The brain produces electrical impulses that travel throughout our brains.  These electrical impulses produce rhythms known as “brain waves.”  Brain wave activity can be recorded with an instrument called an “EEG” or Electroencephalograph.  EEG’s are able to measure and record brain wave patterns throughout all parts of the brain.

Gamma Waves (40 Hz):

Gamma waves dramatically increase your production of vital (and very pleasurable) brain chemicals related to your longevity, well-being, and quality of life. They are associated with problem solving in both adults and children. Gamma brain waves are known to aid you in learning and mental acuity. The 40 Hz rhythm can be observed throughout your entire brain; it is not found in one specific area. Individuals with learning disorders and mental deficiency often are lacking in gamma brain-wave activity.

High Beta Waves (20 Hz – 40 Hz)

Beta brain waves are “fast brain waves”. Fear, anxiety, excessive thinking, rapid thinking, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), addiction, and states of peak performance create high beta waves. Sometimes, the high beta compensate for excessive theta brain wave activity.

Beta Waves (12 Hz – 20 Hz):

Beta waves are created when you focus, analyze, perform calculations, or think about your external environment. An adult has significantly higher amounts of beta brain waves compared to a child. Beta waves are also created by stressful events.

Your brain wave activity determines how you’re feeling at any given moment.  All brain waves are active in your brain at all times.  However, one of these patterns is usually dominant and determines your state of awareness.

You shift throughout all brain wave patterns throughout the day.  When you wake up in the morning, your brain shifts to a dominant beta brain wave pattern. This pattern continues if you are doing mentally demanding work.  When you return home and relax (i.e. watching T.V.) – you begin producing more alpha waves. At bedtime, as soon as you close your eyes the brain shifts to dominant alpha waves. As you sleep, theta brain waves take over when you dream and delta waves become  dominant during the deepest, most restorative sleep.

You can consciously access the alpha state and theta state through meditation. Unfortunately, the majority of people lead their lives controlled by their own brain waves, instead of controlling their waves. They, therefore react to situations based on their state of mind instead of being able to shift to a desirable state of mind.

Alpha Waves  (8 Hz – 12 Hz):

Meditation, and relaxation produces alpha waves.  alpha activity increases when you daydream, relax, or close your eyes.   Normal alpha is balanced equally between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Alpha waves link the conscious mind with our subconscious.

Delta Waves (1 Hz – 4 Hz):

Delta brain waves are the dominant brain-wave pattern among infants and are associated with deep sleep. Brain injury or damage produces high-amplitude rhythmic delta waves in adults. Delta brain waves may also be produced in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Delta waves produce loss of awareness and are seen in those who are unconscious.

Theta Waves (4 Hz – 7 Hz):

Theta brain waves give rise to Fuzzy thinking, poor decision making, impulsivity, and slowed reaction time. They are also found in depression, and attention-deficit disorder.  Children have  higher theta brain waves than adults.