Brain waves are electrical signals produced by the brain, and different types of brain waves are associated with different states of consciousness. We’ll discuss the four types of brain waves and some techniques to help you use them to maximize your performance at school, work, or in your creative pursuits.
“Brain waves” is the common term for a set of electric signals created and sent by the brain. Like all waves, they oscillate – reach peaks and valleys – at different rates and are divided into types based on the frequency of their oscillation, which can be measured via electroencephalogram (EEG).
The five main types of brain waves are named after letters in the Greek alphabet: alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), delta (δ), and theta (θ). Each type of wave governs a particular state of mind and often can be induced intentionally or as a natural response to stimuli. What follows is an explanation of the five types of brain waves, the states of mind they’re commonly associated with, and how to attempt to consciously create them and use them to their fullest extent.
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Types of brain waves:
Alpha (α) brain waves
Alpha brain waves rest near the middle of the brain wave frequency spectrum and usually measure somewhere between 8 and 13 Hz in frequency. They’re commonly detected in the occipital lobe, which is the brain’s visual processing center. Alpha waves are most frequently associated with a calm, meditative mental state. This disposition is described as a kind of passive focus in which the brain isn’t paying special attention to any one particular task. Additionally, alpha waves are sometimes present during sleep.
Studies have found that people often see a rise in alpha brain waves during certain types of meditation, especially mindfulness and transcendental meditation. Both tend to focus on passive observation – mindfulness meditation of the surrounding environment, and transcendental meditation of one’s own thoughts. A daily meditative practice from one of these schools can help to increase the propagation of alpha brain waves and produce a feeling of calm, passive focus.
Types of brain waves:
Beta (β) brain waves
Higher up on the frequency spectrum, beta waves are often measured between 13 and 35 Hz. They’re associated with a sense of wakefulness, but typically not calmness. The brain produces more beta waves when we’re busy, attentive, or thinking actively. But beta waves are also present when we are anxious or stressed.
The existence of beta waves in the brain isn’t a negative, so long as they’re not the predominant type of brain wave at all times. They’re part of what keeps us going throughout the day but can also be a sign of stress. Since beta waves can be induced by muscle contractions, exercise is a good way to create beta waves when you need to focus on many things at once.
Types of brain waves:
Gamma (γ) brain waves
Gamma are the fastest brain waves and are those above 35Hz. There are two subtypes of gamma brain waves: low gamma (35-70 Hz) and high gamma (70-150 Hz). Like beta waves, gamma waves are associated with intense concentration. The brain produces more gamma waves when focusing completely on a single task. Gamma waves occur throughout the brain and are often found in the frontal, temporal, parietal, and premotor cortices. They usually reflect communication between different areas of the brain, with each part playing its role in the completion of a multifaceted effort.
Gamma waves can also be induced via meditation, according to a study of Buddhists of the Tibetan Nyingmapa and Kagyupa traditions, whose meditative practices involve a focus on compassion. Meditative focus on a single subject can help to induce gamma waves when you need to complete a single significant project.
Types of brain waves:
Theta (θ) brain waves
Theta brain waves are from 4-8 Hz and can occur when you are awake in a relaxed state or when you are drowsy or just drifting off to sleep. They do not occur in deep sleep. Theta waves also occur when you are in a light stage of sleep just before you wake up.
Types of brain waves:
Delta (δ) brain waves
Delta brain waves are the lowest on the frequency spectrum, between 1 and 4 Hz. They are mainly associated with sleep, particularly the most restful part of sleep: stage 3 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, or slow wave sleep. Delta waves ensure that we sleep well and feel rested when we wake up. An interruption of healthy delta wave production due to a poor diet, sleep disorders, or certain sleep-disrupting medicines can reduce the amount of restful deep sleep we get.
One way to ensure that the brain produces the delta waves it needs for a good night’s sleep is to take a delta wave-promoting dietary supplement like DELTA BrainLuxury. Unlike many other sleep supplements, DELTA BrainLuxury doesn’t contain melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Instead, it uses the body’s natural precursor to melatonin, tryptophan, to encourage your brain to produce this hormone on its own. The melatonin contained in most sleep supplements is usually much more than the brain naturally produces. This extra melatonin can keep you feeling sleepy even after you wake up and may have negative long-term effects.
DELTA BrainLuxury is produced using a proprietary, high-pressure processing method to ensure greater potency and longer shelf life. According to BrainLuxury co-founder and CEO Hermann Schützinger, “We have developed a totally new and unique production process. Every single step is unique. We have actually built our own BrainLuxury manufacturing room based on the knowledge we have gained and what we have developed. We have the freshness, the functionality, and luckily the taste for the consumer.” BrainLuxury also makes a caffeine-free gamma-inducing blend for natural, healthy focus.
Knowing the types of brain waves and how to create them to master focus and relaxation
Although all five types of brain waves come about naturally as we go about our days, knowing how to induce the right kind of brain wave at the right time can be extremely beneficial. Focused alpha, gamma, and theta waves can be generated with meditation, especially with daily meditative practice, while beta waves are best induced with exercise.
Delta waves depend especially on a balanced diet, and dietary supplements can help the brain produce the right frequencies to induce calm and restful sleep. Mastery of the different kinds of brain waves and their induction can provide you with greater focus, deeper calm, and better sleep. This knowledge can be used to help you feel and function well all day (and all night) long.
For Further Reference:
Scientific American: What is the function of the various brainwaves?
Frontiers in Neuroscience: Generating Brain Waves, the Power of Astrocytes
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
