Exploring The 5 Key Brain Waves
The brain fascinates us. It is an organ that holds many secrets until this day and awaits to be discovered and proven.
I will explain some of the brain waves that have primary roles in our body and mind health, and if we can shift them in the right situation, it will change the quality of our lives.
Firstly,
“Neural Oscillation”
Throughout daily tasks, your brain is firing with neuronal activity. The neurons can fire randomly or in a synchronized manner. These synchronized, rhythmic electrical pulses from communicating neurons are called Neural Oscillations or brain waves. These waves are measured in speed cycles per second, which we describe as Hertz (Hz).
It Is Important to Know How Brain Waves are Measured.
There is a test called electroencephalogram, in other words, EEG.
This test can evaluate the electrical activity in your brain and record the waves. Electrodes are placed on specific sites on the scalp to detect and record the electrical impulses within the brain.
When the signal amplitude is high enough, EEG can record them from the cerebral surface. Different waves occur based on what you are doing and how you are feeling.
All five types of brain waves have different roles to play in your health and well-being. Certain factors, such as stress, medication, and poor sleep quality can disrupt the natural cycle.
It is time for the fun part;
Brain Wave Frequencies:
DELTA (0.1 to 3.5 Hz)
Delta waves are the slowest recorded brain waves in human beings.
When Delta wave activity is dominant, a person is in a deep sleep and not dreaming. We can access information in our unconscious mind through Delta.
They can help improve your immune system and reduce stress levels.
These waves are seen in infants up to one year of age. They begin to disappear from the sleep records of adults after age 45 and tend to be almost absent from those older than 75.
Top performers decrease Delta waves when high focus and peak performance are required.
However, most individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) naturally increase rather than decrease Delta activity when trying to focus.
Delta waves have been associated with a state of “physical healing” and play a role in tissue repair and regeneration.
THETA (4–8 Hz)
Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, and spiritual awareness.
It reflects the state between wakefulness and sleep and relates to the subconscious mind. They can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
It is abnormal in awake adults but perfectly normal in children up to 13 years old and during sleep.
Theta wave is related to creativity, fantasizing, and daydreaming. It is a repository for memories, emotions, and sensations.
Theta waves have been associated with a state of “mental creativity” and play a role in imagination and intuition.
ALPHA (8–12 Hz)
Alpha wave activity is dominant when a person is relaxed and not thinking about anything.
When your Alpha is usual, you tend to experience good moods and see the world truthfully.
It appears to bridge the conscious to the subconscious.
It is present during most of life, mainly beyond the thirteenth year.
Alpha rhythms are derived from the White Matter present in the brain. White Matter can be considered the part of the brain that connects all parts.
Alpha is one of the brain’s most important frequencies to learn and use information taught in the classroom and on the job.
You can increase Alpha by closing your eyes or taking deep breaths and decrease Alpha by thinking or calculating.
Alpha waves are associated with a state of “mental readiness”.
Subband low Alpha: 8–10: inner-awareness of self, mind/body integration. Subband high Alpha: 10–12: centering, healing, mind/body connection.
BETA (12–30 Hz)
Beta is the brain wave you experience when you are wide awake and engaged in problem-solving or other mentally challenging tasks.
It is the dominant rhythm in those who are alert or anxious.
The state that most of the brain is in when we have our eyes open and are listening, thinking, analytical problem solving, decision making, and processing information about the world around us.
They can help improve your memory and cognitive performance.
Beta waves have been associated with a state of “mental effort” and play a role in concentration and focus.
The beta bands are divided into low, midrange, and high:
LOW BETA (12–15HZ), MID BETA (15–18Hz)
HIGH BETA (above 18Hz): very focused.
GAMMA (above 30Hz)
Gamma is the fastest wave and is the only frequency group found in every part of the brain.
The brain produces Gamma waves when you are intensely focused or engaged in solving a problem. You are likely at peak concentration when your brain fires off these waves.
If your brain produces high levels of gamma waves, you tend to be happier and more receptive. You may also have a higher intelligence quotient or IQ and better concentration.
A good memory is related to well-regulated and efficient 40Hz activity, whereas a 40Hz deficiency creates learning disabilities.
How to Stimulate Different Brain Waves?
There are many different ways to stimulate brain waves. Here are some of the most popular methods:
1. Meditation
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to stimulate Alpha and Theta brain waves. It helps to quiet the mind and allows you to focus on the present moment. There are many different types of meditation that you can find which works best for you.
2. Brainwave Entrainment
Brainwave entrainment is a method of stimulating brain waves using audio or visual cues. This method is to help people meditate or achieve deep sleep. Many different brainwave entrainment products are available on the internet.
3. Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a method of using feedback to train your brain waves. This method is to help people with stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
4. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to stimulate all types of brain waves. It helps to increase blood flow to the brain and can improve cognitive function.
5. Music
Music is a powerful tool to stimulate different brain waves. Different types of music can have various effects on the brain.
(I will explore this topic in a separate article.)
6. Theta Burst Stimulation
Theta burst stimulation is a method of stimulating the brain with bursts of electrical energy. This method is for treating depression and anxiety.
Here is a fun fact to learn:
How is Understanding Brain Waves Important to Animal Communication?
The study of brain waves is essential for animal communication because both involve intuition and instinct.
Concentrate on moving your brain waves from higher to lower frequencies to reach a state beyond the conscious. Slowing down helps you achieve a clearer headspace and ground yourselves in the moment.
When this happens, you become open to new information and have more meaningful interactions with your animal companions.
I hope you enjoyed the article.
Wishing you all the best, Take care.
You can check my other article related to frequencies here:
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