Did you know that your brain buzzes with different frequencies of electromagnetic brainwaves whether awake, asleep or in hypnosis? The many billions of brain cells create bursts of electricity, which synchronize with each other. These brainwaves provide your state of 'consciousness', making you feel alert, relaxed, creative, sleepy etc. They can even enhance learning. The frequencies are as follows:

• Delta (1.5 - 4 Hz): Deep, dreamless sleep
• Theta (5 - 8 Hz): Relaxed, daydreaming, hypnosis, meditative and creative states
• Alpha (9 - 14 Hz): Rest, reflection.
• Beta (16 - 24 Hz): Concentration, alertness, improved memory.

As an example, prolonged freeway/motorway driving can create a Theta state. These are those weird journeys when you can't remember quite how it happened, also called "highway hypnosis". You can also get great ideas during these periods, as Theta is great for creativity. In fact Theta is an important rhythm for some of the highest brain functions including memory, learning, and beliefs.

Deep sleep is a Delta phase. However, in 90 minute cycles the frequency of brainwaves increases to Theta, when active dreaming and rapid eye movement (REM) occurs.

In ordinary life, states of consciousness are created by internal and external events. Internal events include thought processes, circadian and ultradian rhythms, autonomic processes, habit and physiology. External events could include demanding tasks, environmental factors, drugs, sensory information. Specific states of consciousness can be learned as adaptive behaviour to particular circumstances, such as relaxation when getting into bed, or alertness at a loud and unexpected sound.

Binaural Beats are an ideal way to provide the stimulus for the induction of certain states. When the brain follows lower frequencies and awareness is maintained, a unique state of consciousness emerges, a "mind awake/body asleep" state. Higher frequencies can lead to highly suggestive states of consciousness, where visualised goals and self-suggestions can be absorbed. The level and power with which this is achieved can rival the best techniques of self-hypnosis. Still higher frequency states provide alertness and a highly focussed mindset needed for optimal performance in tasks. Some states can limit perceptions of reality, whilst others can expand it, providing experiences that most could otherwise only achieve with drugs!

Your own ultradian rhythms may also compete with the effect of Binaural Beats. Ultradian rhythms are a natural cycle of brainwaves that are characterised by changes in arousal and states of consciousness. It helps if you allow your mind to wander unhindered. You can find yourself thinking of the strangest things, and then when you realise you are doing so, you know you are on your way (much like a daydream state). Thoughts and concepts may seem to make complete sense one moment and then be beyond all comprehension the next. When you meander between normal and super consciousness enough, you are literally surfing brainwaves!