Training Your Brain
Recently, scientists have been using known information about brainwaves to explore ways to "train your brain".
Brainwave Entrainment has to do with the capacity of the brain to naturally synchronize its brainwave frequencies with the rhythm of external stimuli (auditory, visual, or tactile). It is thought that different brainwave patterns correspond with different states of alertness (attention, sleep, etc.). The supposition here is that exposing a subject’s brain to a certain frequency of sound or light will encourage the subject's brainwaves to align to that frequency, and hence achieve the corresponding state of mind.
For example, brainwave frequencies in the 18-22 Hz range are commonly seen with tasks requiring high-engagement and concentration. Exposing a subject to a continuous stream of 20 Hz auditory beats will encourage the subjects' brainwaves to align to that frequency, and hence, improve their concentration and potentially allow them to perform better at a given task.
Take a look at my science fair project to learn more about such an application!
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that monitors real-time brain activity in an attempt to teach self-regulation and control the brain. Neurofeedback clinicians have discovered that direct auditory, visual, or tactile feedback on specific brain states can create changes in underlying behaviours that are reflected in brainwaves. It has been shown that such feedback can accelerate learning.
Simply explained, during a neurofeedback session, how your brain is functioning is compared to how you would like it to be functioning. As you approach your desired brain state (as reflected by brainwave tracings), you are positively rewarded (music or a preferred visual reward). If, however, you shift away from the desired state of mind, the music or video will cease. In this way a subject can be trained to more efficiently achieve a targeted state of mind.
The brain is a complex system with over 86 billion neurons and countless circuits of information. As, Brainworks Neurotherapy states, “It is a handy analogy to think of brainwaves as musical notes - the low frequency waves are like a deeply penetrating drum beat, while the higher frequency brain waves are more like a subtle high pitched flute. Like a symphony, the higher and lower frequencies link and cohere with each other through harmonics.” A better understanding of brainwaves, brain states, and how your mind processes information can be extremely helpful in understanding yourself and keeping your mind in harmony.