Two tuning forks of the same pitch will both resonate at the same frequency when one is struck. Brains operate much like a resonance chamber. Oscillating pulses and patterns of neural excitations ripple through our brains.

When Gerard Oster, a biophysicist from NYC, developed a process of reproducing the entrainment effect using audio technology in the early 1970's the process of creating audio-entraining binaural beat frequencies was born.

The type of brainwave is defined by the frequency at which it is pulsing. The particular rate of pulsation determines your state of mind. There are often several patterns interacting at one time.

Several companies use forms of brainwave entrainment technology. Robert Monroe, known for his journeys out of the body, studied altered states of consciousness and with his team of researchers and scientists have expanded knowledge about it. Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, a well-known neuroacoustic pioneer, has information about entrainment and products he developed that utilize this technology.

I purchased his Brainwave Suite a few years ago when I experienced insomnia associated with fibromyalgia. Using the Delta CD, I experienced great entrancing entrainment and experienced the deep Delta wave of healing sleep, where the body could repair itself. (I'm not affiliated with either Monroe or Thompson.)

Scientists are learning more about how theta states can be summoned and harnessed to create mindstates that are conducive to expanded states of consciousness. Great ideas occur during this time period. Einstein came up with the theory of relativity in this state, and likewise, one of the Watson and Crick pair visualized the double helix in this mindstate successfully cracking the illusive architecture of DNA.

By merging both hemispheres of the brain, and allowing them to work together you can increase mental fitness (like having a faster modem working at faster speeds). A more integrated system creates better performance. Edgar Cayce, a famous clairvoyant healer was found to have an unusually large corpus callosum.

Theta brainwaves, are greater amplitude and slower frequency than beta waves found during normal conversation. A person who is driving and begins to daydream, who discovers that he can't recall the last five miles, is in a theta state.

THETA waves are associated with increased recall, creativity, imagery and visualization , free-flowing thought, future planning, inspiration, drowsiness, present during dreaming and REM states

Here is a table showing altered states, measured brainwaves and the state of mind experiencing these states:

NORMAL CONSCIOUS STATE ~ NORMAL MATERIAL LIFE:

High Beta 30 ~ 23 Hertz Panic, Hyperactivity

Beta 22.99 ~ 16 Hz Twitchy

Low Beta 15.99 ~ 14.5 Hz OK, Normal Consciousness

Beta/Alpha 14.49 ~ 13.5 Hz Calm

High Alpha 13.49 ~ 12.4 Hz Quietness

ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS:

Alpha 12.39 ~ 9.9 Hz Start of Meditation

Low Alpha 9.89 ~ 8.2 Hz Inspiration, Mental Mediumship--Clairvoyance etc.

Alpha/Theta 8.19 ~ 7.7 Hz Light Trance, Overshadowing

High Theta 7.69 ~ 7.1 Hz Partial Loss of Awareness

Theta 7 ~ 4.9 Hz Further Loss of Awareness

Low Theta 4.89 ~ 4.3 Hz Deeper Trance

Theta/Delta 4.29 ~ 3.9 Hz Out of Body Feeling

High Delta 3.89 ~ 3 Hz Guides Controlling

Delta 2.9 ~ 1.5 Hz Passive Body

Low Delta 1.49 ~ 0.5 Hz Full Deep Trance

Theta waves occur in sleep and are dominant in our highest state of meditation. We normally only experience theta waves as we drift off to sleep, during some dreaming, and as we return from the depths of delta sleep. The pictures we perceive as we drift off and awaken are in theta wave. During theta wave meditations, we are in a waking dream where vivid imagery flashes before our inner vision. In this state, we are extremely receptive to information sent from the higher dimensions.

The Shamanic State of Consciousness, which is theta brainwaves, allows a journey into the higher planes. The steady-rhythmic beat of the drum struck four and one-half times per second (theta waves are 4-7 cps) is the key to transporting a shaman into the deepest part of his or her Shamanic trance. The constant and rhythmic-drone of Tibetan Buddhist chants that transport the monks and other listeners into realms of blissful meditation also follow this rhythm.

Theta waves have also been identified as the gateway to learning and memory. Theta meditation increases creativity, enhances learning, reduces stress and awakens intuition as well as other extrasensory perception skills. Theta consciousness allows us to connect with our creative inspirations, spiritual guidance and peak experiences. Through theta wave meditation, we can open our Third Eye and access the delta waves that unite us with Universal Energy and Cosmic Consciousness.

The Theta state is where intuition comes, instantaneous healings occur and accelerated learning occurs. Einstein trained himself to spend many hours in that state. It is where you feel one with All.

Article by Beth Coleman, Medical Intuitive and Internationally Certified Theta Healing Instructor & Practitioner of the Atlanta, Georgia Metropolitan Area.