
This research supports the theories that suggest that the use of the drum by indigenous cultures in ritual and ceremony has specific neurophysiological effects and the ability to elicit temporary changes in brain wave activity, and thereby facilitates imagery and possible entry into an ASC (altered state of consciousness) ( 2).


The pattern of the drumbeat as it relates to beats per second can be correlated with resulting temporary changes in brain wave frequency (cycles per second) and/or subjective experience, provided the drumming pattern is sustained for at least 13 – 15 minutes. This consistent beat induced a trance-like state for the tribe, due to the brain following along at a 4.5 beats-per-second brainwave frequency, which is a low Theta brainwave state, as you'll learn about later on. Interestingly, scientist Melinda Maxfield, PhD, conducted research on the drumbeats used during rituals of ancient cultures and found that they generally beat at a steady rate of 4.5 beats per second. But what they did know was that sound had powerful healing properties.

Of course, in times past, societies didn't refer to music therapy, binaural beats, or brainwave entrainment of any kind. For example, the Chinese character for medicine includes the character for music ( 1).

It is something that has been part of human societies for centuries. This theory is known as ‘Frequency Following Response' (FFR) a naturally occurring science that happens in the human brain.Įntraining the brain through sound isn't just a modern trend. The brain then follows along at this frequency and produces brainwaves of the same frequency. The resulting frequency, interpreted by the brain, is the mathematical difference between the two frequencies sent to the left and right ears. Upon hearing the two different frequencies, the brain interprets one consistent, rhythmic frequency, known as a binaural beat(s). A different sound (tone) frequency is sent to the left and right ears through headphones. The science behind binaural beats occurs naturally in the brain.
