In the following material, it is likely you will grow to understand several things. First of all, there is a huge growing culture in North America that is moving to meditation for it's health benefits. Meditation has been embraced by modern medicine and health care professionals and by research scientists as being wholly effective for stress related illnesses, increases in concentration and relaxation, enhanced immune function and healing both the body, psychology and spirit. What has been known for millennia has become increasingly more mainstream.

Secondly, the cornerstone of meditation is brainwave regulation. Everyday our brains generate Beta brainwaves during our full active consciousness. During meditation, brainwaves are shifted from a Beta frequency to a Theta frequency. In the Theta state, our mind switches into a calmness that allows for creative thought, and healing. In this culture, we are bombarded by stimulants to the senses from foods, media and fast-paced cultural living with all of its associated pressures. This perpetual daily stimulation overdoses people into an over-extended Beta state of consciousness. The brain is not relieved from this stimulated state of consciousness, and has difficultly switching gears into relaxed states of consciousness where healing can occur. This chronically activated Beta state can lead to stress related illnesses both physically and psychologically.

Studies have shown that the brain is an adaptive organ and will become more proficient at whatever it is asked to do repetitively over time. Meditation, through the production of Theta waves, increases the brain's capacity to do so and restores this balance which give us a sense of connectedness and well being among many other health benefits. Meditation over time and with effort eventually retrains the brain to adopt a Theta state more often and for longer periods of time. It is this Theta state which has all the health benefits associated with it ... and the health benefits are staggeringly significant.

The Article, "Meditation finally gets credit for health benefits", by Elizabeth Large for the Baltimore Sun, Posted on: Friday January 9, 2004, makes the following points about the merits of meditation. The article states that meditation is being recommended by health-care professionals for all levels of wellness when drugs and other therapies don't work. It tells us that it is being recommended as a treatment/therapy for high blood pressure, attention deficit disorder, to reduce stress, control blood pressure and treat pain. The article refers to Glenn Schiraldi of the faculty of stress management of the University of Maryland's College Park Department of Public and Community Health. "It [meditation] creates changes in the body opposite in every way to stress, and it's intrinsically pleasant to do." If scientists were recording a meditator's EEGs as he/she focuses on his/her breathing, shuts out the outside world and enters a meditative state, they would find that the activity slows down in the areas of the brain that process sensory information. Conscious thought decreases and relaxation increases. The article tells us that the latest science suggests meditation can have long-term health benefits, maybe even life-extending ones. Sophisticated scans have shown it can actually rewire the brain.

In Time Magazine's cover story "Meditation Works", Just Say OM, the article includes this comment:" In 1967 Dr. Herbert Benson, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, afraid of looking too flaky, waited until late at night to sneak 36 transcendental meditators into his lab to measure their heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature and rectal temperature. He found that when they meditated, they used 17% less oxygen, lowered their heart rates by three beats a minute and increased their theta brain waves right before sleep. In his 1970s best seller, The Relaxation Response, Benson, who founded the Mind/Body Medical Institute, argued that meditators counteracted the stress-induced fight-or-flight response and achieved a calmer, happier state. "All I've done," says Benson, "is put a biological explanation on techniques that people have been utilizing for thousands of years." Joel Stein, for Time Magazine, August 4, 2003. The article goes on to explain the types of meditation and the benefits, the effects on the brain according to leading researchers, the vast numbers of North Americans flocking to meditate and refers to actress, Goldie Hawn and  prominent film director, David Lynch and their daily 20 year plus long-term meditation practices.

Clarity Seminars, which teach meditative stress reduction practices to corporate employees has  compiled a growing list of published research studies. The facts speak for themselves. The research shows that a meditative state can reverse the deadly effects of stress in the following ways in this impressive summary of key studies:

• Meditation significantly controls high blood pressure at levels comparable to widely used prescription drugs, and without the side effects of drugs.
  Hypertension, AMA Medical Journal
  
• Meditators are able to reduce chronic pain by more than 50%, while increasing daily function and markedly improving their moods, even 4 years after the completion of an 8-week training course.
  
• Jon Kabat-Zinn, M.D. Stress Reduction Clinic, University of Massachusetts
  
•  75% of long-term insomniacs who have been trained in relaxation and meditation can fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed.
  Dr. Gregg Jacobs, Psychologist, Harvard
  
•  Meditation decreases oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, and increases the intensity of alpha, theta, and delta brain waves-the opposite of the physiological changes that occur during the stress response.
  Herbert Benson, M.D. Harvard Medical School
  
•  Relaxation therapies are effective in treating chronic pain, and can markedly ease the pain of low back problems, arthritis, and headaches.
  National Institutes of Health, 1996
  
•  Reducing stress can dramatically reduce heart disease. In a five-year study of heart disease patients, those who learned to manage stress reduced their risk of having another heart attack by 74%, compared with patients receiving medication only. Reducing mental stress also proved more beneficial than getting exercise.
  Dr. James Blumenthal, Duke University, 1997
  
• Twenty-eight people with high levels of blocked arteries and high risk of heart attack were placed a program with regular practice of meditation, yoga, a low-fat vegetarian diet, and exercise. Twenty people in the control group received conventional medical care endorsed by the AMA. At the end of a year, most of the experimental group reported that their chest pains had virtually disappeared; for 82% of the patients, arterial clogging had reversed. Those who were sickest at the start showed the most improvement. The control group had an increase in chest pain and arterial blockage worsened. (Follow-up studies suggest that the stress-reduction element may be the most significant factor in achieving these results.)
  Dr. Dean Ornish, San Francisco Medical School, University of California, Lancet Journal
  
•  Two groups were compared: meditators and non-meditators. The meditators were less anxious and neurotic, more spontaneous, independent, self-confident, empathetic, and less fearful of death.
  Atlantic Monthly, May, 1991
  
•  Twenty out of twenty-two anxiety-prone people showed a 60% improvement in anxiety levels following an eight week course in meditation.
  University of Massachusetts
  
•  In a recent study, 77% of individuals with high levels of stress were able to cool down-lower their blood pressure and cholesterol levels-simply by training themselves to stay calm.
  Health, October, 1994
  
•  Women with severe PMS showed a 58% improvement in their symptoms after five months of daily meditation.
  Health, September, 1995
  
•  Meditation may slow aging. A study found that people who had been meditating for more than five years were biologically 12 to 15 years younger than non-meditators.
  International Journal of Neuroscience, 1992.
  [From Health News & Review, 1993, Vol. 3 Issue 2

Meditation and Theta  Brain Waves

Meditation is not all that easy. Practitioners of meditation take years to learn to meditate effectively and rewire their brains. For those who have difficulty concentrating, they may not even be able to produce the brain waves effectively to induce a meditative state. During meditation, parts of the brain are switched, and the brain goes into a Theta wave state. It is this Theta state that is responsible for significant health benefits. The more the brain induces a Theta state, the greater the health benefits associated with meditation.  The goal then is to induce Theta waves in the brain for more areas of the brain over a longer period of time to realize health benefits both physically and psychologically.


What are Theta Brain Waves and what do they do for us ?

Theta Brain Waves (4 - 8 Hz): are present during deep meditation and dreaming sleep. They are associated with a calm, centered, spiritual state of being and with so-called 'peak experiences' - creative flashes of insight and glimpses of spiritual enlightenment  When a deep realization comes 'out of the blue' and when we experience a deep welling-up of pure emotion, the brain is usually producing theta waves. The theta state is much sought after by those wishing to experience heightened states of consciousness, spiritual awareness and ecstasy. Greater intuition, inspiration, creativity, calm and understanding are all benefits of producing theta waves.

Theta brain waves are associated with the subconscious mind, the layer between the conscious and the unconscious. We hold all our memories, past emotions and experiences in the subconscious, so activating theta brain waves, though often producing a sense of calm and well being, may very occasionally bring up suppressed memories and emotions from the past. Some of these may be deep and painful, but by bringing them to the attention of the conscious mind, they can initiate a healing process within the self.

While the brain is in the Theta state, the individual is experiencing increased ease and relaxation and normally a feeling of well being. Physically, the individual is experiencing an increase in immune function, a lowering of blood pressure and a reduction of pain. Healthwise, the individual is experiencing a greater health response to medical treatments even more antibodies produced after receiving a vaccine.

Meditation is not the only way to encourage the brain to produce Theta brain waves.  Binaural beats can also do this. The science proves that when binaural beats are heard by the brain, the brain will respond by producing Theta brain waves for the duration of the binaural beat stimulation and beyond


What exactly are Binaural Beats?

To explain this science simply, the left and right channel in your stereo system each generates a different frequency of audible waveforms. The difference between the two waveforms is the desired theta brainwave frequency. Our mind perceives this difference and stimulates the brain to produce Theta waves. So meditation is not the only way to stimulate Theta response. Just listening to binaural beats in a regulated environment can induce this state as well.

Sound is one of the most transformative and healing energies on the planet. It can relax us or move us to great heights of emotion. Sound restores balance and harmony to our lives and makes us healthy.

Sound affects us on all levels - physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Beneficial sounds have the ability to charge and harmonize us. There are reasons for this. Through sound, it may be possible to apply harmonizing vibrations which will cause the body to become in balance again. In a healthy body, every organ, bone, tissue, and other part is producing balanced frequencies that create a healthy harmonic in the body.

The use of harmonics is found in many Shamanic and mystical traditions, particularly Tibetan Buddhism and Mongolian Shamanism. The chanters use these sounds harness energy forces and for balancing the chakras. Usually, this sounding is very slow and repetitive, creating a phenomenon known as sonic "entrainment" in which the brain waves of the listener lock in resonance with the brain waves of the chanter. This is one way of creating altered states - by altering our brain waves.

Binaural Beat Frequencies work on the same principle, creating a frequency that entrains your brain waves. Brain researchers and medical practitioners have divided brainwave activity into four levels:

Beta - Full consciousness
 
Alpha - Falling asleep at night, awakening in the morning, hypnosis and meditation
 
Theta - Early stages of sleep, deep hypnosis and deep meditation
 
Delta - Full sleep to deepest sleep


Reaching Theta with Mantra, Yantra, Music and Nature

Certain sounds can put us in resonance with frequencies that are within the alpha or theta brain wave range, 7 to 12 Hz, and 4 to 7 Hz, respectively. Meditative sounds called a Mantra is a repetitive sound which encourages this entrainment. To stimulate more areas of the brain to this entrainment, Yantra images can be used. Yantra images are the visual counterpart to a Mantra. These are symmetrical images that the meditator will focus on to stimulate the brain to a Theta state while using a Mantra. In principle, this engages more of the brain in the altering of the consciousness and the production of Theta brain waves.

Many of the environmental sounds seem to resonate to this spectrum of sound as well, particularly to a frequency called the Schumann resonance, 7.83 Hz, which is the resonant frequency of the planet.

Music has been long recognized as a means of consciousness management. Music can stimulate Beta activity to a point where we want to get up and dance, or sing, or clap along. Music can also help to induce Alpha and Theta states which help us to relax, as with the famous Brahm's Lullaby. Even before we are born, our brains are responding to sounds (harsh and soft) and corresponding brainwave activity is induced. Studies have shown music by Mozart can actually stimulate learning in children. It's obvious that music can resonate to induce various brainwaves. Perhaps composers are subconsciously striving for this when creating music. This is the essence of emotional response in music. The goal of most artists is to induce an emotional response from their audience. Next to Nature, perhaps music was the first application of brainwave stimulation. 


Consciousness Management With Binaural Beats

The existence of the phenomenon of binaural beats is well documented (Oster, 1973), and the application of binaural-beat stimulation as a consciousness management technique has been scientifically researched (Atwater, 1988; Hutchison, 1986; Monroe, 1982). The principle of using sensory stimuli to entrain specific cortical rhythms through the frequency-following response is well documented (Gerken, Moushegian, Stillman, & Rupert, 1975; Neher, 1961; Sohmer, Pratt, & Kinarti, 1977; Stillman, Crow, & Moushegian, 1978; Yaguchi, & Iwahara, 1976). Binaural beats are auditory brainstem responses which originate in the superior olivary nucleus of each hemisphere. They result from the interaction of two different auditory impulses, originating in opposite ears, below 1000 Hz and which differ in frequency between one and 30 Hz (Oster, 1973). For example, if a pure tone of 400 Hz is presented to the right ear and a pure tone of 410 Hz is presented simultaneously to the left ear, an amplitude modulated standing wave of 10 Hz, the difference between the two tones, is experienced as the two wave forms mesh in and out of phase within the superior olivary nuclei. This binaural beat is not heard in the ordinary sense of the word (the human range of hearing is from 20-20,000 Hz). It is perceived as an auditory beat and theoretically can be used to entrain specific neural rhythms through the frequency-following response (FFR)--the tendency for cortical potentials to entrain to or resonate at the frequency of an external stimulus. Thus, it is theoretically possible to utilize a specific binaural-beat frequency as a consciousness management technique to entrain a specific cortical rhythm (Brainwave). Brainwaves are measured using electroencephalography (EEG). The normal human EEG has a frequency range from 0.5 Hertz (Hz) to 30 Hz which is usually subdivided into four or five bands:

