So just what exactly is brainwave entrainment? Brainwave entrainment, also called binaural frequency harmonics, is the process whereby sound is used to elicit specific frequencies and states of mind in the human brain. Different states of mind such as sleep, relaxation, euphoria and meditation are created through the brain's production and maintenance of frequencies within the mind, or brainwaves. In fact there is a direct relation between any given brainwave and state of mind the brain is in. There are unique brainwave patterns for meditation, relaxation, sleep and dreaming as well as lesser known or achieved states that allow individuals to achieve astral projection, remote viewing, past life regression, ESP and hypnosis. Practitioners of meditation and hypnosis spend years perfecting and utilizing these states for power over their own mind and body as well as those of others. However with the science of brainwave entrainment one can bypass years of mental practice and achieve these same states in as little as 5-10 minutes!
This is how brainwave entrainment works in generating altered states of consciousness. Brainwave entrainment works through something called "binaural beats". Basically, two different frequencies are played to the right and left ears respectively through stereo headphones. The interaction in the brain upon hearing these two seperate tones is to produce a third tone, known as the binaural beat. The exact mechanics of brainwave entrainment are beyond the scope of this article (read "Frequency-Following In Brainwave Entrainment" at Nightly Lullaby to learn more about the process) but there results a "frequency-following response" that shows binaural beats as producing altered states of consciousness.
A binaural beat audio file is a scientifically designed interaction of oscillating tones and is not to be confused with music. Binaural beats may come off sounding like a musical composition but this is incidental. However don't let this deter you, as I myself find binaural beat audio to be an utterly delightful auditory experience! Imagine the "Sound of the Sirens" from The Odyssey... that is my impression of what I'm hearing. But more importantly, the sounds do lull you into an altered state which for me occurred in about 5-7 minutes with effects strengthening the longer I listened.
If you are interested in trying out binaural beat audio for yourself there are many companies that offer free samples. Go to Vedaka Lullaby to see a review of the top sites specializing in binaural beat audio.