Frequency check: Humans have five different brainwave states – Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta and Gamma
“The brain consists of about 20 billion neurons which all generate electrical impulses. When these neurons work together in synchrony, tiny rhythmic, electrical potentials occur in the synapses which are specialised junctions between the neurons. The more neurons that work in synchrony, the larger the potential (amplitude) of the electrical oscillations measured in microvolts. The faster the neurons work together, the higher the frequency of the oscillations measured in Hertz. These two parameters: amplitude and frequency are the primary characteristics of brain waves.” – Could Change Your Mind
My curiosity into brainwave states initially came through a Theta healing training course. Theta healing is a meditational process where you enter the Theta state (deep relaxation / dreamlike brain wave state) to receive physical, psychological and spiritual healing. These teachings began to open up questions on which waves are more active in which daily activities, and how the things we experience, listen to and watch can also influence our brain wave states, which in turn influences our thoughts, words, emotions, actions, habits: our way of being.
“Everything that you do and say is regulated by the frequency of the brain waves. There are five different frequencies of brain waves: Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta and Gamma. These brain waves are constantly in motion since the brain is consistently producing waves in all frequencies. One frequency dominates in any given situation.” – Theta Healing manual
One of my favourite quotes:
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”
By Nikola Tesla is always at the front of my mind when I approach any healing method.
Below I share an image with the short overview of the brain wave states and then a deeper look at each state. I feel it’s also important to know about the brain wave states so that we can be consciously aware of what we take in and how it influences our brain waves – for example clicking on the news, having a heated debate, engaging in fast writing tasks, enhances my beta (external, alert consciousness) brain wave state and this isn’t healthy to hold over a long period of time (can cause anxiety), especially when I first wake up or go to sleep, but is good for engaging in focused tasks. Alpha is activated in yoga and creativity and we enter this state before we sleep. I enter the theta state through sound healing and guided meditations, and generally in the moments before I wake up and lucid dreams occur. I’ve also started to make a request that only the highest possible energies look after me when my body sleeps and resets (delta). And I am pretty sure I have experienced some gamma brain waves on dancefloors over the years
Beta
Frequency: 13 to 32 HZ.
State: Alert consciousness
We enter Beta state when we are engaged in activities with the external world. Active thinking, writing, studying, concentration, engaging in tasks and conversations. Making decisions. Learning a new concept. It is also said that this frequency can help with tinnitus (around 20Hz).
Beta is also associated with excitement and rushes of adrenaline. You are in beta state when you are goal oriented and getting things done.
Prolonging in this state is associated with stress, muscle tension, increased blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia and addiction.
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Alpha
Frequency: 8-13 Hz
State: Physically and mentally relaxed, yet awake and alert
Alpha brain waves become detectable when the eyes are closed, the mind is relaxed and the journey begins inside. Alpha brain waves often come into play through meditation, yoga, just before falling asleep and when being creative and artistic. It can be a bridge between the conscious mind and the unconscious mind. In this state we experience reduced stress and anxiety and more balanced mental stability. It activates creative problem solving and intuitive insights. Improves the mind, body connection. Lowers blood pressure. Associated with the Heart Chakra, which is related to the Thymus, heart, blood, and circulatory system. We can enter a lucid state (day dreaming) in alpha. Improves visualization.
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Theta
Frequency: 4-8 Hz
State: Creativity, insight, dreams, reduced consciousness
Theta waves indicate deep relaxation and occur more frequently in highly experienced meditation practitioners. There are also certain practices, like theta healing, or sound healing, that can induce the theta state. Theta brain waves are predominant when we sleep and also when we daydream or enter flow state – showering, walking, dancing, etc. Deep relaxation, meditation, lucid dreaming, increased memory, focus, and creativity. Inner peace and emotional healing which lowers mental fatigue. State of unconscious problem solving. Deeper breathing, relaxing the lungs. Intuition and inner guidance activated. Reduced fear, absent-mindedness, and dizziness. Improves long-term memory and motivation; reduces procrastination and unwillingness to work. Waking dreaming (day dreaming) with vivid images. Activates the frontal lobe which controls creativity. Effects balance and stability. Creative visualization, starts at 6Hz and moves up to 10Hz.
7.83 hz is the Schumann Resonance, which is very grounding and balancing, the same frequency of the earth’s magnetic field.
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Delta
Frequency: 0.5-4 Hz
State: Sleep, dreaming, complete relaxation
These are the slowest of all brain waves, and are strongest when we are enjoying restorative sleep in a dreamless state. This is also the state where healing and rejuvenation are stimulated, which is why it’s so important to get enough sleep each night. Natural pain relief through stimulating endorphin release. Euphoric state. Nerve regeneration. Restorative sleep and profound relaxation. Restful sleep. Feeling of calmness, reducing anger and irritability. Retention of languages. Enkephalin (naturally occurring peptide that has potent painkilling effects). Improved memory, subconscious learning and problem solving.
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Gamma
Frequency: 32 – 100 HZ.
State: Heightened perception, extreme focus, energy, ecstasy
Gamma waves are shown to be highly active when experiencing states of love, altruism and more spiritual states of awareness. Key elements are: Rapid information processing, peak concentration, focus, concentration and learning. Gamma brainwaves serve to bind and harmonize the different parts of the brain. It’s also associated with feelings of compassion, endorphin release, higher levels of insight and information, psychic abilities, spiritual realizations and out of body experiences. Important for information and high-level information processing. A lack of this frequency can create learning disabilities.
“Neuroscientists believe that gamma waves are able to link information from all parts of the brain — the gamma wave originates in the thalamus and moves from the back of the brain to the front and back again 40 times per second — not only that, but the entire brain is influenced by the gamma wave. This rapid “full sweep” action makes the gamma state one of peak mental and physical performance. Gamma is the brain wave state of being “in the Zone,” that feeling that you can do anything.” – (from below youtube clip)
I am a complete novice on brain wave states and I hope this can open up some questions. One thing I am really bringing into awareness for myself is what brain waves are active in which activities. I do believe we are collectively moving towards becoming more in tune with our energetic bodies and brain waves are one of the tools to help us connect here more. Always observe what you watch and do and how it makes you feel and if that is the best possible thing for you in that moment. And note the things that you can do to lift your brain waves and your spirits.
I also experienced brain wave entrainment via a session with the Pandora Star light machine, where a LED light flickers in patterns to train your brain into specific brain wave states. It was a very interesting experience !
Check also this series from Joe Dispenza – ‘Rewired‘
Some extra links
https://choosemuse.com/blog/a-deep-dive-into-brainwaves-brainwave-frequencies-explained-2/
https://itsusync.com/different-types-of-brain-waves-delta-theta-alpha-beta-gamma-ezp-9
This post was written by Kim Booth