Brainwave Basics
In order to understand the effect of binaural beats you need to understand the basics of brainwave patterns and their associated states of mind or “moods”.
The human brain is composed of several hundred billion nerve cells, which generate electrical impulses that fluctuate rhythmically in distinct patterns. These patterns can be measured using an Electroencephalogram, and have been categorized in four large ranges.
Table 1 below displays the four patterns of brainwave activity with their repetition cycle ranges (in Hz) and associated states of consciousness.
|
30 Hz 14 Hz |
BETA alert |
Higher range: euphoria, anxiety, unease Lower range: concentration, arousal, alertness, cognition |
|
↕ 8 Hz |
ALPHA pre-sleep, pre-waking transition |
Higher range: relaxed focus Lower range: deep relaxation, super learning, light trance |
|
↕ 4 Hz |
THETA REM sleep |
Higher range: increased learning, memory and creativity Lower range: integral holistic experiences, trance Advanced meditators access the unconscious mind fully |
|
↕ 0.1 Hz |
DELTA dreamless sleep |
Higher range: activation of the human growth hormone Lower range: loss of body awareness, deep trance |
Table 1: Brainwave patterns and their associated states of consciousness
