What is the function of the various

brainwaves?
Ned Herrmann is an educator who has developed models of brain activity and integrated
them into teaching and management training. Before founding the Ned Herrmann Group in
1980, he headed management education at General Electric, where he developed many of his
ideas. Here is his explanation.
It is well known that the brain is an electrochemical organ; researchers have speculated that a fully
functioning brain can generate as much as 10 watts of electrical power. Other more conservative
investigators calculate that if all 10 billion interconnected nerve cells discharged at one time that a
single electrode placed on the human scalp would record something like five millionths to 50
millionths of a volt. If you had enough scalps hooked up you might be able to light a flashlight bulb.
Even though this electrical power is very limited, it does occur in very specific ways that are
characteristic of the human brain. Electrical activity emanating from the brain is displayed in the
form of brainwaves. There are four categories of these brainwaves, ranging from the most activity
to the least activity. When the brain is aroused and actively engaged in mental activities, it generates
beta waves. These beta waves are of relatively low amplitude, and are the fastest of the four
different brainwaves. The frequency of beta waves ranges from 15 to 40 cycles a second. Beta
waves are characteristics of a strongly engaged mind. A person in active conversation would be in
beta. A debater would be in high beta. A person making a speech, or a teacher, or a talk show host
would all be in beta when they are engaged in their work.
The next brainwave category in order of frequency is alpha. Where beta represented arousal, alpha
represents non-arousal. Alpha brainwaves are slower, and higher in amplitude. Their frequency
ranges from 9 to 14 cycles per second. A person who has completed a task and sits down to rest is
often in an alpha state. A person who takes time out to reflect or meditate is usually in an alpha
state. A person who takes a break from a conference and walks in the garden is often in an alpha
state.
The next state, theta brainwaves, are typically of even greater amplitude and slower frequency. This
frequency range is normally between 5 and 8 cycles a second. A person who has taken time off from
a task and begins to daydream is often in a theta brainwave state. A person who is driving on a
freeway, and discovers that they can't recall the last five miles, is often in a theta state--induced by
the process of freeway driving. The repetitious nature of that form of driving compared to a country
road would differentiate a theta state and a beta state in order to perform the driving task safely.
Individuals who do a lot of freeway driving often get good ideas during those periods when they are
in theta. Individuals who run outdoors often are in the state of mental relaxation that is slower than
alpha and when in theta, they are prone to a flow of ideas. This can also occur in the shower or tub
or even while shaving or brushing your hair. It is a state where tasks become so automatic that you
can mentally disengage from them. The ideation that can take place during the theta state is often
free flow and occurs without censorship or guilt. It is typically a very positive mental state.
The final brainwave state is delta. Here the brainwaves are of the greatest amplitude and slowest
frequency. They typically center around a range of 1.5 to 4 cycles per second. They never go down
to zero because that would mean that you were brain dead. But, deep dreamless sleep would take
you down to the lowest frequency. Typically, 2 to 3 cycles a second.
When we go to bed and read for a few minutes before attempting sleep, we are likely to be in low
beta. When we put the book down, turn off the lights and close our eyes, our brainwaves will
descend from beta, to alpha, to theta and finally, when we fall asleep, to delta.
It is a well known fact that humans dream in 90 minute cycles. When the delta brainwave
frequencies increase into the frequency of theta brainwaves, active dreaming takes place and often
becomes more experiential to the person. Typically, when this occurs there is rapid eye movement,
which is characteristic of active dreaming. This is called REM, and is a well known phenomenon.
When an individual awakes from a deep sleep in preparation for getting up, their brainwave
frequencies will increase through the different specific stages of brainwave activity. That is, they
will increase from delta to theta and then to alpha and finally, when the alarm goes off, into beta. If
that individual hits the snooze alarm button they will drop in frequency to a non-aroused state, or
even into theta, or sometimes fall back to sleep in delta. During this awakening cycle it is possible
for individuals to stay in the theta state for an extended period of say, five to 15 minutes--which
would allow them to have a free flow of ideas about yesterday's events or to contemplate the
activities of the forthcoming day. This time can be an extremely productive and can be a period of
very meaningful and creative mental activity.
In summary, there are four brainwave states that range from the high amplitude, low frequency delta
to the low amplitude, high frequency beta. These brainwave states range from deep dreamless sleep
to high arousal. The same four brainwave states are common to the human species. Men, women
and children of all ages experience the same characteristic brainwaves. They are consistent across
cultures and country boundaries.
Research has shown that although one brainwave state may predominate at any given time,
depending on the activity level of the individual, the remaining three brain states are present in the
mix of brainwaves at all times. In other words, while somebody is an aroused state and exhibiting a
beta brainwave pattern, there also exists in that person's brain a component of alpha, theta and delta,
even though these may be present only at the trace level.
It has been my personal experience that knowledge of brainwave states enhances a person's ability
to make use of the specialized characteristics of those states: these include being mentally
productive across a wide range of activities, such as being intensely focused, relaxed, creative and
in restful sleep.
#WhyWeFloat
Theta State - How The Brain Signals Relaxation

