As you know, the human brain operates using electrical signals. It constantly generates electrical impulses called brain waves (or brain rhythms, brain waves, brain activity waves). The frequency of these pulses is measured in Hertz or cycles per second. Well, the dominant frequency of brain waves determines the overall state of the brain.
Why dominant? The whole point is that the brain does not work as a single unit at the same frequency. This means that one area of the brain can produce more beta waves, while other areas of the brain emit pulses at a different frequency. In General, it may be in a calm relaxation state, for example, but part of the subcortex will be itching about stress and problems in the background.
Waves (rhythms) of human brain activity are divided by scientists into five main types: Delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma.
The EEG (electroencephalogram) rhythm in the frequency band from 8 to 14 Hz, the average amplitude of 30 to 70 mV, however, high — and low-amplitude alpha waves can be observed. It is registered in 85% of healthy adults. It is best expressed in the occipital regions. The highest amplitude of the α-rhythm is in a state of calm wakefulness, especially when the eyes are closed in a darkened room. It is blocked or weakened when attention increases (especially visual) or mental activity.
In a state of complete relaxation and immersion in yourself, alpha waves are amplified, and healing and cleansing processes begin to take place in our psyche, hidden resources Wake up: intuition comes to life, concentration of attention becomes perfectly honed, and psychic abilities appear. The world around begins to play with completely different colors, making a person happy.
Ways to increase the alpha rhythm:
Negative effects that occur when the alpha rhythm is over-stimulated include increased sleepiness, fatigue, and even depression. It is important to understand your condition. Increasing the alpha rhythm will be useful in cases of depression associated with fear, nervousness, and tension. It is not necessary to raise the alpha rhythm in a calm, relaxed state with a clear consciousness. This can lead to feelings of frustration, boredom, and loss of interest in life
Low-amplitude fluctuations in the total potential of the brain with a frequency from 15 to 35 vibrations per second, the amplitude of 5 to 30 mV. This rhythm is inherent in the state of active wakefulness. Refers to fast waves. This rhythm is most strongly expressed in the frontal regions, but it increases sharply during various types of intense activity and spreads to other areas of the brain. Thus, the intensity of the beta rhythm increases when a new unexpected stimulus is presented, in a situation of attention, with mental stress, and emotional arousal. Their amplitude is 4 to 5 times less than the amplitude of alpha waves.
Ways to stimulate beta waves:
If your beta wave level is naturally elevated, the additional stimulation will lead to feelings of fear, unexplained anxiety, and even panic. Beta rhythm increases muscle tension and blood pressure. These waves affect the processes of excitation of the nervous system and relieve drowsiness. Therefore, hypertensive patients and insomniacs should not get involved in stimulating beta waves.
EEG potential fluctuations in the range from 30 to 120-170 vibrations per second. The amplitude of the gamma rhythm is very low, below 10 mV and inversely proportional to the frequency. If the amplitude is higher than 15 mV, then the EEG is considered pathological. Gamma rhythm is observed when solving problems that require maximum focused attention. Gamma rhythm is observed when solving problems that require maximum focused attention. This is the rhythm of concentration and concentration on a problem or task, the rhythm of an active collected solution and work.
From 0.5 to 4 vibrations per second, the amplitude 50 500 mV. This rhythm occurs both in deep natural sleep, and in narcotic sleep, and also in coma. Delta rhythm is also observed when recording electrical signals from areas of the cortex bordering the area of a traumatic focus or tumor. Low-amplitude (20–30 mV) fluctuations in this range can be registered in a state of rest in some forms of stress and long-term mental work.
EEG rhythm with a frequency of 4.8 Hz, high electric potential of 100-150 microvolts, high wave amplitude from 10 to 30 mV. The theta rhythm is most pronounced in children from two to five years of age. This frequency range promotes deep relaxation of the brain, good memory, deeper and faster assimilation of information, and awakening of individual creativity and talents. It is in this frequency range that the brain has enough energy to assimilate large amounts of information and quickly transfer it to long-term memory, enhance the ability to learn and relieve stress.
Ways to stimulate theta waves
The disadvantages of increasing theta brain activity include: