Brain Waves
All our thoughts, emotions and behaviours are rooted in the communication between neurons within our brains called brain waves. Brain waves are produced by synchronised electrical pulses from masses of neurons communicating with each other.The brain is a massive powerhouse of extremely low frequency (ELF) signals that get transmitted around our bodies via the nervous system, the same for every living organism on the planet. These communications occur at different frequencies; they are measured in hertz. Hertz (Hz) is measured as cycles per second ie 1 cycle per second = 1Hz, 4 cycles per second = 4Hz etc. Named after Heinrich Rudolf Hertz each brain wave has a purpose and helps serve us in optimal mental functioning. The image below gives you an idea of the massive connections made between the billions of Neurons in a human brain.
Amplitude represents the power of electrical impulses generated by the brain. Volume or intensity of brain wave activity is measured in microvolts. Raw EEG frequency bands include Delta brainwaves between 0.1Hz to 4Hz, Theta brainwaves between 4Hz to 7Hz, Alpha brainwaves between 7Hz and 12Hz, Beta brainwaves between 13HZ to 30Hz and Gamma brainwaves between 30HZ to 100Hz. Their ranges overlap one another along the frequency spectrum by 0.5 Hz or more. These frequencies are linked to behaviors, subjective feeling states, physiological correlates, etc. Clinical improvement with EEG biofeedback is traceable to improved neuroregulation in the basic functions by appeal to their underlying rhythmic mechanisms. Schumann’s resonance forms a natural feedback loop with the human mind/body. Our brains and bodies developed in the biosphere, the EM environment conditioned by this pulsing cycle.
There are 5 different types of human brainwaves, Starting with the lowest Delta from 0.1Hz to 4hz, Theta from 4hz to 7Hz, Alpha from 7Hz to 12Hz, Beta from 13Hz to 30Hz and Gamma from 30Hz to 100Hz (normally around 40Hz). Each brainwave occurs at distinct times within the brain.
Lets take a closer look at each of the brainwaves and how they compare to the resonant Schumann resonances, we can see how the brain is en-trained by these resonances; only then can we appreciate the effect they have on our daily living and all other organisms living on Earth!!.
Delta brainwaves between 0.1Hz to 4Hz (0-4 cycles per second)
DELTA waves range between 0-4 Hz. Delta is the lowest of the 5 brainwave frequencies are delta at less than 4Hz associated with deep sleep. It’s the dominant rhythm in infants up to a year old and is present in stages 3 and 4 of sleep. It tends to be the highest in amplitude and the slowest waves. We increase delta waves in order to decrease our awareness of the physical world. In deepest meditation and dreamless sleep, Delta waves are generated. Each of these brainwave frequencies serves an important function. In addition, certain frequencies in the delta range trigger the release of growth hormone beneficial for healing and regeneration. This is why deep restorative sleep is so essential to the healing process. It’s possible access information in our unconscious mind through Delta. see the images below show.
Too much Delta Waves:
Excessive Delta production is associated with coma, neuro developmental disorders, and serious brain injuries. In some cases, persons with extreme cases of ADHD may exhibit higher-than-typical levels of delta while awake.
Too little Delta Waves:
People with sleep disorders may be unable to attain adequate delta waves at night, these people won’t be entering the deepest, most restorative stages of sleep as often as others. This results in anxiety, fatigue, tiredness and causes sickness.
Theta brainwaves between 4Hz to 7Hz (4-7 cycles per second)
THETA waves is involved in daydreaming and sleep. Theta waves are connected with experiencing and feeling deep and raw emotions. Too much theta activity may make people prone to bouts of depression and may make them “highly suggestible” based on the fact that they are in a deeply relaxed, semi-hypnotic state. These occur more often in sleep but are also dominant in the deepest state of mediation. The optimum level for deep thought is Theta. In Theta, our senses are withdrawn from the external world and focused on internally originating signals. 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 its benefits of helping improve our intuition, creativity, and makes us feel more natural. It is also involved in restorative sleep. Once theta brainwaves aren’t produced in excess during our waking hours.
