Brainwaves and Meditation
Scientific research has demonstrated the connection between brainwaves and meditation. The five categories of brainwave activity are: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Here is a quick guide to the categories and their relationship to various states of meditation.
GAMMADescription: Advanced meditators produce gamma brainwaves. In the Gamma state, there is a high level of precognition and information is processed by the brain at a very fast rate. This state is associated with high levels of brain organisation, perception, mental activity and awareness. (Some researchers do not view Gamma as a separate category and it has been neglected by researchers until recent times. It is often seen as part of the upward state of the Beta wave of activity.) Frequency: 30 Hertz and upwards (emitting signals at over 30 times per second)
BETADescription: This is the MULTI-TASKING state of mind. This state is related to conversation, logical thinking and mental concentration. We are alert, busy and active. We can also be stressed and harried when in this state. Related emotions include fear, anger, surprise and worry. Frequency: 13-30 Hertz (cycles per second)
ALPHADescription: This is the state of relaxation, meditation, and light hypnosis. One is relaxed but alert. Frequency: 8-12 Hertz (cycles per second) Methods of getting into the Alpha State: Listening to relaxing music, daydreaming, meditation, massage... Read more about the
Alpha State.
THETADescription: Perhaps this is where the expression: "I've had a brainwave comes from" ? At the upper end of the Theta spectrum, one has access to intuitive ideas, problem solving and creativity. When you are immersed in carrying out an automatic activity such as driving or having a shower, where you are performing actions unconsciously as your mind is focused elsewhere, you can be said to be in the Theta state. This state can also be one of deep meditation, inspiration and future planning. The lower end of the Theta spectrum is light sleep. Frequency: 4-8 Hertz (cycles per second) Activities in the Theta State: Meditation, dreaming, visualisation, paranormal experiences, out-of-body experiences, ESP Read about the
Superconscious
and the
Guided Meditation with the Light Self.
DELTADescription: At the upper end of the Delta range is a state of deeper meditation or a light sleep state (REM - Rapid Eye Movement stage of sleep). The lower end of the Delta spectrum is the deep sleep cycle. Activities: Mindfulness meditation, sleeping, trance state, self-healing Frequency: Below 4 Hertz (cycles per second)
You can see from the above that the slower the rhythm of the brainwaves, the more relaxed you are. The easiest way to slow down your brainwave activity is to monitor your breathing. Here are some methods of bringing you into a deeper state of relaxation:
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