Brainwave entertainment can help kids: Here is how
Brainwave entrainment is a relatively new, trendy method being used in education, work and lifestyle. The concepts behind it are centuries old though. Back in the Bronze Age, people used ceremonial chambers that were acoustically tuned caves that were best suited to particular brainwave frequencies in order to induce an altered state of mind. Yes, people actually sat in these chambers to feel calm or energised! But how can this help your child (or you)?
What is brainwave entertainment?
Modern brainwave entrainment prompts the brain to still access a particular state, but through a variety of different stimulation modes, including sounds, lights, electromagnetic fields, or visuals. This stimulation actually affects the way our brain cells work. Most people experience brainwave entrainment as producing calmness, heightened concentration, relaxation, meditation, or even sleepiness. However, some people can have problematic reactions or side effects, including ringing sensation in the ears, dizziness, shortness of breath or problems with vision. People prone to seizures need to avoid brainwave entertainment.
What do teachers and scientists say about brainwave entertainment?
Scientists do not yet have a full understanding of the function or source of different brain rhythms. But it’s true that brainwave entertainment is being used widely, especially as audio, to help students concentrate more (increase brain activity) or calm them down (reduce brain activity). A lot of entertainment apps are encashing on this with tall claims, including promises of drastically higher IQ, weight reduction, better grades etc. These usually have little or no scientific base.
How does brainwave entertainment benefit kids?
There are several types of stimuli used in brainwave entrainment: magnetic, electric, haptic (vibrational), and audio stimulation. Let’s see what educators are using them for:
Exposing your kids to these waves through audio is the best way to get real, concrete benefits. You will find many such videos on YouTube. Play the audio according to the result you want. Don’t persist if your child feels physically uncomfortable. Avoid headphones the first time.