WHAT ARE BRAINWAVES?

Every moment of your life your brain is active. It is pulsing
with electrical impulses; you heard that right, electricity! The
electricity or electrical current generated by the brain can be
measured with an electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures the
frequency of the electrical current. This frequency or speed of
the brainwave is measured in Hertz(HZ).

Now here is the really cool part. These frequencies can be
associated with your state of mind at any particular moment.
This means that your state of mind, for example being relaxed,
frightened, or sleepy...can be "seen" in your brainwave
frequencies. The speed of the frequency allows us to categorize
our brainwaves into four broad categories.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT BRAINWAVE PATTERNS?

There are four common brainwave patterns that have been well
researched and documented. They are:

BETA WAVES - 14Hz to 20Hz. Beta waves are associated with normal
waking consciousness. They are present when you are focused on
activities in the outside world.

ALPHA WAVES - 8Hz to 13Hz. Alpha waves are likened to a light
meditation. They are prevalent when you daydream. They will
become stronger when your eyes are closed.

THETA WAVES - 4Hz to 7Hz. Theta waves occur during heightened
states of creativity and are found with a deep meditative state.

DELTA WAVES - .5Hz to 3Hz. Delta waves are found in a deep sleep
state or unconsciousness. Also, Delta waves are common in very
deep meditation.

FOCUS, CREATIVITY AND CONCENTRATION - THE ALPHA CONNECTION

A predominance of Alpha waves in the brain is associated with
accelerated learning, focus and enhanced creativity. When you
are focus on something, there is a predominance of Alpha waves.
No matter what your profession or hobby, these attributes will
increase your productivity and enhance your experience.

FINDING THE HIGHER SELF - THE THETA CONNECTION

A deep meditative state is true bliss. Increase your Theta waves
and you are on your way to this state. In the Theta state you
can lose your attachment to the physical body. You will feel a
deep sense of physical relaxation. This disconnect of mind and
body allows you to focus on the inner you, the higher self. This
is the ideal state to begin your journey into meditation.

SLEEP AND MORE - THE DELTA CONNECTION

A Delta state has long been associated with sleep. If you have
trouble sleeping, the CDs targeting this range will help
immensely. Having a CD that targets the Delta brainwaves will
allow you to enter a deep sleep state easily. It will be time to
say goodbye to insomnia!

Recently there has also been some research that suggests that an
even deeper meditative state can occur during predominate Delta
wave activity. As you gain experience and comfort with
meditation, you may want to try reaching a Delta state during
meditation.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.



About the author:
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.