainwave entrainment is the process of “training” our dominant brainwave frequency to match that of an external stimulus (binaural beat), that corresponds to an intended-brainwave state (for example, to stimulate better concentration or to induce sleep). It is thought to use a “Frequency Following Response”, which means that our brains have a tendency to change their frequencies to match the external stimulus. “Phase-locking” occurs when our brainwave frequencies becomes “locked” into the frequency of the external stimulus. It becomes difficult to “break out” of the frequency as long as we’re still exposed to the stimulus.

Different brainwave frequencies produce different effects. Though other frequencies will probably also be present, the dominant brainwave frequency determines our “state of mind."

​Extensive research on Binaural Tones have come up with some interesting data:

“Scientists have found that peak (mental) states are clearly linked to very specific patterns of brain activity. These include dramatic changes in brainwave activity, hemispheric symmetry, and rapid alterations in the levels of various neurochemicals. By using precise combinations of pulsating sound waves, they can actually produce those same 'peak state' brain patterns in ordinary people.” (Michael Hutchison, http://megabrainworld.com) “Research clearly indicates that theta waves increase creativity, super learning, integrative experiences, and memory.” (Hutchison, M. (1986). Megabrain. New York: Beech Tree Books. William Morrow; Hutchison, M. (1990). "Special issue on sound/light." Megabrain Report: Vol 1, No. 2.)

“Why shouldn't the brain be able to adapt to new information about itself? It's called learning. That's what our brain does well. And, once the brain ‘learns’ how to regulate itself ... it tends to retain that ability just as it does any other new skill.” (Oster, G. (1973). "Auditory beats in the brain." Scientific American, 229, 94-102.)

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