Do Brain Waves Exist?

It’s important to understand how the brain contributes to the state of mind. While most of us focus on looking at our emotions in an attempt to become happier, our brain waves and our subconscious mind play a crucial part in our quest for fulfillment.
Brain waves are quite real and have been studied extensively. They are produced by the neurons in our brain that communicate with each other by electrical change. These changes can be observed by different forms of medical technology, like the electroencephalography (EEG). Much of what we know about brain waves is a result of extensive research conducted by scientists and medical professionals.

Why do brain waves matter?

Our reality is not made up of all outside influences, but is influence greatly by our inner thoughts, beliefs and mindset. Therefore, by learning about states of consciousness, we can influence our state of mind by take part in activities that support a positive state of mind such activities in nature, eating healthy, artistic expression and dance. To do this, the first step is to understand your different brain frequencies.

How many brain waves are there?

There are five types of brain waves:

Beta waves
Alpha waves
Theta waves
Delta waves
Gamma waves

Each frequency is measured in cycles per second (Hz) and has its own set of characteristics representing a specific level of brain activity and a unique state of consciousness.

5 Types Of Brain Waves

1. Beta (14-40Hz) — The Waking Consciousness & Reasoning Wave

Beta brain waves are associated with normal waking consciousness and a heightened state of alertness, logic and critical reasoning. While Beta brain waves are important for effective functioning throughout the day, they also can translate into stress, anxiety and restlessness. The voice of Beta can be described as that nagging little inner critic. With a majority of adults operating at Beta, it’s little surprise that stress is today’s most common health problem.

2. Alpha (7.5-14Hz) — The Deep Relaxation Wave

Alpha brain waves are present in deep relaxation and usually emerge when daydreaming or during light meditation. It is an optimal time to program the mind for success and it also heightens your imagination, visualization, memory, learning and concentration. It is the gateway to your subconscious mind and lies at the base of your conscious awareness. The voice of Alpha is your intuition, which becomes clearer and more profound the closer you get to 7.5Hz.

3. Theta (4-7.5Hz) — The Light Meditation & Sleeping Wave

Theta brain waves are present during deep meditation and light sleep, including the all-important REM dream state. It is the realm of your subconsciousness and only experienced momentarily as you drift off to sleep from Alpha and wake from deep sleep (from Delta). It is said that a sense of deep spiritual connection and unity with the universe can be experienced at Theta.

Your mind’s most deep-seated programs are at Theta and it is where you experience vivid visualizations, great inspiration, profound creativity and exceptional insight. Unlike your other brain waves, the elusive voice of Theta is a silent voice. It is at the Alpha-Theta border, from 7Hz to 8Hz, where the optimal range for visualization, mind programming and using the creative power of your mind begins. It’s the mental state in which you consciously create your reality. At this frequency, you are conscious of your surroundings while your body is in deep relaxation.

4. Delta (0.5-4Hz) — The Deep Sleep Wave

The Delta frequency is the slowest of the frequencies and is experienced in deep, dreamless sleep and in very deep, transcendental meditation where awareness is fully detached. Delta is the realm of your unconscious mind, and the gateway to the universal and collective unconscious. Information received here is often unavailable at the conscious level. Among many things, deep sleep is important for the healing process — as it’s linked with deep healing and regeneration. Hence, not having enough deep sleep is detrimental to your health in more ways than one.

5. Gamma (above 40Hz) – The Insight Wave

This range was recently discovered, and at 40Hz and above, it’s the fastest frequency. While little is known about this state of mind, initial research shows Gamma waves are associated with bursts of insight and high-level information processing.

Which Brain Waves Are Best For Studying?

Alpha brain waves are optimal for studying.

Why? Because in the Alpha brain wave state, both mind and body, are relaxed while the mind is able to easily retain focus and stay on task. In this state, information is easily processed. In fact, it’s been proven that memory is at its peak during Alpha waves.

What type of brain waves signify the onset of sleep?

Theta and Delta waves are the most significant ones for the sleep cycle, Delta sleep being the deepest sleep. With this knowledge of the brain wave states, you can now better understand the peaks and valleys of your own consciousness.

(Info for above passage can be found in MindValley, January 19, 2019)

Research:

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