What’s happening to your brain when you float? How do you go from being awake, conscious, and
stressed to relaxed and dreamy? While we still have a lot to discover when it comes to different
states of consciousness, one key element is the “Theta State,” when our brain waves operate at a
certain frequency most often linked to the moments between sleep and wakefulness. To really
understand what the Theta State is and how it benefits us, we have to first explore a little bit about
brain waves more broadly.
 In 1924, German psychoanalyst Hans Berger recorded an electronic signal coming from the brain
for the first time. The signal was chaotic, intermittent, and didn’t exactly fit with the contemporary
understanding of how brains functioned. It took him five years to figure out what his findings meant
before he could publish any meaningful results, and it took over a decade for the international
scientific community to accept them as legitimate (some readers may notice that there are parallels
to be drawn here with how float tank research has been received by academia).
Since then, scientists have discovered multiple frequency bands that brain waves operate on,
including Alpha (aka “the Berger wave”), Beta, Gamma, Delta, and of course – Theta. Whenever a
certain frequency is dominant, we say the brain is in a certain “state.” As an example, when you’re
holding a conversation, your brain is using resources that are alert, engaged, and focusing on
details, so it is in the “Beta state.”
Theta brain waves are a lower frequency band, which means they’re typically more active when
you’re less active. This type of brain activity is much more common in children and becomes less
frequent as we get older. Theta State is also often associated with some really great benefits:
increased creativity, stress reduction, restfulness, and contentment. These benefits extend beyond
the moments when your mind is in Theta State and regular practice can prolong these benefits,
leading to greater health outcomes.

Since they were first discovered, Theta waves have been seen as a key to understanding the
subconscious mind. Research has shown that theta waves are running the show when we’re in the
moments between sleep and wakefulness, where consciousness is malleable and intuition is
higher.From the 1950s through the 1970s, neuroscientists were eagerly examining the brainwaves of
all sorts of people performing a variety of different activities (not the easiest thing to do, given that
early EEG technology looked a lot like this). One thing researchers discovered was that Buddhist
monks were slipping deeply into Theta State when meditating, demonstrating a clear physiological
effect from this (at the time) poorly understood religious practice (research has since shown that
experienced meditators can also slip into Gamma State, as well).
 This caused a flood of excitement and curiosity. What else could cause our minds to flip into this
mental recharge state? When researchers began studying sensory reduced environments, it wasn’t
long until they started looking to see what impacts it was having on the brain. Perhaps
unsurprisingly, they found that there was a massive increase in theta waves in subjects. One of the
problems was that, given the limitations of technology, they couldn’t monitor brain waves until after
people got out of a float tank, leading to gaps in understanding about what was happening during
the floats themselves.

Until recently EEG technology just couldn’t handle the wet and salty environment of a float tank.
But as of 2016, thanks to new developments in wireless EEG technology, we can watch people
enter Theta State in a float tank in real time. Because of this, we’re finally able to figure out what’s
going on inside the brain during a float.
 It turns out that even first time floaters are able to get into Theta State during a 90 minute float.
Experienced floaters are not only likely to experience Theta State, but can do so much more easily,
staying within that mental state for much longer stretches of time.
 Given all this, it’s not exactly surprising that floating has been shown to significantly reduce stress,
enhance creativity, and improve sleep – these benefits are all closely related to Theta brain activity. 
Also notable is that as people float more often, it gets easier to enter Theta State inside and outside
of the tank. Interestingly, the scientific discovery of what happens to our minds during floating is
actually more exciting now than when it was first discovered.
 We now know that floating is great for general mental health improvements and in patients with
stress or anxiety disorders, it can have even more profound effects. Low theta wave activity is
associated with several mood disorders including PTSD and Depression. The increased activity in
Theta may even contribute to why floating has such a remarkable ability to alter the brain activity of
people with anxiety conditions to bring them back to baseline stress levels like those found in
healthy brains.
 While there’s been a long history of almost mythological deference to the Theta State in the
alternative wellness community throughout the years, the science has never been more clear: the
Theta State exists, is beneficial, and can be reached through floating.
 So what are you waiting for? Go float yourself.
Tagged: theta wave, brain waves

Why Theta Brain Waves Are So Healing +

How To Generate Them More Often
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December 2, 2021

Our brains are complicated and multifaceted organs, to put it mildly. Aside from neurons, cells,
blood vessels, and water, brain waves help compose the incredible masters of our central nervous
system. These electrical voltages help our brains reach certain states, from focused to relaxed.
Theta brain waves happen during a drowsy yet still awake period. Here's what you need to know
about theta waves, including their relationship with sleep, and how you can tap into them to achieve
your goals.

In This Article
1
What are theta waves?
2
Brain waves intro
3
Can theta waves be manipulated?
4
Theta waves & sleep
5
Theta waves & manifestation
What are theta waves?
"Theta waves are one of the electrical patterns in the brain we see on a quantitative
electroencephalogram (qEEG)—a test that measures electrical activity inside the brain," says
communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist Caroline Leaf, Ph.D., author of Cleaning
Up Your Mental Mess.
"Theta waves have a frequency of 4-8 Hz. and are activated when we are being insightful or
creative. It's often referred to as the healing wave," Leaf adds.
Theta waves are very prevalent in children, says Ilene S. Ruhoy, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified
neurologist and medical director for the EDS/Chiari Center at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital
in Hewlett, New York. However, they are also seen in adults in a non-alert, drowsy state where
awareness of the physical world is lessened (such as hypnosis).
The fact that these waves are visible in both light sleep stages as well as during focused tasks is
what makes them so interesting.
"Theta waves are the dominant frequency in healing, high creative states, remembering emotional
experiences (good and bad), memory retrieval, and encoding new memories into thoughts," explains
Leaf.

