When we talk about brainwave entrainment, and specifically binaural beats, we usually refer to four key brainwave states: Delta, Theta, Alpha and Beta. And a fifth, which isn't mentioned as much, which is gamma.
But there are two other types of brainwaves that don't get much attention: Epsilon waves and Lambda waves.
The reason is that unlike Theta and Alpha, for example, we don't have much scientific data to go on that will help us understand how brainwave entrainment in these areas may benefit our lives.
Indeed, apart from cardiologists measuring Epsilon wave activity via heart monitoring as a way of detecting Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD), we don't know much about Lambda and Epsilon brainwave activity.
But we do know enough to make the topic very interesting. For one, both these brainwave types, despite being at opposite ends of the spectrum, are very closely related.
Let's explore how…
Understanding Lambda Waves
Frequency:
Lambda waves oscillate at a frequency of 100-200 Hz.
* Oscillate means to move or swing back and forth in a regular rhythm.
Overview:
Lambda are very high frequency waves, much higher than the Gamma frequency range, and even higher than the Hyper Gamma range, which is around the 100Hz mark.
As mentioned in the introduction, Lambda waves are closely related to Epsilon waves. Interestingly, if you zoom in far enough you would see that embedded within the slow Epsilon wave is a very fast Lambda wave. The Epsilon wave is essentially riding on the Lambda wave.
Lambda waves are associated with experienced meditators, such as the Tibetan monks, who are able to meditate in the Himalayan mountains for hours without succumbing to the very low temperatures.
Similarly, you may have heard of a man known as the ‘Iceman', who is able to control his core body temperature and withstand freezing temperatures. It is thought that he is able to tap into the Lambda waves brain state for a prolonged period of time.
Wim Hof, the Iceman. Like the Himalayan Tibetan Monks he is able to meditate at extremely low temperatures.
Lambda is therefore associated with a much higher level of consciousness, beyond simply deep meditation or spiritual consciousness. It is more a state of complete oneness and wholeness.
Benefits:
The Lambda state seems to be an almost a secretive one, one that is somewhat shrouded in mystery. And that would make sense considering it is incidentally tied to the Tibetan meditation tradition.
Lambda is often associated with a moment of discovery and insight that is indescribable, an “aha” moment, so to speak. I guess the best way of putting it would be if you suddenly understood the meaning of life: you'd be able to feel it and sense it, but unable to put it into words.
Understanding Epsilon Waves
Frequency:
Epsilon waves oscillate at a frequency of 0.1 – 0.5 HZ
Overview:
The Epsilon waves are very low-frequency, below that of delta waves which start at 0.5Hz. To give you an idea of just how low that is, most electroencephalogram (EEG) devices are not able to measure below o.5 Hz.
The same ‘riding' phenomenon seen in Lambda waves can be seen in Epsilon waves. If you zoom in far enough you would see that embedded within the Lambda wave is a very slow Epsilon wave (riding).
And so there seems to be a circular pattern that occurs between the very high end of the brainwave spectrum and the very low end of the brainwave spectrum. And this is where it gets really interesting.
The so-called Epsilon state is associated with ‘suspended animation'; a state where you're alive but with no obvious signs – so no perceivable heartbeat, respiration or pulse. It is said that some yogis and meditation masters are able to achieve this state.
So I find it extremely interesting that the Lambda waves and the Epsilon waves, despite being at opposite ends of the spectrums, seem to have an interconnectivity, whereby they support each other.
Now, considering the above regarding ‘suspended animation', it would seem that those accessing these states through meditation and practices of higher consciousness are seemingly walking the line between life and death, almost.
And again I reference back to what I said earlier about not being able to fully explain what happens in these states, which makes absolute sense to me because it is a level of consciousness that is essentially indescribable, and perhaps immeasurable by science.
Benefits:
So the benefit of accessing the Epsilon state is purported to be an extraordinary state of consciousness, one of a much higher awareness, and perhaps one of suspended animation.
Using Lambda and Epsilon Entrainment
You won't actually find many Lambda and Epsilon recordings for sale on the popular brainwave entrainment stores. This is mainly because there really isn't the research available to be able to quantify results and explain what the benefits would be.
So essentially it's a leap of faith and something that you'd be experimenting with.
