Description of brainwave functions

A general description of our brain waves

Tracking the dominant colour

Note; The observations below the images reflect our own interpretation and are not to be used to inform clinical or medical protocols.

Brainwave speed is measured in Hertz (cycles per second) and they are divided into bands delineating slow, moderate, and fast waves. They are measured in hertz and are divided levels for convinience.

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.

It is responsible for cognitive functioning, learning, memory, and information processing.

Prominence of this wave leads to anxiety, high arousal, and stress;

Its suppression can lead to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, and learning disabilities.

In optimal conditions gamma waves help with attention, focus, binding of senses (smell, sight, and hearing), consciousness, mental processing, and perception.

BETA WAVES (12 TO 38 HZ)

Beta brainwaves dominate our normal waking state of consciousness when attention is directed towards cognitive tasks and generally the outside world.

Beta is a ‘fast’ activity, when we are alert, attentive, engaged in problem solving, judgment, decision making, or focused mental activity.

Beta brainwaves are divided into three bands

• Hi-Beta (Beta3, 22-38Hz) is high energy and highly complex thought, high arousal and excitement, Integrating new experiences.

  It is also found in significant stress. Continual high frequency processing is not a very efficient way to run the brain, as it takes a great deal of energy, using up both physical and emotional resources.

• Beta (Beta2, 15-22Hz) is high engagement or actively figuring something out. Found in sustained good performance and in stressful situations.

• Lo-Beta (Beta1, 12-15Hz) described as quiet, musing and introverted concentration.

Continual high frequency processing is not a very efficient way to run the brain, as it takes a tremendous amount of energy. 

SMR WAVES (12 TO 15 HZ)

The SMR frequency band (11-15 Hz) describes an alert, attentive state with relaxed physical movements, or stillness.

This training adapts the sleepy mind-wandering and habitual rumination found in Theta, or the ‘spinning’ or anxious waves of High Beta.

The Neurofeedback training protocol here aims to strengthen the quality of attention and the ability to sustain focus by building stronger neural networks (dlPFC and vlPFC link to limbic Pregenu Cingulate Cortex) which in turn promotes mind + brain + body coherence.

SMR protocol aims to inhibit Theta and High Beta, and reward Lo-Beta (SMR) at the at Cz or C4, based on the international 10-20 Brodmann scalp system.

It builds a sense of calm relaxation with alertness as well as builds physical motor accuracy and balance.

ALPHA WAVES (8 TO 12 HZ)

Alpha is ‘the power of now’, being present in the moment.

Alpha waves are dominant during quietly flowing thoughts, and in some meditative states. It is the resting state for the brain.

Alpha waves aid overall mental coordination, calmness, alertness, mind/body integration and learning.

They help us calm down when necessary and promote feelings of deep relaxation.

Alpha waves are found prominently in daydreaming, inability to focus, and being very relaxed.

If they are suppressed it can cause anxiety, high stress, and insomnia.

When they are optimal it leads to a relaxed state.

THETA WAVES (3 TO 7 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.

Theta is involved in daydreaming, a state we normally experience briefly as we wake up or drift off into sleep.

It informs intuition, offering insights into our unconscious stored memory and imaginings. It’s where we hold our ‘stuff’, our fears, troubled history, or bad dreams.

In an optimal state, theta helps in creativity, emotional connection, intuition, and relaxation. Theta waves have benefits of helping to improve our intuition and creativity, and making us feel more natural. Theta is also involved in restorative sleep.

If theta is in a suppressed state, it can indicate poor emotional awareness or rumination.

When theta waves are prominent; it can signify aspects of inattentiveness, depression, hyperactivity or impulsivity, inattentiveness or ADHD, .

DELTA WAVES (.5 - 3 HZ)

Delta waves are the slowest waves in humans, strongly found in infants and young children. Loud brainwaves (low frequency and deeply penetrating, like a drum beat).

Healing and regeneration are stimulated in this state, and that is why deep restorative sleep is so essential to the healing process.

Delta waves suspend external awareness. generated in deepest meditation and dreamless sleep. They are the source of empathy.

They are associated with the deepest levels of relaxation and restorative, healing sleep. Adequate production of delta waves helps us feel completely rejuvenated and promotes the immune system, natural healing, and restorative/deep sleep.

Delta predominates in brain injuries, learning problems, inability to think, and severe ADHD.

If this wave is suppressed, it leads to an inability to rejuvenate the body and revitalize the brain, and poor sleep.