How brain waves work.

All brain waves are measured using a qEEG. This test is conducted by placing electrodes on the
person's scalp to measure electrical activity inside the brain as it responds to what the person is
doing or thinking about.
"Typically, qEEG data is viewed onto a 'map' of the head, so we can see which areas of the brain
have electrical activity, such as over the prefrontal cortex [PFC], amygdala, or hippocampus," says
Leaf. "This also helps show which brain frequencies are more active and how they are working in
relationship to each other."
There are five major types of brain waves, Ruhoy explains. Here's a quick breakdown of each:
• Gamma waves (> 25 Hz.): This is the fastest brain wave. It's responsible for learning,
memory, and processing new information.
• Beta waves (> 13 Hz.): This brain wave is most prominent when we are awake and
problem-solving or concentrating.
• Alpha waves (8–13 Hz.): This wave often occurs when we are awake and resting
comfortably, responding to any visual stimulation, or actively thinking about something.
• Theta waves (4–8 Hz.): These occur when a person is in a light sleep stage or dreaming, as
well as in a relaxed, meditative state of mind (commonly referred to as being on
"autopilot").
• Delta waves (< 4 Hz.): These brain waves happen during deep sleep stages (think stage 3, or
slow-wave sleep).
Can theta waves be manipulated?
Our brain waves can tell us a lot about how we're feeling and coping with stress. "Head maps
produced from a qEEG can help tell us if someone is feeling anxious, burnt out, isn't managing
stress, feels that their identity is being affected, is battling with executive functioning, and more,"
says Leaf.
On the other hand, she says they also show when a person is in control of their mind, processing
their issues, and learning new ways of thinking.
With this in mind, if someone is looking to feel less stressed, is it possible to encourage theta waves
for more relaxation? Some science suggests yes.
For example, research published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews states that a systematic
review of 56 studies including 1,715 people determined that mindfulness meditation was commonly
associated with an increase in theta waves—more so than if the person was just resting with their
eyes closed, not actively meditating.
"Theta waves can be manipulated through meditation," reiterates Ruhoy. "Depending on how deep
the meditation is, it can create theta bursts or rhythmic chains of theta waves. There is some
evidence that with true and deep meditation, theta waves can persist even after meditation is
complete."
Auditory forms of mindfulness like sound bathing may also be useful for encouraging theta waves.
Research published in Neuron suggests that certain rhythmic sounds can increase theta waves,
which may then boost memory retention and concentration even after the listening session ends.
"Theta wave pattern activity highlights the interaction that happens between the conscious and
nonconscious mind as we think deeply," says Leaf. "This is a pattern that we want to see in our
brain because it reflects improving mind management."
Any time a person intentionally builds new memory or has meaningful introspection, she adds that
there will also be an increase in theta wave activity.

Theta waves & sleep.

Theta waves are a common marker of drowsiness, says Ruhoy, and they are often present as we
transition between an awake state and a sleep state.
But theta waves are also a big part of the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, which occurs
about 90 minutes after falling asleep. This is the stage of sleep where vivid dreams may occur.
"Dreams can be influenced by how we manage our minds during the day," says Leaf. "When we go
to sleep after successfully handling stress or combating intrusive thoughts, we get more theta
activity. This increases the benefits from REM sleep and helps regenerate the mind, brain, and body
to prepare us for the next day."
Theta waves & manifestation.
When it comes to visualizing your goals to bring them to life, both Leaf and Ruhoy say that
harnessing theta waves can help.
"The more you deliberately practice creativity, self-regulation, and brain-building (practicing deep
thinking and learning daily), the more theta frequency is increased, especially at frontal sites during
activities that require attention or short-term memory," says Leaf.
"It's important to remember that theta waves are an energy response to mind activity, and the way
we manage our minds will result in optimal theta responses," she adds.
Ruhoy reiterates that meditation is key when it comes to promoting theta waves and getting us into
a receptive state of consciousness.
"This state is where our true authenticity lies and where we can find our connection to the universe
and know the core of who we are, what we want, and what we need to be," she says. Once we get
into this state, manifesting may become easier.

The bottom line.

We all experience theta wave activity without even thinking about it. But neuroscience experts say
that actively flexing your creativity, learning new skills, doing inner work, meditating, and listening
to healing sounds can help you reach this calm state of mind more regularly—and get all the
benefits that come with it.

A Deep Dive Into Brainwaves: Brainwave Frequencies

Explained
June 25, 2018
We’ve all experienced that magical feeling of being hit with ‘a brainwave’. That moment of
newfound clarity, a shift in perspective, or a novel idea. And typically, it seems to appear out of
nowhere. In between sips of coffee, while out for a walk, or simply indulging your dog in a good
belly rub. While brainwaves can be a figure of speech to describe our thoughts, scientists and
clinicians can use literal brainwaves, measured on the head, to help understand the functioning of
the human brain.
As it turns out, the key to having more of these ‘aha’ moments lies in understanding the science
behind brainwaves. Neuroscientists have been studying brainwaves – the popular name for the field
of electroencephalography – for nearly a century.