It should also be noted that Lambda waves are extremely high frequency waves and may have the potential to cause headaches in some people.
Additionally, if you experiment with Epsilon entrainment, you should do so when lying down or sitting in a meditation (lotus) position. Do not drive a car, operate machinery or do anything that requires your full concentration.
For those new to brainwave entrainment music, my personal recommendation is that you start off with the most common brainwave states (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta).
As a general rule of thumb I advise beginners to start off with some Theta entrainment for relief of stress and anxiety, to access a meditative state, and enhance creativity; Alpha entrainment for focus, productivity and positivity, and delta for better sleep.
The best way to encourage the production of these brainwaves would be to practice daily meditation and to use other brainwave entrainment music. This will encourage the synchronization of the left and right brain hemispheres and subsequent higher brain functioning.
If you do want to try some Lambda or Epsilon entrainment, check out iAwake. This store carries some quite progressive titles that delve into the deeper levels of spiritual consciousness.
=> Click here for Infinity Meditation (a Lambda program)
=> Click here for Profound Meditation 3 (includes an Epsilon CD)
In Summary
Despite oscillating at very different frequencies, Lambda and Epsilon waves appear to produce a very similar state of high-level consciousness, yet one that can't really be described outside of somewhat ambiguous language.
The two states are interconnected, but this may not be as relevant as we think. We see a similar occurrence with Gamma waves: when we zoom right in we can usually see a Gamma wave underneath a Lambda wave.
This is because all of these brainwave states are interconnected. If we took a snapshot of our brainwaves at any one given time, we would of course find one dominant brainwave category, but we would also see a spectrum of brainwaves of different frequencies.
But what we do know is that very experienced meditators, such as the Himalayan Tibetan monks, produce an abundance of these waves during meditation sessions, and seemingly tap into a level of consciousness that the majority of us will never discover.
What that consciousness represents, or can do for us in the physical realm of this world, is unknown and undocumented by science
Chris says
Hi there.
The lambda and epsilon brainwave state are something that always came appealing to me. So appealing that I always wanted to give it a go, but didn’t bother to because the “experts” say binaural beats do not entrain frequency higher than 25 Hz, which is false because studies have shown 40 Hz (Gamma) having the capability of evoking the brain and thus, express characteristics of the gamma brainwave.
I have alot of experience with high states of consciousness. Majority of my day is spent in the gamma brainwave state, where one becomes more conscious and aware of their world. It is a beautiful state to be in because it allows us, humans, to prevent subconscious behavior (autopliot) from reoccurring.
Since the subconscious behaviors occur whenever one is spending time in the conscious mind thinking, it becomes difficult for humans to express themselves and go for their goals. This is where the power of gamma brainwaves kick in, because that’s when one is alerted and more conscious.
With that said, I have decided to give lambda a try using binaural beats. I created it via the Audacity program on my computer. The audio is supposed to entrain 140 Hz in the brain and so far, it seems to be working very well. I will share a little insight behind this brainwave state, since that’s where I am in right now.
Imagine having a virtual reality headset on, and you are focused on that game. Notice how that game is in first person and how it feels like you’re actually there? That’s usually how it goes with lambda, except this is real life. Real life feels like a video game because your awareness and conscious perception is greatly enhanced.
If you want a small glimpse of this: Place your conscious awareness on your right ear. Now, at the same time, place your conscious awareness on your left. You will notice your awareness shift into the middle, where you’re in a first person view.
This is usually what you’ll experience in the lambda brainwave state, except it’s sustainable and more clear because your state of consciousness is (literally) enhanced. We know this because the faster brain activity is, the more alerted and conscious one becomes.
I hope this has helped those who are interested in learning some characteristics of the lambda brainwave state. It really is pleasant and nice to experience. You are the creator of your reality in the sense that if you are conscious, you can engage in the things you like.
That’s all I have left to say. Thank you for this article, Lawrence.
bbfreak says
Hi Chris, that’s really interesting, thank you for sharing your experience.