Too much Theta Waves:
Excessive Theta production is linked to lower levels of anxiety, stress, and neurosis. Increasing the total amount of theta wave can help slow rapid thoughts and will make a person feel more relax.
Too little Theta Waves:
People with too little Theta wave production, may suffer from anxiety, personality disorders, PTSD or stress.
Alpha brainwaves between 7Hz and 12Hz (7-12 cycles per second)
ALPHA waves are dominate during moments of quiet thought, and similar meditative states. Alpha is considered the “power of now”, being here and in the present of the moment. As more and more neurons are requited to this frequency, alpha waves cycle globally across the whole cortex. This induces of deep relaxation, but not quite meditation. Alpha is also the frequency known as the Schumann Resonance, which is the resonant frequency (7.83Hz) of the earth’s electromagnetic field. Schumann Resonance waves propagate in the Ionosphere around earth. When we are outside in nature our natural alpha waves go into resonance (kindling) with that earth’s frequency, we naturally feel better, refreshed. We are tuned into or resonante with the earths frequency of 7.83Hz. It is the resting state for the brain, not unlike a car idling at a stoplight.Alpha waves aid overall mental co-ordination, calmness and alertness, mind/body integration and learning. Alpha appears to be closely involved with reticular activation, and participates in binding mechanisms and resource allocation in regards to orientation and task sequences in the brain.
Too much Alpha Waves:
Increasing your Alpha waves automatically leads to decreasing your fears, tension, stress, nerves and anxiety. Alpha waves stimulate creativity and minimise depression. Alpha waves increased release neurotransmitter called “Serotonin” which acts as natural antidepressant.
Too little Alpha Waves:
Reduction in alpha waves often indicate you feel anxious, depressed and inhibit your creativity levels.
Beta brainwaves between 13HZ to 30Hz (13-30 cycles per second)
Are commonly observed while we are awake. They are involved in conscious thought, logical thinking, and tend to have a stimulating affect, allows us to focus and complete work-based tasks easily.These as being very fast brain waves that most people exhibit throughout the day in order to complete conscious tasks such as: critical thinking, writing, reading, and socialisation.
Too much Beta Waves:
increased beta brainwave activity can cause stress, anxiety and fear. It can also cause your blood pressure to rise.
Too little Beta Waves:
Reduction of beta brainwaves can lead to poor cognition, ADHD, daydreaming or depression.
Gamma brainwaves between 30HZ to 100Hz (30-100 cycles per second)
These are involved in higher processing tasks as well as cognitive functioning. Gamma waves are important for learning, memory and information processing. It is thought that the 40 Hz gamma wave is important for the binding of our senses in regards to perception and are involved in learning new material. People tested with learning disabilities or brain damage tend to have lower gamma activity than average.
Too much Gamma Waves:
Increasing gamma brainwaves modulate perception and consciousness, and that a greater presence of gamma relates to expanded consciousness or spiritual awareness.
Too little Gamma Waves:
Low amounts of gamma brainwave activity are linked to learning difficulties, poor memory, and impaired mental processing.
The connection between Humans and Schumann Resonance can be better explained using the analogy of 2 systems with matching frequencies, and when one starts to vibrate; the other will vibrate at the same time. Human brain waves and Schumann Resonance frequencies are in the same range. This creates “entrainment” or “kindling”. The word kindling refers to the matching of neurons across the brain creating synchronicity. The Schumann resonance is a tuning fork for life, it acts as a background frequency influencing the biological circuitry of the mammalian brain.
Life on Earth only exists because the Earth’s electromagnetic field protects all living things on it, and it’s natural frequency of 7.83Hz (Earths Heartbeat). The Schumann Resonance is the very pulse of the Earth at 7.83 Hz, this frequency of Earth’s natural harmonics; is the resonant frequency of the planet and matches that of human consciousness at the optimal low levels of alpha and the upper range of theta brain wave states.
The human nervous system can be influenced by the earth’s electromagnetic field. That’s why being outside in nature has always had a restorative effect and aided healing.