Brain Wave Meditation

(Also known as Brainwave Therapy)

May 5, 2010...NEWS

Brainwave Therapy, developed by Kelly Howell, is based on extensive biofeedback research. This clinically proven technology creates new neural networks that literally change your brain, and allow it to operate with greater efficiency, productivity and functionality.  

Starting May 5th, Theatre of the Mind is going to be broadcast LIVE on the RADIO every Wednesday at 5:00 pm (PST). The broadcasts can be heard online at Contact Talk Radio or if you're in Seattle tune into 106.9 HD Channel 3. Don't worry; podcasts of the show will still be available on iTunes. 

And, here are a few gifts to celebrate the first show... 

Gift 1: On the first show Kelly will be giving away a coupon code for you to save 50% on any download at Brainsync.com. The promo code will only be given out during the LIVE broadcast, so tune in May 5th! 

Call in and get a FREE CD of your choice... 

Gift 2. Kelly will be giving away free CDs to callers, so don't be shy. On the show, you'll be able to call in and ask her guests your own questions.

To read more about Brainwave Therapy please click here
END NEWS

A brief review of brain waves and how they relate to meditation.

The brain is an electrochemical organ; electrical activity produced by the brain can be measured using an EEG (electroencephalograph). The activity is displayed on an EEG as ‘brain waves’.

There are five categories of brain waves: beta, alpha, theta, gamma, and delta.

Beta: When the brain is actively engaged i.e. alert and cognitive it generates beta waves at a frequency ranging from 13 to 40 cycles a second (Hz).

Alpha: Alpha brain waves are slower than beta waves and range from 6-12 cycles per second (Hz). A person resting or reflecting after completing a task would be generating alpha waves. During meditation we produce alpha waves.

Theta: Theta brain waves have a frequency range between 4-7 cycles a second (Hz). A person daydreaming is often in a theta brainwave state. A person performing a repetitive task may be in a theta state. You may experience a flow of ideas in the theta state.

Delta: Delta brain waves have a range of 1- 4 cycles per second (Hz) – very slow. In deep sleep the brainwave frequency is 2 – 3 cycles per minute.

Gamma: 40+ cycles per second (Hz). In some studies gamma waves have been referred to as high frequency beta waves but as more research is conducted on brainwave pattern and meditation/mindfulness, the more these waves are referred to as a separate class. During moments of precognition or high-levels of information processing, your brain produces gamma waves.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin working with Tibetan Buddhist monks have shown that the meditative state of the monks produces high-frequency gamma waves and brain synchrony, or coordination. Read more here.

So how does this relate to meditation and brainwave therapy? 

When a person is meditating the brain shifts through various types of brain waves (except beta brain waves which are associated with normal consciousness). The most common brain waves in meditation are alpha waves. These alpha brain waves in meditation promote changes in the autonomic nervous system - the ones that calm the mind and body. A very experienced meditator produces gamma waves – associated with intense focus – in the left prefrontal cortex of the brain, an area of the brain associated with decreased anxiety and fear, positive emotions and a decrease in depressive emotions.

A meditator also experiences t heta brain waves which produce a deep sense of relaxation, encourage creativity and make problem solving and memorization easier. Delta brain waves, usually experienced by long-time meditators, are said to help experienced practitioners access the unconscious mind.  

If you know about the various types of brain waves and the characteristic behavior associated with each one, then, the theory is, you can ‘access’ the type of brain wave you ‘desire’ and create a state of mind similar to that experienced during meditation – without having to ‘do’ or learn anything.

This is an oversimplified explanation of how brain therapy works. In my opinion the best site to gain knowledge about brainwave meditation is Brain Sync a company in Oregon, USA  developing brain wave therapy programs for over two decades.

You'll find some Amazon recommendations, specific to Brain Wave Meditation, in the link below: