Decades of History Behind Brainwave Entrainment

Brainwave synchronization or entrainment is the process by which an external stimulus operating at a particular frequency can cause the human brain to increase brainwave activity at that particular frequency, thereby modifying cognitive functioning.

In 1934, photonic light stimulation ("Photic Driving") was shown to cause brainwave synchronization when researchers found that the strength of the Alpha brainwave, discovered by Hans Berger in 1929, could be driven beyond its normal frequency using flickering lights.

In 1942, tactile stimulation was shown to cause brainwave synchronization by Dempsey and Morison through repetitive tactile stimulus.

In 1959, auditory stimulation was shown to cause brainwave synchronization by Dr. Chatrian, where the brain waves responded to clicks at a frequency of 15 per second.

In the 1960's, brainwave entrainment (synchronization) was being used as a tool to entrain the brain for desired effects. The amount of anesthesia needed for surgery was reduced by photic stimulation by M.S. Sadove, MD. During dental procedures, less anesthesia, less gagging, less bleeding, and reduction in anxiety were reported by Bernard Margolis due to brainwave entrainment.

In the 1980's, brainwave entrainment was being studied as a tool for Serotonin and HGH release, headache relief, and general relaxation by Dr. Norman Shealy, Dr. Glen Solomon, and others.

In 1980, photic stimulation was shown to produce "cerebral synchronization" by Tsuyoshi Inouye and associates at the Department of Neuropsychiatry at Osaka University Medical School in Japan. These results were later confirmed by Dr. Norman Shealy.

In 1981, the book MegaBrain was written by Michael Hutchison, discussing the many uses of entrainment, from meditation to increased learning.

In 1984, audio-visual brain stimulation and in particular hemispheric synchronization were analyzed during EEG monitoring by Dr. Brockopp, who said "By inducing hemispheric coherence the machine can contribute to improved intellectual functioning of the brain."

In the 1990's, the potential for using entrainment with ADD and learning disorders was studied by researchers such as Dr. Russel, Dr. Carter, and others.

To the present day, brainwave entrainment continues to be studied. Steady research comes from the work of Dr. Thomas Budzynski, David Siever, Michael Joyce, and others. Research has been conducted into PMS, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Depression, Hypertension, and a number of other disorders.

Many modern clinical EEG units now come with entrainment devices due to the promising results of studies done in the field of brainwave synchronization.

Over 70 years of research back the use of brainwave entrainment. There are continually more professionals, psychologists, mental health clinics, trainers, teachers, and individuals who are finding brainwave entrainment to be a remarkably useful tool.

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