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Journal of Scientific Exploration, Vol. 11. No.
3, pp. 263-274, 1997 0892-3310/97
© 1997 Society for Scientific Exploration
Accessing Anomalous States of Consciousness
with a Binaural Beat Technology
F. Holmes Atwater, The Monroe Institute
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Brain
Waves and Consciousness
Controversies concerning the brain, mind, and
consciousness have existed since the early Greek philosophers
argued about the nature of the mind-body relationship, and
none of these disputes has been resolved. Modern neurologists
have located the mind in the brain and have said that consciousness
is the result of electrochemical neurological activity. There
are, however, growing observations challenging the completeness
of these assertions.
There is no neurophysiological research which
conclusively shows that the higher levels of mind (intuition,
insight, creativity, imagination, understanding, thought,
reasoning, intent, decision, knowing, will, spirit, or soul)
are located in brain tissue (Hunt 1995). A resolution to the
controversies surrounding the higher mind and consciousness
and the mind-body problem in general may need to involve an
epistemological shift to include extra-rational ways of knowing
(de Quincey 1994) and may well not be comprehended by neurochemical
brain studies alone.
Penfield (1975), an eminent contemporary neurophysiologist,
found that the human mind continued to work in spite of the
brain's reduced activity under anesthesia. Brain waves were
nearly absent while the mind was just as active as in the
waking state. The only difference was in the content of the
conscious experience. Following Penfield's work, other researchers
have reported awareness in comatose patients (Hunt 1995) and
there is a growing body of evidence which suggests that reduced
cortical arousal while maintaining conscious awareness is
possible (Fischer 1971; West 1980; Delmonte 1984; Wallace
1986; Goleman 1988; Mavromatis 1991; Jevning, Wallace, & Beidenbach
1992).
These states are variously referred to as meditative,
trance, altered, hypnagogic, hypnotic, and twilight-learning
states (Budzynski 1986). Broadly defined, the various forms
of altered states rest on the maintenance of conscious awareness
in a physiologically reduced state of arousal marked by parasympathetic
dominance (Mavromatis 1991). Recent physiological studies
of highly hypnotizable subjects and adept meditators indicate
that maintaining awareness with reduced cortical arousal is
indeed possible in selected individuals as a natural ability
or as an acquired skill (Sabourin, Cutcomb, Crawford, & Pribram
1993).
More and more scientists are expressing doubts
about the neurologists' brain-mind model because it fails
to answer so many questions about our ordinary experiences,
as well as evading our mystical and spiritual ones. Studies
in distant mental influence and mental healing also challenge
the notion of a mind localized within the brain (Dossey 1994,
1996a). Nonlocal events have been proven to occur at the subatomic
level and some researchers believe that the physics principles
behind these events underlie nonlocal consciousness-mediated
effects (Dossey 1996a).
Consciousness-associated anomalies appear unrestricted
by spatial or temporal boundaries and many experiments have
been done to shed light on this remarkable quality of the
mind (Dossey 1996b). The scientific evidence supporting the
phenomenon of remote viewing alone is sufficient to show that
mind-consciousness is not a local phenomenon (McMoneagle 1993).
If mind-consciousness is not the brain, why
then does science relate states of consciousness and mental
functioning to brain-wave frequencies? There is no objective
way to measure mind or consciousness with an instrument. Mind-consciousness
appears to be a field phenomenon which interfaces with the
body and the neurological structures of the brain (Hunt 1995).
One cannot measure this field directly with current instrumentation.
On the other hand, the electrical potentials of the body can
be measured and easily quantified. The problem here lies in
oversimplification of the observations.
EEG patterns measured on the cortex are the
result of electroneurological activity of the brain. But the
brain's electroneurological activity is not mind-consciousness.
EEG measurements then are only an indirect means of assessing
the mind-consciousness interface with the neurological structures
of the brain. As crude as this may seem, the EEG has been
a reliable way for researchers to estimate states of consciousness
based on the relative proportions of EEG frequencies. Stated
another way, certain EEG patterns have been historically associated
with specific states of consciousness. Although not an absolute,
it is reasonable to assume, given the current EEG literature,
that if a specific EEG pattern emerges it is probably accompanied
by a particular state of consciousness.
