How do Brainwaves Affect our State?
What are Brainwaves? There is nothing more fascinating than the human brain; Our brains are spectacular biocomputers.
Did you know that 78% of your brain is water, 12% fat, and 8% protein? The cerebral cortex is about 85% of your brain?
There are about 100 billion neurons (Roughly the number of stars in our galaxy), and approximately 100ml of blood flows through the brain every minute. Furthermore, there are around 160 km of blood vessels in your brain.
It can stay alive for up to 4–6 minutes without oxygen; the slowest speed that information travels between neurons is 416 km per hour.
Amazingly, the brain generates enough electricity to light a 25-watt light bulb. One human brain generates more electrical impulses in a day than all the telephone connections in the world combined.
Now, these are some powerful and thought-provoking facts, but have you ever stopped and wondered how the human brain functions?
Neurons in the human brain
There are millions of neurons in a person’s brain. The neurons constitute the nervous system. They transmit information to and from the brain and the rest of the body. Such complex processes require many neurons, but how many exist in the human brain?
Human brains contain about 100 billion neurons (give or take a few billion). In neuroscience and psychology textbooks, this estimate has often been reported for many years. Thus, it is generally accepted as a relatively good approximation.
Neurons generate electricity
These millions of neurons will sync up and generate enough electrical energy to be detected by an EEG device (Electroencephalogram).
A brainwave pattern is the result of all of this electrical activity.
These patterns rise and fall, creating wave-like patterns.
Depending on the frequency output, brain wave patterns have different names, measured in pulses per second.
Looking at the Beta pattern left, we see that this frequency on the Hertz scale ranges from 14 pulses to 30 pulses per second (Hz).
As we awaken and become consciously alert, Beta becomes our predominant waking frequency. Attention, concentration, and cognition
When we are in a physical and mental state of relaxation and are still aware of the world around us, we produce another brainwave frequency called Alpha.
This frequency is typically eight pulses to 14 pulses per second (Hz). Creativity, relaxation and deep chill.
When we feel sleepy or daydream, we usually produce theta at 4-8Hz. We are very creative during the Theta brainwave state. Memory, meditation and intuition are associated with theta.
Typically, delta waves are between 0.1 and 4 Hz; they are the lowest of all brainwave frequencies. During deep sleep, growth hormones and healing hormones are released to promote healing. At this time, the least amount of activity takes place. It’s during this time that deep sleep occurs.
Four common brainwaves
In other words, brainwaves are electrical impulses generated during different states of consciousness.
There are four main groups of brainwaves.
Beta brainwaves
During waking states of consciousness, our brain waves are dominated by beta brainwaves when focused on cognitive tasks or the outside world. Beta is present when we are alert, attentive, engaged in problem-solving, judgment, decision-making, or focused mental activity.
Alpha brainwaves
When we think quietly or are meditating, the Alpha brainwaves dominate. The Alpha brainwave is associated with being in the present. It is the resting state of the brain. Mental coordination, calmness, alertness, mind-body integration, and learning are all enhanced by alpha waves.
Theta brainwaves
Brainwaves associated with theta occur most frequently during sleep, but they are also prevalent during deep meditation. They are crucial to understanding memory, perception, and programming. During theta, our senses are withdrawn from the outer world and are focused on signals from within. The twilight state that we experience as we wake or drift off to sleep usually only lasts a few minutes. As we enter a theta, we are in a state of dreamlike imagery, intuitive insight, and information beyond what is generally accessible. This place houses all our fears, our troubled past, and our nightmares.
Delta brainwaves
These slow, loud waves penetrate and resonate deeply, like a drum beat. Deep meditation and dreamless sleep expose us to such patterns. We experience empathy in delta waves, which suspend external awareness. During this state of deep restorative sleep, healing is stimulated, which is why this state of sleep is so vital to healing.
Changing our brainwaves
Typically, any change in perception alters the brainwaves. The most common method of altering brain function is through chemical interventions such as medications or recreational drugs; however, brainwave training is preferred.
Meditation and mindfulness are powerful ways for balancing your brainwaves. A newer method to alter your brainwave state, brainwave entrainment, is easy and low-cost. The best brain training methods, including neurofeedback and pEMF, deliver targeted, quick, and lasting results.