Brainwaves 101
We at the SF Neurofeedback Center often speak of brainwaves. They are the frequencies that are read by our biofeedback machines and translated into information our brains can use to function more effectively. Their definition, however, may feel a little unclear sometimes and we believe it's important to understand them in order to know how neurofeedback works. Here are some facts you never knew about brain waves:
Brainwaves are the communication between our neurons. They are produced by synchronized electrical pulses sent out by masses of neurons. These pieces of communications are known to us as thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Brainwaves are divided into bandwidths to describe their functions:
Infra-low Waves (<.5Hz): basic cortical rythms that underlie our higher brain functions.
Delta Waves (.5 to 3Hz): slow and loud, usually generated in deep meditation of dreamless sleep state, usually associated with healing and regeneration.
Theta Waves (3 to 8Hz): also usually generated during sleep and meditation, these waves are the gateway to learning, memory and intuition.
Alpha Waves (8 to 12Hz): these ar predominant during quietly flowing thoughts, the resting states of the brain and is usually thought of being responsible for mental coordination, calmness, alertness, mind/body integration and learning.
Beta Wate (12 to 32Hz): these dominate our normal waking state of consciousness, usually when our brains are focused on performing cognitive tasks and the outside world. They range from lower frequencies, where mind engagement is lower, to higher frequencies, where we execute complex thoughts and deal with stress and anxiety (at this state the brain consumes big amounts of energy).
Gamma Waves (32 to 42Hz): the fastest of brainwaves, Gamma Waves pass information through different areas of the brain rapidly and quietly. Not much is known about them, but there is speculation they are in charge of perception and consciousness and are very present in the states of universal love, altruism, and the ‘higher virtues’.
The frequency of our brainwaves change according to how we feel. At the lowest frequencies, we can feel tired and dreamy, and at the highest, wired or hyper-alert.
Our brainwaves will directly impact our daily experiences in the world. When there is an imbalance in our brainwaves, we might experience corresponding problems in our emotional or neuro-physical health, which translates into several different disorders (i.e. anxiety disorders, sleep problems, agitated depression, chronic nerve pain, ADHD, among others).
Chemical interventions such as medications or recreational drugs are the most common methods to alter brain function, but more and more brainwave training has been used as a healthier and more effective way to change your brainwave (specially since this is a form of treatment that allows you to take a more active role in your own health care, is
completely non-invasive and draws from your body’s own healing response).
In a Neurofeedback session, the machine picks up real-time, instantaneous information about your brainwaves and feeds it back to the brain through tiny pauses in the music. These interruptions are signal that will allow your brain to understand what it is doing so that it can self-correct into a more natural, relaxed and effective pattern.
If you're interested in learning more about neurofeedback training and how it can help you, request a free consultation today.