Binaural beats can alter the electrochemical
environment of the brain allowing mind-consciousness to have
different experiences. When brain waves move to lower frequencies
and awareness is maintained, a unique state of consciousness
emerges. Practitioners of the binaural-beat process call this
state of hypnagogia "mind awake/body asleep." Slightly higher-frequencies
can lead to hyper-suggestive states of consciousness. Still
higher-frequency EEG states are associated with alert and
focused mental activity needed for the optimal performance
of many tasks. |
Perceived reality
changes depending on the state of consciousness of the perceiver
(Tart 1975). Some states of consciousness provide limited
views of reality, while others provide an expanded awareness
of reality. For the most part, states of consciousness change
in response to the ever-changing internal environment and
surrounding stimulation. For example, states of consciousness
are subject to influences like drugs and circadian and ultradian
rhythms (Webb & Dube 1981; Rossi 1986; Shannahoff-Khalsa 1991).
Specific states of consciousness can also be
learned as adaptive behaviors to demanding circumstances (Green
& Green 1986). Binaural-beat technology offers access to a
wide variety of altered-state experiences for those wanting
to explore the realms of consciousness.
Hemispheric Synchronization
Many of the states of consciousness available
through this technology have been identified as presenting
unique hemispherically synchronized brain-wave frequencies.
Although synchronized brain waves have long been associated
with meditative and hypnagogic states, the binaural-beat process
may be unique in its ability to induce and improve such states
of consciousness. The reason for this is physiological. Each
ear is "hardwired" (so to speak) to both hemispheres of the
brain (Rosenzweig 1961). Each hemisphere has its own olivary
nucleus (sound-processing center) which receives signals from
each ear. In keeping with this physiological structure, when
a binaural beat is perceived there are actually two electrochemical
synaptic waves of equal amplitude and frequency present, one
in each hemisphere. This is, in and of itself, hemispheric
synchrony of synaptic activity.
Binaural beats appear to contribute to the hemispheric
synchronization evidenced in meditative and hypnagogic states
of consciousness. Binaural beats may also enhance brain function
by enabling the user to mediate cross-collosal connectivity
at designated brain-wave frequencies.
The two cerebral hemispheres of the brain are
like two separate information processing modules. Both are
complex cognitive systems; both process information independently
and in parallel; and their interaction is neither arbitrary
nor continuous (Zaidel 1985). Because of this, states of consciousness
(mind-consciousness interfacing with the brain) can be defined
not only in terms of brain-wave frequency ratios, but also
in terms of hemispheric specialization and/or interaction.
Some desired states of consciousness may require
facile inter-hemispheric integration, while others may call
for a unique hemispheric processing style. An individual's
cognitive repertoire and, therefore, his ability to perceive
reality and deal with the everyday world, is subject to his
ability to experience various states of consciousness (Tart
1975). Binaural beats provide the tools for individuals to
expand their ability to experience a wide range of mind-consciousness
states.
Each state of consciousness is not represented
by one simple brain wave but involves a milieu of inner-mixing
wave forms, a field effect. The reason for this lies in the
structure of the brain itself. Not only is the brain divided
horizontally into hemispheres, it is also divided vertically
from the brainstem to the cerebellum, the thalamus, the limbic
system, and the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is further
divided into such functional areas as the frontal lobes, the
parietal lobes, the temporal lobes, and the occipital lobes.
There are, of course, many other subdivisions of the brain
which have not been mentioned.
The critical point is that for each discrete
state of consciousness, mind-consciousness interfaces with
each area of the brain and each area resonates at a specific
brain-wave frequency unique to that interface because it performs
a localized function (Luria 1970).
Developing
Effective Binaural Beat
The process of developing effective stimuli
relied initially on the feedback of those experiencing altered
states while listening to binaural beats (Atwater 1997), and
more recently with the aid of EEG technology. Originally,
researchers tested many subjects under laboratory conditions
for their responses to binaural-beat stimuli. Records were
kept as to the effect each binaural-beat frequency had on
these subjects. Then binaural beats were mixed and records
were again kept on the subjects' responses.
After months (in some cases, years), test results
began to show population-wide similar responses to specific
mixes of binaural beats. Certain complex, brain-wave-like
combinations of binaural beats were reported more effective
than other combinations, and more effective than binaural
beats of single frequencies (sine waves). Effective binaural
beats are, therefore, unique in that they are designed to
be complex brain-wave-like patterns rather than simple sine
waves. (See illustrations below.) |
How Binaural
Beats Alter States of Consciousness
Two decades ago it was assumed that the mechanism
behind the consciousness-altering effects of binaural beats was
some how related to entrainment of the auditory frequency-following
response – a theorized process of nonlinear stochastic resonance
of brain waves with the frequency of the auditory stimulus. Since
an auditory frequency-following response could be measured at the
cortex it seemed logical to assume that the underlying consciousness-altering
mechanism must be some form of Newtonian entrainment process at
work.