What are brainwaves?

The brain has billions of neurons, and each individual neuron connects (on average) to thousands of
others. Communication happens between them through small electrical currents that travel along the
neurons and throughout enormous networks of brain circuits. When all these neurons are activated
they produce electrical pulses – visualize a wave rippling through the crowd at a sports arena –  this
synchronized electrical activity results in a “brainwave”.
When many neurons interact in this way at the same time, this activity is strong enough to be
detected even outside the brain. By placing electrodes on the scalp, this activity can be amplified,
analyzed, and visualized. This is electroencephalography, or EEG – a fancy word that just means an
electric brain graph. (Encephalon, the brain, is derived from the ancient Greek “enképhalos,”
meaning within the head.)
One way that EEG ‘brainwaves’ convey information is in their rate of repetition. Some oscillations,
measured on the scalp, occur at more than 30 cycles per second (and up to 100 cycles per second!)
These cycles, also called frequencies, are measured as Hz, or hertz, after the scientist who proved
the existence of electromagnetic waves.
When looked at this way, brainwaves come in five flavors, each of which corresponds to a Greek
letter. As we’ll see, these different brainwaves correspond to different states of thought or
experience. While there are many other ways to analyze brainwaves, many practitioners of a field
called neurofeedback rely on dividing brain oscillations into these five categories.
Some of these brain oscillations are more easily detectable on specific parts of the scalp,
corresponding to the parts of the brain just below. The brain has many specialized regions that
correspond to different processes, thoughts, and sensations. Particular oscillations often reflect
distinct regions and networks in the brain communicating with each other.
The 5 main types of brainwave frequencies
Different patterns of brainwaves can be recognized by their amplitudes and frequencies.
Brainwaves can then be categorized based on their level of activity or frequency. It’s important to
remember, though, that brainwaves are not the source or the cause of brain states, or of our
experiences of our own minds – they’re just some of the detectable reflections of the complex
processes in the brain that produce our experience of being, thinking, and perceiving.
 • Slow activity refers to a lower frequency and high amplitude (the distance between two
peaks of a wave). These oscillations are often much larger in amplitude (wave depth). Think:
low, the deep beat of a drum.
• Fast activity refers to a higher frequency and often smaller amplitude. Think: high pitched
flute.
Below are five often-described brainwaves, from the fastest activity levels to the slowest.
 

Gamma Brainwaves
• Frequency: 32 – 100 Hz
• Associated state: Heightened perception, learning, problem-solving tasks

Gamma brainwaves are the fastest measurable EEG brainwaves and have been equated to
‘heightened perception’, or a ‘peak mental state’ when there is simultaneous processing of
information from different parts of the brain. Gamma brainwaves have been observed to be much
stronger and more regularly observed in very long-term meditators including Buddhist Monks.
 

Beta Brainwaves
• Frequency: 13-32 Hz
• State: Alert, normal alert consciousness, active thinking

For example:
• Active conversation
• Making decisions
• Solving a problem
• Focusing on a task
• Learning a new concept
Beta brainwaves are easiest to detect when we’re busy thinking actively.
 

Alpha Brainwaves
• Frequency: 8-13 Hz
• State: Physically and mentally relaxed

Alpha brainwaves are some of the most easily observed and were the first to be discovered. They
become detectable when the eyes are closed and the mind is relaxed.  They can also often be found
during activities such as:
• Yoga
• Just before falling asleep
• Being creative and artistic

Theta Brainwaves
• Frequency: 4-8 Hz
• State: Creativity, insight, dreams, reduced consciousness

According to Professor Jim Lagopoulos of Sydney University, “previous studies have shown that
theta waves indicate deep relaxation and occur more frequently in highly experienced meditation
practitioners.  The source is probably frontal parts of the brain, which are associated with
monitoring of other mental processes.”
Most frequently, theta brainwaves are strongly detectable when we’re dreaming in our sleep (think,
the movie Inception), but they can also be seen  during :
• Deep meditation
 • Daydreaming

When we’re doing a task that is so automatic that the mind can disengage from it e.g. brushing
teeth, showering. Research has also shown a positive association of theta waves with memory,
creativity, and psychological well-being. (5) (6)
 

Delta Brainwaves
• Frequency: 0.5-4 Hz
• State: Sleep, dreaming

These are the slowest of all brainwaves and are strongest when we are enjoying restorative sleep in
a dreamless state. This is also the state where healing and rejuvenation are stimulated, which is why
it’s so crucial to get enough sleep each night.
 

How to train your brainwaves

Is it possible to change how much we experience these different brainwaves, and the brain states
and thought experiences associated with them? In short, yes.
Conditioning and Neurofeedback
For decades, practitioners have engaged in training programs which are intended to reinforce the
brain states which produce increases in certain brain oscillations and decreases in others. The most
common example of this, called neurofeedback, can utilize EEG or other brain-sensing modalities.
Neurofeedback practitioners and clinicians find that immediate, direct feedback on brain states,
whether in the form of sound, light or even a video game, can produce changes in underlying
behaviors and brain states that are reflected in brainwaves. This feedback seems to accelerate the
learning process, by making brain states more apparent to the recipient.
Another important discovery in the recent history of neuroscience is the significant differences in
brainwave characteristics of highly experienced meditators. Expert meditators not only have
different resting-state brainwaves from non-meditators – but they also seem able to control their
brainwaves through voluntary thought control with greater ease than others.  
So how do we start to improve our ability to control our brainwaves? These brainwave-
changing skills can be learned. Meditation deepens your ability to focus and control your
attention.
 

