People suffering from sinusitis and other sinus issues often find it hard to concentrate and sleep. Usually, this has a significant effect on their life. As such, treating them in the most natural way possible is a must. And this is what binaural beats aims to do. Let’s find out more about this therapy and how it can help patients to achieve sinus relief.
What are Binaural Beats?
Also known as binaural tones is the process of using certain physical stimuli to help induce relaxation, manage stress, and achieve a meditative state. It is an emerging method of therapy that uses sound waves. The premise of this therapy is that the left and right ear process different frequencies of tones, but the brain processes these frequencies as only one tone.
While still considered in its early stage and viewed as semi-experimental, the practice already shows positive effects on patients with sinusitis.
How Binaural Beats Work
According to a 2015 study, a binaural beat should have a frequency of less than 1,000 Hz to be detected by the brain. This beat is the difference in the frequency between the waves that enter the right and left ear. Suppose that a right ear registers a tone of 200 Hz and the left ear registers at 220 Hz, the binaural beat in this scenario is 20 Hz.
Ideally, binaural beats follow several patterns, including:
- Delta: These patterns have a frequency of 0.5 to 4 Hz that can be associated with dreamless sleep. Studies show that patients with a delta pattern have deeper levels of sleep, as shown in their electroencephalogram (EEG) results.
- Theta: The frequency of theta patterns is between 4 and 7 Hz. They are the most ideal for enhancing the meditative state, encouraging creativity, and improving sleep quality. They are also the perfect pattern for sinus relief.
- Alpha: The alpha patterns registers frequencies of 7 to 13 Hz and are perfect for those who want to relax.
- Beta: The beta patterns, on the other hand, are 13 to 30 Hz. The lower limits are best for promoting concentration. However, higher frequencies can encourage anxiety.
- Gamma: This frequency is at the range of 30 to 50 Hz, and they are best for maintaining the arousal of an awake person.
The process can be likened to a hollow bone meditation, wherein patients would concentrate only on the beats of the drum.
Meditation for Sinus Relief
Once that individual achieves the meditative phase brought by binaural beats, they should now activate their meditation mantras to help them encourage bodily changes that can afford relief of their symptoms. Some of them include:
Om
The “Om” is a powerful mantra that one can use. While it may seem simple, its rhythmic pronunciation and vibration can help alleviate a patient’s symptoms. As patients chant the Om, they would readily create sound vibrations that cause the air to pass through the nasal cavity and help clear the excess mucus. Regular practice of this mantra can help the airways to drain the sinuses. For better results, patients can put their middle finger on their sinuses to facilitate the vibrations.
Deep Breathing
Another powerful meditation method that can help afford sinus relief is deep breathing. As a patient breathes deeply, they help open up the sinuses. Deep breathing also allows the cells inside the body to function well. When these cells can do their job, it becomes easier for the patient to get ample amounts of sleep, which is a factor in fighting inflammation that can cause sinusitis.