Continuing research revealed, however, that there
is no effect-mechanism to support the notion that entrainment of
the auditory frequency-following response could occur or is responsible
for alterations in consciousness. Comparisons to photic entrainment
models are not supported because the EEG signal strength of the
measured auditory frequency-following response of binaural beats
is too low. At this point it is hard to even speculate that the
neural activity of the frequency-following response could, in some
electromagnetically inductive way, alter ongoing brain-wave activity.
A review of the appropriate literature reveals that
brain waves and related states of consciousness are said to be regulated
by the brain’s reticular formation stimulating the thalamus and
cortex. The extended reticular-thalamic activation system (ERTAS)
is implicated in a variety of functions associated with consciousness
(Newman 1997). The word reticular means "net-like" and the neural
reticular formation itself is a large, net-like diffuse area of
the brainstem (Anch et al. 1988).
The reticular activating system (RAS) interprets and
reacts to information from internal stimuli, feelings, attitudes,
and beliefs as well as external sensory stimuli by regulating arousal
states, attentional focus, and the level of awareness – the elements
of consciousness itself (Empson 1986; Tice & Steinberg 1989). How
we interpret, respond, and react to information then, is managed
by the brain’s reticular formation stimulating the thalamus and
cortex, and controlling attentiveness and level of arousal (Empson
1986). "It would seem that the basic mechanisms underlying consciousness
are closely bound up with the brainstem reticular system . . ."
(Henry 1992).
In order to alter consciousness it is necessary to
provide some sort of information input to the RAS. Binaural beats
appear to influence consciousness by providing this information.
The information referred to here includes the character, quality,
and traits of the state of consciousness of the complex, brain-wave-like
pattern of the binaural beat (see previous illustration).
These unique binaural-beat wave forms (neurologically
evidenced by the EEG frequency-following response) are recognized
by the RAS as brain-wave pattern information. If internal stimuli,
feelings, attitudes, beliefs, and external sensory stimuli are not
in conflict with this information (e.g., an internal, even unconscious,
fear may be a source of conflict), the RAS will alter the state
of consciousness as a natural function of maintaining homeostasis
by regulating brain activity to synthesize the integrated binaural-beat
stimulus (sensing it as a component of ongoing neural activity).
Without conflict, the RAS initiates replication of
the character, quality, and traits of the neurologically evident
and persistent binaural beating. As time passes, the RAS monitors
both the internal and external environment and the state of consciousness
itself (in terms of neural activity) to determine, from moment to
moment, its suitability for dealing with existing conditions. As
long as no conflicts develop, the RAS naturally continues aligning
the listener’s state of consciousness with the information in the
brain-wave-like pattern of the binaural sound field.
In objective, measurable terms EEG-based research
provides evidence of binaural beat’s influence on consciousness.
Since the RAS regulates cortical EEG (Swann et al. 1982), monitoring
EEG chronicles performance of the RAS. There have been several free-running
EEG studies (Foster 1990; Sadigh 1990; Hiew 1995, among others)
which suggest that binaural beating induces alterations in EEG.
Because the RAS is responsible for regulating EEG (Swann et al.
1982; Empson 1986), these studies document measurable changes in
RAS function during exposure to binaural beats.
It is tempting to speculate about a neurophysiological
model underlying a binaural-beat-engendered state of consciousness
labeled mind awake/body asleep, a hypnagogic experience common to
many. In this state, a greater proportion of lower frequency brain
waves (theta and delta) have been recorded in the EEG. The "body
asleep" part of this state may be tied to the increase in delta
waves associated with hyper-polarization of thalamocortical cells
(Steriade, McCormick, & Sejnowski 1993). The "mind awake" part of
this state may be associated with theta frequencies in a portion
of the hippo-campus.
One is said to have achieved this state of mind-consciousness
when a new condition of hypnagogic homeostasis is established and
one becomes oblivious to the location of body extremities (hands,
feet, etc.), still without losing consciousness (falling asleep).
Summary
The binaural-beat auditory-guidance process provides
access to many beneficial mind-consciousness states. This process
is a unique combination of well-understood psycho-physiological
inductive techniques (restricted environmental stimulation, controlled
breathing, progressive relaxation, affirmation, visualization, etc.)
with the addition of a refined binaural-beat technology providing
potential consciousness-altering information to the brain’s reticular
activating system. This safe and effective binaural-beat process
offers a wide variety of applications which include, but are not
limited to: relaxation, meditation, enhanced creativity, intuition
development, enriched learning, improved sleep, wellness, and the
exploration of expanded mind-consciousness states.
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