WHAT
ARE BRAIN WAVES? & WHAT DO THEY DO?
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| EEG
devices we can measure the brain waves as they are produced by our
brain. Brain
waves are the electrical fluctuations in the brain associated with
various states of cortical arousal (thinking, learning, relaxing,
recuperating etc.). Brain waves
are all oscillating electrical voltages in the brain, but they are
very tiny voltages, just a few millionths of a volt. Brain
waves are measured in terms of Hertz (Hz). Research has
demonstrated that the brain has the quality of
neural-plasticity, (able to change and learn new pathways) therefore
our brain can be trained to produce certain brainwaves at certain
parts of the brain thus enabling us to move from one state of cortical
arousal to another depending on our goals. Brain entrainment
uses sound and rhythm to allow you to enter certain states and then
move out of them once the entrainment has stopped. Neuro-Biofeedback
teaches the brain to hardwire itself into a more harmonious function.
Not all brainwaves are present at all times, for
example during deep sleep Delta and Theta are the most predominate
waves. Obviously you would have insomnia if you were unable to
enter into a delta or Theta brain wave. It is thought that a true
genius is someone who can turn on particular brain waves at the
appropriate times at the appropriate locations in the brain.
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| DELTA
0.5-
3 Hz |
Known
Functions
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Neuro-biofeedback
Training For: |
It is thought that Delta is the first primal or
core frequency that is produced in the RAS. The care frequency of
Delta is then altered by various brain structures to produce all the
other waves
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- Present during deep sleep
- Large & slow waves
- Human Growth Hormone Release
- Beneficial for healing & Regeneration
- High Delta Ratio whilst awake can indicate
depression & exhaustion
- Access to collective unconscious
- Intuition, ESP
- Detached awareness
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|
| THETA
4 - 7 Hz |
Known
Functions
|
Neuro-biofeedback
Training For: |
Theta
is also known as the twilight state which we normally only experience
fleetingly as we rise up out of the depths of delta upon waking, or
drifting off to sleep. In Theta, we are in a waking dream, vivid
imagery flashes before the mind's eye and we are receptive to
information beyond our normal conscious awareness. Theta has also been
identified as the gateway to learning and memory.
In
Theta state, brain cells are able to restore their sodium and
potassium levels, which is essential for proper brain functioning. The
sodium & potassium levels are involved in osmosis which is the
chemical process that transports chemicals into and out of your brain
cells. After an extended period in the Beta state the ratio between
potassium and sodium is out of balance. This the main cause of what is
known as "mental fatigue". A brief period in Theta (about 5
- 15min) can restore the ratio to normal resulting in mental
refreshment
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- Super learning (children tend to
activate Theta whilst learning)
- Theta can activate stored painful
memories
- ADD/ADHD individual usually produce
too much Theta in relation to Beta
- feelings
of silence and being one with the universe; revelation
- moving
beyond knowledge into knowing
- Heightened
receptivity
- Reprogramming
the Mind
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- Insomnia
control
- Increase
in Creativity
- Stuttering
- ADD/ADHD
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| ALPHA
8-12 Hz |
Known
Functions
|
Neuro-biofeedback
Training For: |
The
brain waves called "Alpha" were the first to be discovered
(around 1908, by an Austrian Psychiatrist named Hans Berger).
Alpha brainwaves originate in the occipital lobe
and move up towards the frontal lobes. When individual's do not
produce sufficient alpha or alpha of insufficient power, then it never
reaches the frontal lobes and they tend to operate in Beta which
generates varying levels of anxiety and stress.
This range (between 7– 8 Hz)
encompasses the resonant frequency of the earth and ionosphere, and is
known to aid in migraine/headache alleviation with visualization
techniques. The Alpha and theta border also helps to boost the body's
immune functions. Neuro- chemical levels of norepinephrine, serotonin
and Beta-endorphins are increased.
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- Peak performance
- less
anxiety and, correspondingly, stronger immune systems
- associated
with light relaxation
- super
learning/enhanced learning mode
- positive
thinking
- mind/body
integration
- intuition
- extra
sensory perception
- day
dreaming
- self
reflection
- bridge
between conscious & unconscious
- emotional
balance & mood elevation
- inner
awareness
- Associated
with earth's magnetic field
- Enhances
serotonin release
- Facilitates
nicotine withdrawal
- Deficient
in Alcoholics
- Excess
can cause spaceness
- expanded
awareness
- sense
of peace & wellbeing
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- Relief from pain
- Drug, Alcohol, Cigarette Addiction
- Hypertension
- Obtaining the state of Zen
- Clearing of past trauma
- Increased physical performance
- Increased creativity
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| SMR
12- 15 Hz |
Known
Functions
|
Neuro-biofeedback
Training For: |
| SMR
stands for Sensory Motor Rhythm, it is this brainwave that we use for
passive intellectual activities. Ideally we should use SMR for
everyday function and reserve Beta for more intense situation,
However, for many Beta is the brainwave habitually used. |
- Training SMR can help ameliate Epilepsy
- Reduces anxiety
- Strengthen basic physiological functions
- Strengthen the Mind and conscious Ego in a
positive way
- Calm intellectual processing
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- Anxiety Reduction
- ADD/ADHD
- Fearfulness
- lack of body awareness
- migraines
- stomach aches with stress
- Aspergers
- Chronic fatigue
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Menopausal symptoms
- Panic attacks
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Improve maths conceptualisation
- Nightmares
- Improved spatial skills
- Reduction of Type A personality traits
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| BETA
14-
37 Hz |
Known
Functions
|
Neuro-biofeedback
Training For: |
From an evolutionary point of view beta allows
us to assess and learn new information quickly, Beta activates all
systems, it main function was for survival. However, Beta
demands and uses large amounts of physical resources and when Beta
goes into overdrive it eventually results in physical exhaustion.
Think of constantly running through a jungle and not knowing were the
next tiger is going to spring from!
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- highly abstract, complex mental functioning
- Strengthens basic physiological functions
- Strengthens the Mind and Ego in a positive
way
- Excess - hypertension, anxiety, muscular
tension, exhaustion
- alertness, concentration
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- ADD/ADHD
- Anxiety
- Increase sequential processing
- Improved articulation/Language
- Chronic Pain
- Addictions
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Dyslexia
- Fatigue
- Tension headaches
- Hypoglycaemia
- Insomnia
- Irregular Menstrual Cycle
- Improved sense of wellbeing
- Menopausal symptoms
- Panic attacks
- Improved maths & language skills
- sugar cravings
- inattentive
- learning difficulties
- social anxiety
- spacey
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| GAMMA
38- 90 Hz |
Known
Functions
|
Neuro-biofeedback
Training For: |
| Gamma is a
'newer' brainwave only because it is difficult to get instrumentation
to accurately measure it. It is thought the Gamma is the
harmonizing frequency - for example when you are observing an object,
its colour, size, texture etc are all perceived and processed by
different parts of the brain, it is thought that Gamma allows for
unification of all the different information. |
- Harmonizing & Healing
- High level information processing
- Disappear with general anaesthesia
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