Binaural Beats

Binaural Beats - this is the technology of introducing two separate frequences separated by a small value to each of our ears. The brain, then deciphers the differential frequency and then vibrates at this frequency. The entire brain (left and right hemispheres) vibrates at this frequency, thus leading to whole brain activity. It is possible to play with the differential value to generate alpha, theta and delta waves (each being associated with a different mood - delta being deepest relaxation or dreamless sleep).

There are several companies offering audio CD's that use this technology which is beleived to be very beneficial to the brain (and hence, the person). I personally use Centerpointe's products. At this time (20th Jan 2005), I am about four months into using these products (Holosync) and I've found them very useful. Honestly, there is no tangible outcome from the usage, but it's a very good feeling to listen to these soundtracks. I also have a feeling that changes are happenning within and would unfold subsequently.

Cons:

• Any branded solution to this technology is expensive. Centerpointe's products are very expensive (personally). I have a feeling it would be worth it, but it could be a potential holdback (The total package is $1799 from Centerpointe)
• It's not an overnight solution. Completing the Holosync course from Centerpointe is a 3-4 year affair. So a lot of patience (and trust) is required.

You can listen to a demo from Centerpointe here to see how this technology works.

Other links

• Bill Harris - Centerpointe's founder has written a book called Thresholds of the mind. In many ways, it's a marketing medium for Holosync, but you really must read this book for some of his tremendous insights about brain thresholds and evolution. It was an eye opener for me. In some ways, you'll realize you have known this intuitively, but placing this in context of our day-to-day life was very revealing.
• Monroe Institute has a similar product called Hemi-sync that is based on the same principle.
• There are some software that produce these waves by playing with frequencies - but these are at your own risk. It's sort of a scary feeling to experiment with this technology - it's your brain after all!! Branded products have done a lot of research before they actually release the package, so it's safe (albeit expensive) to purchase from them. One such program is SBaGen (Software for Binaural Genaration - I think!!) - if you want to check it out
• Intelgen has some products based on the same technology as well.

All in all, I suggest that you give this technology a try.

Theory

• The Science of Audio Based Brainwave Entrainment
• Binaural Beats
• Brain Wave Patterns

I made some notes for myself to check my progress over the period as I used Holosync. Please mail me if you're interested (deepak_kumaran at hotmail dot com)