What Does Muse Do?

Muse has been tested and validated against EEG systems that are exponentially more expensive,
and it’s used by neuroscientists around the world in real-world neuroscience research inside and
outside the lab. Using 7 finely calibrated sensors – 2 on the forehead, 2 behind the ears plus 3
reference sensors – Muse is a next-generation, state of the art EEG system that uses advanced
algorithms to train beginner and intermediate meditators at controlling their focus. It teaches users
how to manipulate their brain states and how to change the characteristics of their brains.
The Muse algorithm technology is more complex than traditional neurofeedback.  In creating the
Muse app, we started from these brainwaves and then spent years doing intensive research on
higher-order combinations of primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics of raw EEG data and
how they interact with focused-attention meditation.
It’s important to note that a lot of people confuse what the Muse app measures with traditional
neurofeedback (which focuses on training individual frequencies), but it doesn’t map individual
frequencies  – it uses a unique and complex combination of the various brainwaves in order to
provide results such as calm, active, and neutral states.

SOURCES
1. Scientific American. (2018). What is the function of the various brainwaves?. [online]
Available at: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-function-of-t-1997-12-
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2. Lustenberger, C., Boyle, M., Foulser, A., Mellin, J. and Fröhlich, F. (2015). Functional role
of frontal alpha oscillations in creativity. Cortex, [online] 67, pp.74-82. Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010945215001033 [Accessed 26 Feb.
2018].
3. ScienceDaily. (2018). Alpha waves close your mind for distraction, but not continuously,
research suggests. [online] Available at:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121008134058.htm [Accessed 26 Feb.
2018].
4. Haarmann, H., George, T., Smaliy, A. and Dien, J. (2012). Remote Associates Test and
Alpha Brain Waves. The Journal of Problem Solving, [online] 4(2). Available at:
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jps/vol4/iss2/5/ [Accessed 26 Feb. 2018].
5. Buzsáki, G. (2002). Theta Oscillations in the Hippocampus. Neuron, [online] 33(3), pp.325-
340. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S089662730200586X
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Feb. 2018].
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sensor and brain wave – UK. [online] Available at:
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Mental Health, benthamopen.com/FULLTEXT/CPEMH-13-134.

https://nhahealth.com/brainwaves-the-language/

Definitions
The EEG (electroencephalograph) measures brainwaves of different frequencies within the brain.
Electrodes are placed on specific sites on the scalp to detect and record the electrical impulses
within the brain. A frequency is the number of times a wave repeats itself within a second. It can be
compared to the frequencies that you tune into on your radio. If any of these frequencies are
deficient, excessive, or difficult to access, our mental performance can suffer.
The raw EEG has usually been described in terms of frequency bands: Gamma greater than 30(Hz)
BETA (13-30Hz), ALPHA (8-12 Hz), THETA (4-8 Hz), and DELTA(less than 4 Hz).
For example: Our brain uses 13Hz (high alpha or low beta) for “active” intelligence. Often we find
individuals who exhibit learning disabilities and attention problems having a deficiency of 13Hz
activity in certain brain regions that affects the ability to easily perform sequencing tasks and math
calculations.

Brain Wave Frequencies:

DELTA (0.1 to 3.5 Hz)

The lowest frequencies are delta. These are less than 4 Hz and occur in deep sleep and in some
abnormal processes. It is the dominant rhythm in infants up to one year of age and it 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. We also access information in
our unconscious mind through Delta. Peak performers decrease Delta waves when high focus and
peak performance are required. However, most individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit
Disorder, naturally increase rather than decrease Delta activity when trying to focus. The
inappropriate Delta response often severely restricts the ability to focus and maintain attention. It is
as if the brain is locked into a perpetual drowsy state.Another way to look at Delta is to imagine you
are driving in a car and you shift into 1st gear….you’re not going to get anywhere very fast. So
Delta would represent 1st gear.
DELTA (0.1-3 Hz): Distribution: generally broad or diffuse; may be bilateral,
widespread

Subjective feeling states: deep, dreamless sleep, non-REM sleep, trance, unconscious
Associated tasks & behaviors: lethargic, not moving, not attentive
Physiological correlates: not moving, low-level of arousal
Effects of training: can induce drowsiness, trance, deeply relaxed states

THETA (4-8 Hz)

The next brainwave is theta. Theta activity has a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz and is classed as “slow”
activity. It is seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a
repository for memories, emotions, sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus,
meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness. It reflects the state between wakefulness and sleep and
relates to the subconscious mind. It is abnormal in awake adults but is perfectly normal in children
up to 13 years old. It is also normal during sleep. Theta is believed to reflect activity from the
limbic system and hippocampal regions. Theta is observed in anxiety, behavioral activation and
behavioral inhibition. When the theta rhythm appears to function normally it mediates and/or
promotes adaptive, complex behaviors such as learning and memory. Under unusual emotional
circumstances, such as stress or disease states, there may be an imbalance of three major transmitter
systems, which results in aberrant behavior. Back to our car example, Theta would be considered
2nd gear. Not as slow as 1st gear (Delta) but still not very fast.
THETA (3.5-7.5 Hz): Distribution: usually regional, may involve many lobes, can be
lateralized or diffuse;