Beta Waves
14 Hertz (abbreviated hz, frequency measured in cycles per second) - 100 Hz
These waves are the most dominant. This is the mental state the average individual generally functions in on a day to day basis. From focusing on daily issues to holding a conversation.

Alpha Waves
8 Hz - 13 Hz
A relaxed or passive state best achieved by closing your eyes and slowing down brain wave activity. Once you are in this state, alpha waves become dominant. In this state we become calm and begin to focus inward. The alpha state is extremely satisfying and nurturing. It is important to attain an alpha or neutral state at least once a day to reduce your unwanted stress level.

Theta Waves
4 Hz - 8 Hz
Once we sink below alpha level waves, we reach theta. An elusive euphoric and mysterious state best associated with deep meditation. Many people find it hard to reach and maintain this level. Mind Machines help you reach this state faster. With practice it also becomes easier to maintain without falling asleep. This state is much like being on the edge of sleep and wakefulness. In this state you may have many reveries (mental images) or thoughts pour forth. Much of our unconscious becomes revealed. This state is most conducive to hypnotic trance, placing mental suggestions, accelerating learning, facilitating healing and implementing peak performance techniques.

Delta Waves
Below 4 Hz
For most people, once were in this state we are either asleep or unconscious. In this level we produce large quantities of healing growth hormone which both strengthens and replenishes us. There is growing evidence which suggests that it is possible to attain this state and maintain consciousness. Well practiced (at least 20 yrs.) Zen Buddhist monk masters are said to be able to do just this, even while engaged in everyday affairs! With the help of Mind Machines and practice, it is possible for an individual to benefit from this state and learn to attain it in significantly less time than an accomplished Zen monk.


A Brief Summary

Meditation, embraced throughout our culture, is about quietly training the brain to output Theta brain waves and enjoy all the associated health benefits. Health benefits, psychological benefits, learning benefits and spiritual benefits are all a by-product of Theta brain waves. Meditation is not the only way to have the brain exercise its output of Theta brain waves. Binaural beat science when added to music can also facilitate this state. Even more beneficial is the integration of images for concentration in a Yantra form. A visual symmetrical image with a focal point. This visual addition engages the occipital cortex of the brain and offers additional Theta stimulation by engaging more areas of the brain to increase its overall Theta  wave response. It should be noted that the brain is outputting different brain waves in different portions of the brain all the time. The goal is to achieve a greater level of Theta response in all areas of the brain. What is also of most benefit is to create a greater harmony of brain waves in the brain.

When our brains, through our daily living, are over-stimulated to excess Beta wave production, there may be a reduced ability to participate in meditation successfully at first. The brain has adapted to stimulation and finds it most easy to output Beta waves, not switching to allow for relaxation, feelings of calm, contentment and sleep. The "Organizing Chaos" series of DVDs addresses this problem by inducing a Theta response and exercising the brain to re-adapt to Theta brain wave output.

The "Organizing Chaos" DVDs are designed to offer this benefit. db have gone beyond one form of theta brainwave stimulation. They have integrated, Mantra & Yantra meditation techniques, Music, Art, and Binaural Beats in a unique way to help entrain more areas of the brain to a Theta state of consciousness. By playing the DVD and listening and watching, Theta waves are being produced in the brain. The more the DVD is watched, the easier it is to slip into a Theta state. In fact the brain is being exercised to produce Theta waves for the duration of watching the DVD, while it is responding to the music embedded with Binaural Beats and observing the slowly evolving Yantra like images.

Use this DVD to help with relaxation, concentration, learning, sleep and promote health and healing and to train the mind to meditate more easily.