What are brainwaves

It is impossible to overestimate the power of alpha state meditation.The alpha state is often referred to as the Super Learning state by educators, or as The Zone by athletes, or The Groove by musicians and artists.Below you can see how our brainwaves work and the physical changes that occur during alpha state meditation.

What are brainwaves?

Brainwaves are the rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain which result in the flow of an electric current. In short, electrical activity in our brains vibrates at a certain frequency.

Neuroscientists have discovered five main kinds of brainwave states. These are known as alpha, beta, gamma, delta and theta.

Each brainwave state represents a certain frequency range. The frequency of our brainwave determines the state of consciousness we are in, which in turn leads to the resulting kind of emotions and mental functions that are at work within us.

All five brainwave states exist at varying amounts in different parts of your brain. Your brainwave state is determined by the dominant brainwaves that are active in your head at any given moment.Brain waves are measured in hertz (Hz) – a measure of frequency defined as the number of events occurring per second.At the moment, we just need to look at two of these brainwave states – alpha, and beta.

Lets look at Beta first.The frequency range of beta is between 13 - 25 Hz.

Beta Waves

From the scientific evidence, it seems that most people, whilst not meditating, are in a ‘beta state.’ This represents ‘normal consciousness’ – where attention is focused on daily, physical reality.When we are in beta state, it appears that our mood is highly affected by external stimuli, and that the frequency of the waves slow down or speed up according to what is happening around us.Beta frequencies are associated with the fight or flight state.

They occur during intense thought and also when we are scared or agitated.In short, it appears that when in a beta state, we are not in tune with our inner selves, and are simply in ‘reaction mode.’

Although we need the beta state for survival, we tend to over use it – reacting defensively to situations, as though they were life or death, when it would be more appropriate to be non confrontational and calm.

It is unhealthy to spend too much time in beta. If we dwell too long in this state,we become drained by mental negativity, anger and fear.

That's why it is so helpful to learn how to practice alpha state meditation.

The frequency range of alpha is much slower. This slower frequency can be seen when we are in an alpha state meditation.Lets look at alpha now.


Alpha waves

The frequency of alpha waves typically range from 8 – 12 Hz.Alpha is the state that people are typically in when meditating. It is associated with a feeling of calm awareness, and when we are in alpha state, we are more in tune with our inner selves and less affected by external circumstances.

Because we are relaxed when in alpha state meditation, we find it easier to learn, to be creative, and to access our inner consciousness.A lot of research has been done on the benefits of the alpha state. It has been found that when we are in alpha, healing takes place naturally and the conscious mind is relaxed.

The tension in our bodies disappears. We gain access to our higher selves, and our self - awareness increases, allowing us to work effectively on our self - development.

Our psychic abilities are awakened. We become more sensitive to the energy flow creating our feelings.We are more able to clear our minds of clutter and focus on visualizing where we are going, what we want and to bring this about in our lives.So, we could say that when in beta state, the doors of perception are closed, while when in alpha, they are open.

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