Subjective feeling states: intuitive, creative, recall, fantasy, imagery, creative, dreamlike, switching
thoughts, drowsy; “oneness”, “knowing”
Associated tasks & behaviors: creative, intuitive; but may also be distracted, unfocused
Physiological correlates: healing, integration of mind/body
Effects of Training: if enhanced, can induce drifting, trance-like state. If suppressed, can improve
concentration, ability to focus attention

ALPHA (8-12 Hz)

Alpha waves are those between 8 and 12(Hz). Alpha waves will peak around 10Hz. Good healthy
alpha production promotes mental resourcefulness, aids in the ability to mentally coordinate,
enhances overall sense of relaxation and fatigue. In this state you can move quickly and efficiently
to accomplish whatever task is at hand. When Alpha predominates most people feel at ease and
calm. Alpha appears to bridge the conscious to the subconscious. It is the major rhythm seen in
normal relaxed adults – it is present during most of life especially beyond the thirteenth year when
it dominates the resting tracing. Alpha rhythms are reported to be derived from the white matter of
the brain. The white matter can be considered the part of the brain that connects all parts with each
other. Alpha is a common state for the brain and occurs whenever a person is alert (it is a marker for
alertness and sleep), but not actively processing information. They are strongest over the occipital
(back of the head) cortex and also over frontal cortex. Alpha has been linked to extroversion
(introverts show less), creativity (creative subjects show alpha when listening and coming to a
solution for creative problems), and mental work. When your alpha is within normal ranges we tend
to also experience good moods, see the world truthfully, and have a sense of calmness. Alpha is one
of the brain’s most important frequency to learn and use information taught in the classroom and on
the job. You can increase alpha by closing your eyes or deep breathing or decrease alpha by
thinking or calculating. Alpha-Theta training can create an increase in sensation, abstract thinking
and self-control. In our car scenario, Alpha would represent neutral or idle. Alpha allows us to shift
easily from one task to another.
ALPHA(8-12 Hz): Distribution: regional, usually involves entire lobe; strong occipital
w/eyes closed

Subjective feeling states: relaxed, not agitated, but not drowsy; tranquil, conscious
Associated tasks & behaviors: meditation, no action
Physiological correlates: relaxed, healing
Effects of Training: can produce relaxation
Sub band low alpha: 8-10: inner-awareness of self, mind/body integration, balance
Sub band high alpha: 10-12: centering, healing, mind/body connection

BETA (above 12 Hz)

Beta activity is ‘fast’ activity. It has a frequency of 14 and greater Hz. It reflects desynchronized
active brain tissue. It is usually seen on both sides in symmetrical distribution and is most evident
frontally. It may be absent or reduced in areas of cortical damage.
It is generally regarded as a normal rhythm and is the dominant rhythm in those who are alert or
anxious or who have their eyes open.
It is the state that most of brain is in when we have our eyes open and are listening and thinking
during analytical problem solving, judgment, decision making, processing information about the
world around us.
Beta would represent overdrive or hyperdrive in our car scenario.
The beta band has a relatively large range, and has been divided into low, midrange and high.
LOW BETA (12-15HZ): Distribution: localized by side and by lobe (frontal, occipital,
etc)

Subjective feeling states: relaxed yet focused, integrated

Associated tasks & behaviors: low SMR can reflect “ADD”, lack of focused attention
Physiological correlates: is inhibited by motion; restraining body may increase SMR
Effects of Training: increasing SMR can produce relaxed focus, improved attentive abilities,
 MID BETA (15-18hz): Distribution: localized, over various areas. May be focused on
one electrode.

Subjective feeling states: thinking, aware of self & surroundings

Associated tasks & behaviors: mental activity
Physiological correlates: alert, active, but not agitated
Effects of Training: can increase mental ability, focus, alertness
HIGH BETA (above 18hz): Distribution: localized, may be very focused.

Subjective feeling states: alertness, agitation

Associated tasks & behaviors: mental activity, e.g. math, planning
Physiological correlates: general activation of mind & body functions.
Effects of Training: can induce alertness, but may also produce agitation

GAMMA (above 30 Hz)

GAMMA (above 30hz Hz): Distribution: very localized

Subjective feeling states: thinking; integrated thoughts

Associated tasks & behaviors: high-level information processing, “binding”
Physiological correlates: associated with information-rich task processing
Effects of Training: not known
Gamma is measured between 30 and 44 (Hz) and is the only frequency group found in every part of
the brain. When the brain needs to simultaneously process information from different areas, its
hypothesized that the 40Hz activity consolidates the required areas for simultaneous processing. A
good memory is associated with well-regulated and efficient 40Hz activity, whereas a 40Hz
deficiency creates learning disabilities.

https://brainworksneurotherapy.com/what-are-brainwaves

What are Brainwaves?

At the root of all our thoughts, emotions and behaviours is the communication between neurons
within our brains. Brainwaves are produced by synchronised electrical pulses from masses of
neurons communicating with each other.
Brainwaves are detected using sensors placed on the scalp. They are divided into bandwidths to
describe their functions (below), but are best thought of as a continuous spectrum of consciousness;
from slow, loud and functional - to fast, subtle, and complex.
 
