Page 131 - C:\Users\STEVEB~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msoF8C5.tmp

ϭϯϭ

3$57 - /(&785( - 7+( 32:(5 2) <285 %5$,1

Brain Wave States

There are five states of awareness that our brain goes through. They are known as brain wave
states and can be measured by a sophisticated piece of medical equipment known as an
electroencephalograph machine (E.E.G.). This machine measures the electrical activity taking
place within the brain and enables scientists to ascertain what level of awareness a subject has
achieved.

Brain Waves

Brain waves are oscillating electrical
voltages in the brain measuring just a
few millionths of a volt. There are five
widely recognized brain waves, and
the main frequencies of human EEG
waves are listed in the table along
with their characteristics.

1. Gamma Concentration
2. Beta Anxiety dominant, active,
external attention, relaxed
3. Alpha Very relaxed, passive
attention
4. Theta Deeply relaxed, inward
focused
5. Delta Sleep

The Electroencephalogram, or EEG,
picks up brainwave activity which
corresponds to different mental states, as shown in the diagram opposite.

DELTA rhythms exist when we are asleep.
THETA is a light, sleepy dreamlike state.
ALPHA is a deep physically relaxed state of emotional calm, even daydreaming.
BETA is the wide awake, day-to-day conscious state.
GAMMA is the most focused state of concentration

When we are wide awake and alert we are in the Beta State. Our conscious mind is fully active
and ready to analyse any information it receives. If we are performing a difficult task that
requires a lot of concentration out brain would almost certainly be in either the Beta or Gamma
states.

As we start to relax our brain wave cycles start to relax also.

Should this state of relaxation become deep enough, our brain enters the Alpha state. This state
is often referred to as the meditative state, the Zen state, the daydreaming state, or the trance
state. Although we are not actually asleep, we are also not really awake. We are aware of
things around us, perhaps we can hear noises or people talking, but they appear to be very
distant.

In this state the conscious mind has effectively fallen asleep, and our subconscious mind remains
in control of our Autonomic Nervous System.