Some Fun Facts About Brain Waves and Meditation

     Your brain waves can be categorized into five separate subsections of functionality based on the frequency that has been examined through medical tests such as an EEG and a fMRI. Gamma waves have the highest frequency with a rate of 30-100 Hz. In gamma, the brain is hyperactive and is in the phase in which the most information is retained, although over-stimulation can lead to anxiety. Beta has a frequency of 13-30 Hz,  where the brain functions a majority of the time. This is the state of the working and thinking brain that exercises the alertness of the prefrontal cortext and is used in analysis, planning, assessing, and categorizing. Alpha is the state of a calm, peaceful, and grounded mind with a frequency of 9-13 Hz. This state of mind is most likely to be reached after a yoga class or various other activities that relax the body and mind. This is the point when the hemispheres of the brain are more balanced, but not the state of mind that is reached in meditation.

     At a frequency of 4-8 Hz, theta waves mark the point where the verbal and thinking mind transforms into the meditative and visual mind. At this frequency the mind has a higher capacity for wholeness and is better able to solve complicated problems. Visualization is most common during this state. The final and ultimate state of mind is the delta waves at a frequency 1-3 Hz. This state is uncommon for most human beings and is only commonly met with monks who have been meditating for decades. For those of us that are fortunate to reach this state, we are most likely in a deep, dreamless sleep. Monks can reach this phase in an alert, awakened state.

     It is the goal that we reach the theta state of brain wave frequency during meditation since it is a plausible relaxed state that allows the mind to focus in the moment. This state most easily allows visualizations of the breath and body in unity. The objective of meditation is to be in the present moment and be conscious in your actions. By slowing the brainwaves, the rapidness of thoughts begins to slow and more peaceful state of mind is reached.