Types of brain waves: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma

There are 5 types of brain waves that function almost like musical notes, some operate at low frequency, others at higher frequency, however, together they are able to form a harmony in which thoughts, emotions and sensations can achieve a perfect balance. , with which we feel more balanced and receptive to everything around us?

You may have heard someone say, “I want to train my alpha brainwave to feel more relaxed and achieve serenity and inner peace. “Lately, we are even talking about bioretro-food machines capable of stimulating certain waves to reach certain states of consciousness. Well, the truth is, you have to be careful with these concepts.

“The eye absorbs” The brain produces shapes”? Paul Cézanne?

As for brain waves, the secret to true well-being is that each of them works properly, at its frequency and at an optimal level, it cannot be ignored that these brain rhythms are not stable, but they change as we grow, mature. Therefore, the goal is not to obsess over the exploitation of beta waves to enhance attention, or gamma waves to achieve an alleged mystical or spiritual state.

The truth is that there is no better type of brain wave than another, nor a more special one between them, they are all important, because they are all the result of the electrical activity of neurons and each of the mental states.

We all know that the brain is an electrochemical organ; in fact, neurologists explain that if all nerve cells were activated at the same time, we could get enough energy to light a lamp.

In turn, all this electrical activity is responsible for different types of brain waves, through a complex, fascinating and perfect process.

However, it is important to note that throughout the day, the brain keeps the 5 types of brain waves active, depending on what we do at any given time, some waves will show more activity in some areas of the brain and others will operate with less intensity in other regions. None of them will be, in other words, “disconnected. “

It may be that at some point in the day, our Alpha wave has an intense activity in the frontal lobe, which will make us feel some anxiety, however, this same Alpha wave, in the occipital zone, would mean an optimal state of relaxation?

These are very concrete nuances to consider, so let’s see what the different types of brain waves are and how their effects are characterized.

Delta waves are the ones that have the greatest wavelength and are related to deep sleep (but without sleep). It is interesting to know that they are very common in infants and young children, so as we grow and age, the tendency is to produce fewer waves of this type. Sleep and the ability to rest are lost over the years.

On the other hand, it is also worth noting that this type of wave is mainly related to bodily activities that we are not aware of, such as regulating heart rate or digestion.

The second type of brain wave varies from 3. 5 to 8 Hz and is mainly related to imaginative skills, reflection and sleep, it must be said that theta waves tend to show high activity when we experience very deep emotions.

A simple example is when we finish an effort or task that requires a lot of energy. Right now, in which we relax and let our imagination fly, the waves gain presence in our brain.

Let’s look at more illustrative data

Alpha waves appear in the intermediate twilight where calm reigns, but not sleep, where relaxation reigns and a state conducive to meditation, this can also be felt when we are on the sofa watching TV or in bed resting, but without falling asleep.

We cross the line of this type of brain waves, weak or moderate, to reach a higher level, we are in the spectrum of higher frequencies that result from intense neural activity.

We are talking about very interesting but complex states, states that refer to the daily activities in which we focus all our attention, when we are alert and at the same time we must be attentive to countless stimuli.

Activities as common as driving, taking an exam, doing a presentation, being in a work meeting presenting a project, etc. , are moments of maximum activation, however, excessive, extreme neural activation, can lead to a state of anxiety or harmful stress.

Do we know that when we hear the word? Gamma, the famous gamma rays immediately come to mind, with their large length and high electromagnetic radiation. Well, actually, gamma waves and gamma rays look like one aspect: their extremely fast frequency.

It must be said that neurologists are beginning to discover more data about this type of waves, but until recently very little was known about them, it is very difficult to capture them in electroencephalograms, we are talking about a type of wave that starts in the hypothalamus and moves from the back of the brain forward, with incredible speed.

In conclusion, knowing the different types of brain waves allows us to understand the mental processes, emotions, activities and dynamics that generate a type of “energy”. in the brain. The secret is then, to be aware of it, to learn to relax, to be more receptive, intuitive or to favor, for example, an emotional control in which anxiety works in our favor and never against.

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