Brainwave entrainment and the immune system
For those looking for a natural method to balance their immune system without experiencing the side effects of medications, brainwave entrainment may well be the best choice. Brainwave entrainment is basically a form of meditation where rhythmic sensory stimuli are used to slow down brain activity for deep relaxation. Besides being effective for anxiety, depression and pain brainwave entrainment may also be the next great frontier for immune system balance.
Brainwave entrainment is basically the brain’s electrical response to audio. When the brain receives a sensory stimulus, it adjusts to its frequency gradually, helping our minds to relax or sleep with slower frequencies. Other examples of sensory stimuli that have this effect are the relaxing sounds of the ocean, rain, and bird songs which have proven effects on reducing mental stress and improving overall health. This effect is also facilitated by crystal singing bowls which also entrain your brain and heart to calmer frequencies associated with immune restoration.
Health professionals are increasingly using binaural beats or brainwave entrainment to treat patients. The reason is due to its proven impact on the immune system and potential to mitigate autoimmune disease symptoms. Dr. Vincent Giampapa, head of Longevity Institute International, found that in response to some matching brainwave frequencies, human brain releases numerous useful hormones like melatonin and DHEA, and also lowers the stress hormone cortisol. This, in turn, helps to increase energy, decrease stress, improve sleep and maintain a balanced immune system.
Knowing more about brainwaves, you can be intentional about choosing specific frequencies and nature sounds to engender heart, brain and immune entrainment. Binaural frequencies are measured in hertz (Hz) which translates as beats or cycles per second. Each range of frequencies have also been linked to various mental states. Beta waves, at 13 to 30 Hz cycles per second, are associated with arousal, fear, anger, hunger, and surprise. Alpha waves, at 7 to 13 Hz cycles per second, are associated with relaxation, and meditation. Theta waves, at 3 to 7 Hz per second, associated with deep relaxation, dreaming, and creativity. Finally, delta waves, at .1 to 3 Hz cycles per second, are associated with slow, dreamless sleep, self-healing, release of growth hormone, lowered cortisol and stable blood pressure.
Brainwave entrainment and autoimmune disease
Brainwave entrainment is recognised as a relaxation method to decrease the stress and inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are generally the result of a hyperactive immune system and one of the ways to balance this is to shore up the regulatory T-cells. Since these cells are stimulated by endorphins, it makes sense to trigger the endrophin response in the body by exercising and via any other modality that increases them, including music. Music and brainwave entrainment are also a great way to stimulate the endorphin response which, besides immune modulation, also provides pain relief. Since many patients struggling with autoimmune diseases often find it difficult to concentrate for meditation, music with brainwave entrainment can be an easy and effective way to immediately trigger endorphins and the relaxation response.
At the end of the day, carefully selected music and brainwave entrainment can help to slow down and give pause to our busy lives. To experience the effects of binaural beats and brainwave entrainment first hand, please check out my Meditation, 5 Element, and Deep Relief soundscapes.
