How Different Brainwave Frequencies Can Promote Healing

Our brain waves change throughout the day and are part of a feedback loop that is influenced by what we are doing, thinking, and feeling at any given time, and even while we sleep. Researchers believe that training our own brains to produce the brainwaves we want is the next step in our evolution. 

Brain waves are divided into five main frequencies that create a spectrum of human consciousness.

• Beta waves (12-30 Hz) This is our normal waking state of consciousness. Beta is a ‘fast’ wave activity that is present when we are alert, attentive, focused, and engaged in problem-solving or decision-making. We spend most of our lives in the beta state, going about our daily routines. In this brainwave state, we are wide awake and ready for action.
• Alpha waves (8 to 12 Hz) are present when your brain is in a relaxed state or when we are in a light trance or consciously practicing mindfulness or meditation. The alpha state is an awake but relaxed state of mind. This is the state you feel just before you go to sleep and when you wake in the morning. The brain begins to produce more alpha waves as soon as you close your eyes.
• Theta waves (3 to 8 Hz) have also been observed in the deepest states of meditation. Theta brainwaves occur in meditative states and sleep, including dream sleep. It is that light semi-conscious state which makes the theta state so useful for hypnotherapy. Theta brain waves are associated with daydreaming, inspirational thoughts, and intuition. This state brings our body into a state of homeostasis – a state where healing occurs.
• Delta waves (.5 to 3 Hz) are the slowest brain waves and are our deepest and dreamless sleep patterns. During the delta state, we produce the human growth hormone which plays a major role in healing and boosting our immune system.
• Gamma waves (25 to 100 Hz) are the fastest of all the brain waves. Gamma waves relate to simultaneous processing of information from different brain areas and have been associated with higher states of conscious perception. Experiments on Buddhist monks have shown a correlation between transcendental mental states and gamma waves. Gamma waves are related to open-mindedness, a heightened state of being, altruism, peace and joy, spirituality, and creativity.

How Sound Affects Brainwaves

Scientists have shown that electrical activity in the brain doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Certain things affect it, including sound. Exposure to sound changes brain waves. This is known as ‘entrainment’. Think of it like a radio tuning itself to the frequencies sent out by radio stations. The brain adapts and aligns itself when exposed to a particular frequency. Therefore, brainwaves can be manipulated. 

There are some experts that suggest the best way is to listen to specially prepared music. These are binaural beats. Two slightly different ranges of hertz are played in each ear. For example, if you play 432Hz in one ear and 426Hz in the other, your brain will align with the 6Hz frequency (Theta waves). 

Healing Frequencies using Theta Waves

Imagine that you are in a hypnotherapist's chair and you are asked to relax and close your eyes. They suggest that you are on a beach, the sun is warm on your face, and you can hear the waves softly brushing against the shore’s edge. You smell the salt in the air as you sink slowly into the sand, feeling tranquil, relaxed and safe.

Somehow you managed to conjure up all these images and smells and feelings out of nowhere. You have never been to this magical place but you felt it and experienced it all in your mind. It is in this semi-conscious state that the brain produces theta brain waves.

So why is this important? Because during the theta state we can experience a kind of ‘alternative reality’ where anything is possible.

Theta waves are associated with our subconscious. Deep-rooted beliefs about our identity that we find so hard to shift are stored here. With practice, we can use this alternative reality where anything is possible. We can enter this realm of opportunities and change things.

Meditation

Use this method to entrain your brain to produce theta waves.

Focus on your breathing which will enable you to be in the present moment. Concentrate on the sounds around you and be aware of your surroundings. You can focus on an object or simply let your mind be still. If any thoughts come into your mind, let them drift away like clouds in the sky as you remain in the present. Notice the gaps between the clouds as they drift on by – no need to attach to these clouds, just allow them to float on by. Feel a deep sense of relaxation, but don’t force it. You should not try to be calm but simply allow and detach.

Theta brainwaves are related to inspiration and intuition. Why not train our own brains to tap into this amazing resource? We can harness this incredible power and use it to access a more enlightened state of mind.

Whatever your thoughts on the subject, it is surely a wonderful way of increasing our natural ability.