It is a handy analogy to think of brainwaves as musical notes - the low frequency waves are like a
deeply penetrating drum beat, while the higher frequency brainwaves are more like a subtle high
pitched flute. Like a symphony, the higher and lower frequencies link and cohere with each other
through harmonics. 
 
Our brainwaves change according to what we’re doing and feeling. When slower brainwaves are
dominant we can feel tired, slow, sluggish, or dreamy. The higher frequencies are dominant
when we feel wired, or hyper-alert.
 
The descriptions that follow are only broad descriptions - in practice things are far more complex,
and brainwaves reflect different aspects when they occur in different locations in the brain. 
 
Brainwave speed is measured in Hertz (cycles per second) and they are divided into bands
delineating slow, moderate, and fast waves. 

INFRA-LOW (<.5HZ)
Infra-Low brainwaves (also known as Slow Cortical Potentials), are thought to be the basic cortical
rythms that underlie our higher brain functions. Very little is known about infra-low brainwaves.
Their slow nature make them difficult to detect and accurately measure, so few studies have been
done. They appear to take a major role in brain timing and network function. 

Delta waves (.5 to 3 Hz)

Delta brainwaves are slow, loud brainwaves (low frequency and deeply penetrating, like
a drum beat). They are generated in deepest meditation and dreamless sleep. Delta waves
suspend external awareness and are the source of empathy. Healing and regeneration are
stimulated in this state, and that is why deep restorative sleep is so essential to the healing
process.

Theta waves (3 to 8 Hz)

Theta brainwaves occur most often in sleep but are also dominant in deep meditation.
Theta is our gateway to learning, memory, and intuition. In theta, our senses are
withdrawn from the external world and focused on signals originating from within. It is
that twilight state which we normally only experience fleetingly as we wake or drift off
to sleep. In theta we are in a dream; vivid imagery, intuition and information beyond our normal
conscious awareness. It’s where we hold our ‘stuff’, our fears, troubled history, and nightmares.

Alpha waves (8 to 12 Hz)

Alpha brainwaves are dominant during quietly flowing thoughts, and in some meditative
states. Alpha is ‘the power of now’, being here, in the present. Alpha is the resting state
for the brain. Alpha waves aid overall mental coordination, calmness, alertness,
mind/body integration and learning.

Beta waves (12 to 38 Hz)

Beta brainwaves dominate our normal waking state of consciousness when attention is
directed towards cognitive tasks and the outside world. Beta is a ‘fast’ activity, present
when we are alert, attentive, engaged in problem solving, judgment, decision making, or
focused mental activity.
Beta brainwaves are further divided into three bands; Lo-Beta (Beta1, 12-15Hz) can be thought of
as a 'fast idle', or musing. Beta (Beta2, 15-22Hz) is high engagement or actively figuring something
out. Hi-Beta (Beta3, 22-38Hz) is highly complex thought, integrating new experiences, high
anxiety, or excitement. Continual high frequency processing is not a very efficient way to run the
brain, as it takes a tremendous amount of energy. 

Gamma waves (38 to 42 Hz)

Gamma brainwaves are the fastest of brain waves (high frequency, like a flute), and
relate to simultaneous processing of information from different brain areas. Gamma
brainwaves pass information rapidly and quietly. The most subtle of the brainwave
frequencies, the mind has to be quiet to access gamma. 
Gamma was dismissed as 'spare brain noise' until researchers discovered it was highly active when
in states of universal love, altruism, and the ‘higher virtues’. Gamma is also above the frequency of
neuronal firing, so how it is generated remains a mystery. It is speculated that gamma rhythms
modulate perception and consciousness, and that a greater presence of gamma relates to expanded
consciousness and spiritual emergence.

What brainwaves mean to you

Our brainwave profile and our daily experience of the world are inseparable.  When our brainwaves
are out of balance, there will be corresponding problems in our emotional or neuro-physical health.
Research has identified brainwave patterns associated with all sorts of emotional and neurological
conditions. more...
Over-arousal in certain brain areas is linked with anxiety disorders, sleep problems, nightmares,
hyper-vigilance, impulsive behaviour, anger/aggression, agitated depression, chronic nerve pain and
spasticity. Under-arousal in certain brain areas leads to some types of depression, attention deficit,
chronic pain and insomnia. A combination of under-arousal and over-arousal is seen in cases of
anxiety, depression and ADHD. more...
Instabilities in brain rhythms correlate with tics, obsessive-compulsive disorder, aggressive
behaviour, rage, bruxism, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, migraines, narcolepsy, epilepsy, sleep
apnea, vertigo, tinnitus, anorexia/bulimia, PMT, diabetes, hypoglycaemia and explosive
behaviour. more...

Altering your brainwaves

By rule of thumb, any process that changes your perception changes your brainwaves. 
 
Chemical interventions such as medications or recreational drugs are the most common methods to
alter brain function; however brainwave training is our method of choice. 
 
