There are several types of brainwave states. Your brain consistently cycles through each of these
brainwave states many times throughout the day and night. It is a completely natural biological
occurrence in every human being.
Your brain does not operate in only one brainwave state at a time but instead pulses in all these
brainwave states simultaneously, with one of the states being dominant at any given time. The
dominant state indicates your “state of mind” or level of consciousness. Because different areas of
the brain may have different activity at any given time, you may have activity in one brainwave
state in one area of the brain while at the same time a different brainwave state may be more
active in another area of the brain. Each of these brainwave states occurs in a specific frequency
range.
Gamma
Gamma brainwave states are the most rapid in frequency. They have received
the least attention and research, although more attention is currently being paid
to them than in years past. Research has indicated at moments when bursts of
insight or high-level information processing occur, there are corresponding
increases in brain activity in the Gamma range. The Gamma brainwave state
corresponds to frequencies of 40Hz or higher.
Beta
The Beta brainwave state is associated with a heightened state of alertness and
focused concentration. When your mind is actively engaged in mental activities,
the dominant brainwave state will be Beta. A person in active conversation,
playing sports or making a presentation would be in a Beta state. The Beta
brainwave state corresponds to frequencies ranging from 13Hz to 40Hz.
Alpha
Alpha brainwaves are slower in frequency than Beta brainwaves and represent
a state of relaxed mental awareness or reflection. Alpha brainwave states are
typically associated with contemplation, visualization, problem solving and
accessing deeper levels of creativity. The Alpha brainwave state corresponds to
frequencies ranging from 8 Hz to 12 Hz.
Theta
Theta brainwaves are even slower in frequency and represent a state of deep
relaxation and meditation, enhanced creativity, stress relief, light sleep and
dreaming. Theta brainwave states have been used in meditation for centuries.
Research has proven thirty minutes a day of Theta meditation can dramatically
improve a person’s overall health and well-being. Theta meditation has also
been known to cause the need for less sleep. The Theta brainwave state
corresponds to frequencies ranging from 4Hz to 8 Hz.
Delta
Delta brainwaves are the slowest in frequency and represent a state of deep
dreamless sleep. Delta brainwave states have long been associated with healing.
While Delta brainwave states usually only occur in deep sleep, it is possible to
train yourself to remain awake while reaching the Delta state to experience even
deeper levels of meditation and awareness. The Delta brainwave state
corresponds to frequencies from 0Hz to 4Hz