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Brainwave Entrainment
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Two decades ago, maybe even three, it was assumed that the mechanism behind the consciousness-altering effects of TMI’s audio-guidance process was somehow related to something called the frequency-following response. This notion has been routinely included in our literature. Hypothetically, prolonged exposure to binaural-beat stimuli influenced brainwaves to the point of altering ongoing EEG through entrainment of the frequency-following response – a theorized process of imposed patterning on the nonlinear, stochastic resonance of ongoing brainwaves by means of the frequency beating of the auditory stimulus.
Since an auditory frequency-following response could be measured at the cortex it seemed logical to assume that the underlying mechanism must be some form of Newtonian entrainment process at work. Entrainment was, and still is, the explanation behind the effects of intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) when used by medical personnel as a diagnostic tool for epilepsy.
The frequency-following response to binaural beats remains an important aspect in the understanding of the binaural audio-guidance process. There is, however, no scientifically demonstrated effect-mechanism to support the notion that entrainment of the frequency-following response is responsible for alterations in consciousness. We know now that the EEG signal strength of the measured auditory frequency-following response is extremely low. At this point it is hard to even speculate that it could in some electromagnetic inductive way alter ongoing brainwave activity. On the other hand, demonstrating the mere presence of a frequency-following response to binaural beats using evoked-potential EEG protocols using time-domain averaging of a number of EEG responses to mathematically isolate and identify stimuli that would otherwise be overwhelmed by ongoing brainwave activity provides some evidence of the neurological impact of this stimulus.
So, you may be asking at this point, how does the binaural audio-guidance process work? To answer this question it is necessary to step back from the limited concepts of binaural-beat entrainment. Setting aside this pretentious notion, a review of the appropriate literature reveals that brainwaves and related states of consciousness are in fact regulated by the brain’s reticular formation stimulating the thalamus and cortex.
The reticular activating system (RAS) interprets and reacts to information (internal stimuli, feelings, attitudes, and beliefs as well as external sensory stimuli) by regulating arousal states, attentional focus, and the level of awareness – the elements of consciousness itself. The RAS maintains homeostasis unless there is informational stimuli (internal or external) requiring an adjustment to consciousness. In order to alter consciousness it is necessary to provide some sort of informational input to the RAS. The binaural audio-guidance process appears to influence consciousness by providing this information. The information encompasses the character, quality, and traits of the state of consciousness that the complex binaural pattern represents.
The expression “frequency-following response” as used by TMI is quite different than the same expression when used by the Audiology community and expressly in the following references among others: Oster 1973; Smith et al. 1975; Marsh et al. 1975; Smith et al. 1978; Hink et al. 1980
These citations do not directly address the term “frequency-following response” as used by TMI and the idea that our binaural audio-guidance process encourages such. TMI means to say with their use of the expression . . . that our binaural audio-guidance process encourages changes (towards frequencies similar to the stimuli) in overall brainwave (arousal) states. TMI’s broader use of the expression does not refer to the low-amplitude shadow effect known to the Audiology community as the frequency-following response but the robust alterations in brainwave arousal associated with the binaural audio-guidance process.
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Huh?? So does that mean Hemi sync does or does not work?
This post reminds me of some content discussed in the giant work on human consciousness by James H. Austin, M.D., Zen and the Brain.
In chapter 20, Brainwave and their limitations, Austin explains that although we can measure the brainwaves of human subjects with EEG technology, these measurements give us no insight into “either the form or the content of that person’s ‘inner weather’ or their ‘mental Landscape’.” (Austin, p. 84)
Indeed there is much more to the complexities and depths of human consciousness than the electromagnetic activity measurable with EEG technology. That notwithstanding, there are still intelligent correlations to be made about our consciousness and our brainwave activity (i.e. alpha waves are often associated with relaxation, sensual pleasure, etc…).
In light of the present conversation, perhaps the statement that “There is… no scientifically demonstrated effect-mechanism to support the notion that entrainment of the frequency-following response is responsible for alterations in consciousness” serves as another reminder of the complex holistic nature of human consciousness.
For when we are listening to brainwave entrainment audio such as that available through The Monroe Institute, that audial stimulation does not exist in a vacuum. So any alterations in consciousness which we experience while listening to such audio is can not be understood to be separate from this audial stimulus, nor can it be understood to be a function of this stimulus alone.
Indeed, if we listen to the same audio stimulus with headphones while standing on a crowded bus with our eyes open, we might anticipate different results than if we listen to the same audio patterns in an isolated chamber during seated meditation.
The exploration of our consciousness is a wonderful, life-giving and stimulating ongoing adventure.
Here’s to our further understanding, enrichment, joy and fulfillment!
I’ve reread and pondered. Since RAS interprets and reacts to information-internal and external- by regulating arousal states,attentional focus and the level of awareness – the elements of consciousness itself…The binaural guidance process appears to influence consciousness by providing ,input to RAS.
continued from minutes ago.: the need for help to “wake up” is something I’ve noticed seeing my pupils. I’m going to search for some appropiate hemi-syncCD to play in my classroom. (I’m studying with my pupils in one-to-one-situations). If someone has a recommendation I’m grateful!!
Hi,
I just read your post today but I do have a couple recommendations for you. Indigo and Remembrance would be good choices from what I have read to date regarding both of them. If anyone else has some further guidance or input I also would appreciate any comments.
Blessings & Joy
I think from reports I’ve heard Hemisync does work to get the two sides of the brain in communication with one another, I think the frequency chosen of the tone, acts as an electrical signal from the right lobe then over to the left lobe which does it’s logic and interpretation. we could say music, tones, frequencies, all have a sort of rote attached within the frequency.
I’m sorry I cannot discuss intelligently the article above, however, Monroe’s hundreds of experiments in this area are most impressive to me and the reports I’ve heard from those who use hemisync. They have told me, at a certain point in it’s use, they are able to put the tool aside, after learning how to reach a certain focus level through the memory of how it felt to be in an altered state.
As regarding tones and frequencies, I relate this to music. I’ve found for instance, when writing, using the left brain of language structure, if I have relaxing music on in the background, the writing proceeds smoothly, yet I may have to consciously make the piece not as one long sentence, like it wants to be, but broken into logical segmented communication, so that I know both lobes are now working with each other.
I have not used hemisync, yet I am thinking it is a very good tool for altered states of awareness.
So to speak, a place to start, a leaping off place, that we have never had before, and we need more explorers to report their experiences.
I did have a few obes just from listening to music, however I notice just before the obes, my left brain was also stimulated by a rote received from the tone I resonated with, which I was interpreting according to my beliefs. (beliefs change)
a rote is like a thought ball. a bunch of connected thoughts.
I just noticed we have to check the box to receive follow up comments and I didn’t do that. so doing it now! sorry!
O come on I thought I was a going to be a scientist or something and create this so it will work as a movie or vidoe-game that and make you able to react to the souroundings(also bio-genorate random creatures) :-/
While TMI makes no medical claims for its products it’s exciting that there are more subtle options for affecting consciousness than stimulants and relaxants.
Is it accurate to say that while there is no passive, automatic change in EEG from Hemisync, there is a noticable change in EEG due to the willful and attentive effects experienced by a participant?
I certainly, as I am sure others, feel a trance inducing state from Hemisync. Has Monroe Institute measured EEG while listening? What were the results?
Once again this sounds like it came from Skip and is mostly based on some of his early published papers and the same talk that he does every time at Gateway. This is really not profoundly new information and I wonder if he has ever engaged his right hemisphere?