Over the long term, traditional eastern methods (such as meditation and yoga) train your brainwaves
into balance. Of the newer methods, brainwave entrainment is an easy, low-cost method to
temporarily alter your brainwave state. If you are trying to solve a particular difficulty or fine-tune
your brainwave function, state-of-the-art brain training methods like neurofeedback and pEMF
deliver targeted, quick, and lasting results.  
https://brainworksneurotherapy.com/what-is-biofeedback

What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a technique to help you learn to control internal functions normally outside of
conscious control. You learn this by using sensitive instruments that measure and display physical
or mental processes - making you aware of things that you can’t easily feel or detect on your own.
 
It’s very easy. With the help of instruments, you can see what you’re doing to improve your
technique. 
 
For example; if you run a race, it's handy to have a stop watch so you know when you're doing
better and when you're not so you can adjust your technique for the better. In the same way, you can
learn how to control muscle tension if you have a sensor showing you exactly how tense you are,
when you are relaxing, and by how much (EMG biofeedback). Or, it’s simple to learn how to
control your heart rhythm if you have a heart monitor giving you 'feedback' about what your heart
rate is (HRV biofeedback). 
 
With a thermometer you can learn how to change your skin temperature; thus changing your blood
flow and in turn interrupting the onset of migraine headaches. By learning to control pelvic muscles
with the help of a special monitor, you can learn to stop incontinence. Control your heart rythm and
you can regulate your stress levels. 
 
Biofeedback is standard practice in sports performance. Its proven effectiveness has made it an
accepted medical technique for decades; however few people or their doctors are aware of this
logical, natural, self-regulatory alternative to medication. 
 
Neurofeedback is brainwave biofeedback - a method to control your own brain funtion. more...

More on Brainwaves...
More on Brain training...
More on Neurofeedback...
back to methods area...

https://brainworksneurotherapy.com/what-is-neurofeedback
What is Neurofeedback?
 
The activity in your brain determines everything you feel and do.
 
While most people have normal brain function, they still have brain imbalances or chronic emotions
that affect their day to day life. This is where neurofeedback can help.
 
Neurofeedback is a way to train brain activity; it is biofeedback for the brain. To understand
neurofeedback, first we need to understand a little about brainwaves.
 
Brainwaves are the electrical impulses produced as your brain cells communicate with one another.
Brainwaves tell us a great deal about how you feel and function; your thought habits, stress levels,
underlying mood and overall brain function. 
 
Using sensors on the scalp, we can measure and monitor this activity. With brain analysis software
(QEEG brain map), we can identify what specific activity is giving rise to your symptoms.  
 
Once we know the areas of concern, we can create a training plan to help draw your brain into a
comfortable, efficient state. That brings us to neurofeedback. 
 
During a neurofeedback session, we compare what your brain is actually doing to what you'd like it
to be doing. When your brain is nearing a more comfortable state, you are rewarded with a positive
response on a computer screen. Usually this ‘neuro-feedback’ is in the form of a video game, music,
or movie. 
 
The sounds and images tell you immediately when your brain approaches a more efficient place and
when not. When the movie plays, it is because your brain is approaching the desired state. When the
movie stops, it is because your brain is heading the other way. 
 
Much like physical exercises develop specific muscles, the more your brain is exercised into
reaching a more comfortable, more efficient position, the better it gets at it (see neuroplasticity). As
with learning any new skill, it simply requires time and repetition. 

Neurofeedback example
As an example, Jane is having trouble getting to sleep. Her concentration is suffering, and she is
finding herself unable to control her emotional reactions. 
 
We review her case and determine that we will likely be able to help. We record a QEEG brain map,
and can see that her brain is on high alert; the areas involved in emotional reactivity and anxiety are
running at triple the comfortable rate. No wonder she's uncomfortable. 
 
After careful analysis of her brain activity, we see that this underlying anxiety is affecting her ability
to shift from an alert state to rest; the likely culprit in her sleep troubles. While there is no visible
problem with her concentration per se, her anxiety is taking the majority of her brain’s resources
and there is little left for concentration and clear decision making. 
 
Having identified the areas of concern, we create Jane’s neurofeedback training plan. Her favourite
movie is Love Actually, so we’ll use that as the feedback for her training session. 
 
During Jane’s neurofeedback sessions, we monitor the areas involved in her anxiety in real-time.
When her brain is moving towards a calmer position, her movie plays - a positive signal letting her
know that her brain is heading the right way. When she’s getting a bit more internally anxious, the
movie will go dark and the sound fades – a negative signal telling her that she’s heading the wrong
way. 
 
The better she gets at it, the more difficult we make it - so if she wants to watch Love Actually, her
brain has to continually shift further and further into a more and more balanced, non-anxious state.
As Jane makes this shift time and again, she is learning how to return her mind to a calm position.
 
With more practice her skills improve, and she is soon able to make this shift on her own, without
our help. As we track her progress, we notice a corresponding shift on her brain map. She reports
that she is better able to choose her emotional reactions, and is no longer being overrun by them.
Her sleep and concentration are now better as a result. 
 
Her symptoms have subsided, her brain is now in a more comfortable positon, and her brain map
confirms it. Job done. 
 
Jane is only one example. We work with everyone from corporate CEOs and professional artists to
those with severe autism and brain injury. Whatever the cause or symptom, neurofeedback can be
helpful in retraining the brain into a healthier pattern. 

Further reading
For further reading or for studies on a particular condition, visit our reading and research area
here…
• What are the different types of Neurofeedback?
• What types of neurofeedback do we offer?