I agree that the binaural beats effect goes well beyond 25 Hz. In my experience around 50 Hz is the top end before the effect is diminished. You can hear this because the tone becomes flat, more like the sound of a monaural tone. There is no oscillation, which is caused by the two tones converging. This means the brain no longer interprets the mathematical difference between the two signals (from the left and right ears). Fo tones as high as 140 Hz that you care experimenting with I recommend generation a monaural tone instead. More on how to create those here: https://www.binauralbeatsfreak.com/binaural-beats/binaural-beats-vs-monaural-beats
Chris says
Thank you, Lawrence! You’re doing amazing work, here.
I’ll give it a try later during meditation as this state of consciousness is not really a recommendation outside of that, in my opinion.
Chris says
Hey lance, I just made a great discovery regarding Lambda brainwaves and entrainment using binaural beats.
So from what we know, epsilon and lambda are two brainwave frequency that work together, right? Well, we can create binaural beats to induce this wonderful state by entraining the epsilon brainwave state.
The problem is that a lot of people are inappropriately making epsilon binaural beat recordings. They aren’t using the right respective values needed for the brain to percieve the difference between the two.
When you are making the difference between the two tones 0.4 Hz (epsilon), you are supposed to do it like this; 100 Hz left and 100.999994 Hz right.
From an outside perspective, it looks silly, but this is very important because after the value exceeds 100.999999 it will become 101 Hz, which will introduce the delta brainwave state.
So it’s very important to not make the mistake of simply putting 100.0_ as that won’t really entrain, well, anything because that’s not even a brainwave state.
Glen says
Hi Lawrence
In this article you seem to be saying the same thing in both sections about the Epsilon wave riding inside the Lambda. In the Lambda section did you mean to say that if you zoom into the Lambda you find the near-flat Epsilon inside that between the spikes? Then within the near-flat Epsilon, you find high intensity (100-200Hz) Lambda buried in that? Can you point me to research on Epsilon, Lambda, and Hyper-Gamma, I’m having a hard time tracking down sources.
Thanks so much!
bbfreak says
Hi Glen, yes, I’m saying the same thing in reverse. There is very little research done in this area so information is scarce. There are some articles on the iAwake blog. Have a search here.
Pär says
I tried and it was pure magic. It was like I did not breathe anymore 🙂 and I understood everything in some crazy way.
John Doe says
Someday you may know literally everything.
Jonno says
Thanks for the article. I found the Isotonos app on the Android store to be pretty cool, and its FREE. It has an awesome 20 minute Epsilon track.
KC says
I’d been using iAwake’s Infinity track daily for about a week now and really love it so far. It does put me into a more compassionate, expansive state. I often come out of the meditation feeling cleansed and refreshed, sometimes feeling like there’s icecube in my head. I usually do it first thing in the morning while sitting up straight … Will keep experimenting more.
bbfreak says
That’s great to hear. It seems a few people are enjoying that track. For anyone else interested in iAwake, I did a review here: https://www.binauralbeatsfreak.com/program-reviews/iawake-technologies-review
Chuck says
I will be embarking on this technology as a complete newbie. I am very interested in the inter connectivity between epsilon and lambda! Being at opposite ends of the spectrum but riding together. My thoughts were that they could connect together in a circular fashion like a chain on a bicycle. But, what would be the “Master Link!?”
Together, would they create a “Speedball Affect!?!”
TY
Chuck
bbfreak says
I think it’s more a transcendent state. I’ve heard it described as a unique state where pure emptiness joins “all that is.” So it’s kind of a oneness.
Jill says
I’ve been using the IAwake programs they are really helpful in these stressful times.
I’ve been using epsilon and it is intense. I think it’s a bit too much for me right now as a beginner in this. it definitely produces higher states of consciousness But almost uncomfortably so right now.
bbfreak says
Hi Jill, I agree, epsilon can be intense. It’s a strange area really and not as much is know about it as the other states, so it’s more for experimental times.
Kevin Randolph says
I just discovered iAwake website approximately 3 weeks ago. I was so impressed with the information they had on entrainment, I bought the complete Profound Meditation Program 3.0. Too early to tell about my experiences as I’ve just started with the program but, I’m about to take advantage of the Memorial Day sale and get the Infinity program that has Lambda and Epsilon entrainment tracks.
bbfreak says
Great! Please come back and let me know what you think.
Kinga says
Thank you for your explanation.
bbfreak says
No worries. Glad I could help.