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Billions of
brain cells produce a lot of electrical activity. This can be measured
by an instrument called electroencephalograph (EEG) and what comes out
is a periodic waveform known as a brainwave pattern. It is known that
these frequencies vary according to our different mental and emotional
states. For instance, when a person tells a lie, his brain produces a
kind of electrical "surge" that can be detected – and this
forms the basis of lie-detector technology.
Various
brainwave frequencies are generally categorized into 4 types.
Beta
Waves
The highest
frequency waves are known as Beta waves, oscillating at about 13-40
cycles per second, or Hz. This is the frequency range of our normal
waking hour activities. The mental states in beta frequency range are
associated with a heightened state of alertness and focused
concentration. When your mind is actively engaged in mental activities,
the dominant brainwave state will be Beta. A person in active
conversation, playing sports or making a presentation would be in a
Beta state.
Alpha
Waves
However, when
you are in a more reflective mood – awake but possibly
resting, relaxed or daydreaming – the electrical activities
of your brain would be in the Alpha range of 8-13 Hz. This mental state
is more conducive to artistic creativity and lateral thinking.
Theta
waves
Theta waves
are even slower (4-8 Hz) and are associated with mental states of
deeper relaxation and meditation, enhanced creativity, light sleep and
dreaming. Theta brainwaves have been associated with meditative states
for centuries. Research has proven that half an hour of Theta
meditation can dramatically improve overall health and well being.
Theta meditation has also been known to reduce hours of sleep
requirement by improving sleep quality.
Delta
Waves
These are the
slowest frequency brainwaves (05-4 Hz) and represent states of deep
dreamless sleep. Delta brainwaves have long been associated with states
of healing. Although Delta waves normally occur only in deep sleep, it
is possible to train yourself to remain awake and still reach the Delta
state to experience even deeper levels of meditation and consciousness.
It is clear
from these categories that lowering brainwave frequencies progressively
put you in contact with your inner self. As you journey from alpha to
theta to delta you go through various shades of relaxation, stages of
sleep, and states of deeper meditation.
Do you recall
any long drive on expressway where you begin to feel as if transported
to another mental plane. You suddenly discover being highly creative.
This is theta brainwave state. This is the brainwave frequency range of
some of the highest brain functions including learning, memory, and
meditation.
More
Resources
Brainwaves and
Memory
Brainwave
Audios
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