![](https://wiseandgorgeous.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/brain-entrainment-1-1024x576.jpg)
Definitions:
- Brain Entrainment
- Sound Frequency
- Superior Olivary Cortex
- Frequency Following Effect
Brain Entrainment
Brain Entrainment happens when we synchronise our brain’s natural rhythms with external stimuli like pulsing light or sound. The brain is purposely guided to different states, such as deep relaxation or heightened creativity, depending on the frequency of the sound / light
It is non-invasive, user-controlled, and almost always safe. The only known adverse reactions have been to light stimuli (flashing lights), particularly in those with disorders such as epilepsy.
For that reason, we will focus exclusively on sound frequencies.
Sound Frequency – Making Waves
![](https://wiseandgorgeous.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sound-waves-1024x1024.jpg)
Sound frequency is the number of times a sound wave vibrates each second, measured in hertz (Hz). High frequencies make high-pitched sounds and low frequencies make deep sounds.
Sound travels clearly through water, which is why whales can communicate across long distances. Since our bodies are mostly water, sound waves can travel through us effectively. This makes our brains respond to sounds.
Ever seen what happens when a speaker plays sounds underwater? The ripples change with the sound’s frequency, similar to how sound waves affect us.
Superior Olivary Cortex (SOC)
![](https://wiseandgorgeous.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/superior-1024x1024.jpg)
The Superior Olivary Complex sits within a larger brain section called the Pons. This part of the brain works out the direction from which sounds are coming. It uses a system of very complex calculations – all completely automatic and without any effort from us.
Frequency Following Effect
![](https://wiseandgorgeous.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/binaural-beats-1-1024x1024.jpg)
A binaural beat is generated by playing a sound with a different frequency in each ear.
When different frequencies are played in each ear, your Superior Olivary Cortex calculates the difference between the frequencies and starts to vibrate in sync with the newly calculated frequency.
This process is called the Frequency Following Effect.
The science of binaural beats is relatively new, and as with all therapies, it makes sense to research and talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions.
Why not try one of the audio binaural recordings on the sidebar (or below on a phone)?