Using Binaural Beats for Relaxation & Meditation

Binaural beats result from hearing two different frequencies in each ear. If you hear a 200Hz sound in one ear and a 190Hz sound in the other you will hear a 10Hz binaural beat (200 - 190 = 10). If you hear two different frequencies in each ear, you'll hear the difference between two as a binaural beat.

Binaural beats are auditory artifacts. There is no 10Hz sound in our example above but we "hear" one anyway. Binaural beats occur if the difference between the right and left channel is less than 100 Hz. Because each ear hears slightly different sounds so you must use stereo headphones to produce binaural beats.

Listening to binaural beats can increase specific brainwave frequencies. Our brain mimics the frequencies we hear in the binaural beat. If you want to increase your alpha brainwaves, listen to a binaural beat in the alpha range. This is called entrainment or frequency-following response.

If you want to relax, practice stress reduction, learn to meditate, or evoke the Relaxation Response download and listen to some of these free binaural beat MP3 files. There are several of them that use different frequencies and patterns. Most have descriptions you can use to help decide which one(s) to use.

Beta brainwaves (13-40 Hz) are associated with active thinking and concentration. Alpha brainwaves (7-13 Hz) are associated with relaxation and/or drowsiness. Theta brainwaves (4-7 Hz) are associated with dreams, meditation, and REM sleep. Download one or more free binaural beat MP3 files.

You may find these binaural beat MP3 files of assistance while learning how to meditate. You can think of them as meditation training wheels. Use them to get started but after awhile you may find that you don't need them anymore, that you've outgrown them. Or you may find them of use on a more regular basis. The only way to find out is to try them yourself and determine what works best for you.

My free binaural beat MP3 files are divided into 2 groups: fixed pitches and slides. The fixed pitches are binaural beats at one specific frequency are are associated with a specific brain wave frequency. Slides start at one frequency and slides down to another with the idea is that your brain waves follow the pitch change. In addition to fixed pitches and slides, there are several misc. binaural beat files.

Remember to always use headphones when listening to bianural beats. Set aside a regular time each day and find a quiet place to sit. Relax, focus on your breathing, and use these modest MP3 files as a tool. Establish the habit. It's a small investment with large rewards.

Unless otherwise specified all binaural beat files are centered around a 136.1 Hz sine wave. This tone is called "Nada Brahma", the sound associated with Om.

I also made some meditation timers, both audio and video files of varying length. Time yourself from 10 to 30 minutes in 5 minute intervals. No binaural beats, just a single bell at the end of silence.

Don't stop. Learn more by reading some of these meditation books. Buy them or visit your local public library.

Don't forget to sit.