The Different Brainwaves of Consciousness: Gateways to Higher States of Being?
... Brainwave frequencies are measured in cycles per second, known as Hz, pronounced “Hertz”... There are five types of brainwaves: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta.GAMMA
Gamma waves are measured at 30 – 100
Hz, although the average rate is about 40 Hz... The high frequency is believed to induce high levels of cognitive functioning
and concentration ability. Some researchers have found that the gamma
state can be reached through meditation which focuses on love and
compassion.
BETA
... The
brainwave frequency of the beta state runs 12-30 Hz... The higher the frequency of this state, the more likely you will be to feel stressed out and agitated. Depression and anxiety are most tied to beta because this frequency “can lead to ‘rut-like’ thinking patterns.” This happens when your brain continues to dwell on the same thought over and over again.
ALPHA
Alpha brainwaves run between 7.5-12 Hz... This state of
consciousness is reached when a person is in a deeply relaxed state, but
not asleep.
It is also possible to reach the alpha state while daydreaming. Because alpha is associated with relaxation, there is some belief that attaining this state of consciousness may help to treat anxiety and depression.
Patients who practice relaxation and meditation practices, as well as
“inattention” methods, may find relief from these symptoms.
THETA
The theta frequency runs between 4-7.5
Hz... The theta state is found in only short bursts, between the alpha
state when drifting off to sleep and when emerging from deep sleep (the
delta state). Light REM sleep is most associated with theta
and this is when your subconscious mind is most active. Theta has been
known to help people access areas of their mind that they are otherwise
unaware of.
DELTA
The delta state has the slowest cycles in its frequency, a mere 0.5-4 Hz per second. This level can be attained in deep, dreamless sleep or during meditation which reaches levels of detachment from consciousness. The key is that the mind is in a completely unconscious state.
The importance of delta is the healing
properties it brings to the mind. As humans, we all need the opportunity
to shut down for small amounts of time to help us cope with the other
states of existence, particularly beta.
The Hypnagogic State and a Higher Level of Consciousness
Hypnagogia is the borderline between alpha and theta, between 7-8 Hz. Achieving the hypnagogic state can be extremely helpful in accelerating your creativity. It has been known to inspire great works such as Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and the art of Salvador Dali.
Sleep is not a necessary component of
the hypnagogic state; one merely needs to be relaxed enough to the point
of being on the brink of sleep. One important way of reaching
hypnagogia is through relaxed meditation.
Technology and the Hypnagogic State
There is some incredible technology
available out there for those hoping to access the hypnagogic state. One
of the more interesting devices is called the Lucia No. 03 Light Machine.
Developed by neurologist, Dr. Dirk Proeckl, and clinical psychologist,
Dr. Engelbert Winkler, both of Austria, this light machine has been used
to achieve many effects. Its most notable
benefits, according to the website, are reduced anxiety, depression,
fear and stress, a sense of inner peace and emotional stability,
increased intuition, and more restful sleep, among others.
Final Points
Each level of brainwave frequency has a
purpose in the human mind. Some are more confounding than others, such
as theta compared to beta.
However, the reason we experience each
state is because our brains need these levels to process different types
of information. Even in delta, our brains are working in such a way
that we cannot access the data. Yet, this does not mean our brains are
not plodding along steadily, figuring things out that our conscious
minds cannot, and do not need to, comprehend.
It is possible that we may tap into
deeper creativity in the theta state. Yet, it is also possible that we
are not meant to experience that state except for in small doses.
Machines, such as the hypnagogic light
therapy – Lucia No. 03, shows us that there are some positive aspects of
using technology to access these usually uncovered states of mind. As
technology progresses and we are able to learn more about these states,
we’ll also learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of accessing
them.
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