Brainwave Frequencies and Correlated States of Consciousness
Posted by Eric W Thompson at 12/28/2007 8:00 PM and is filed under Peak Experiences,beta rhythm,brain states,Meditation,brainwave entrainment,lambda rhythm,delta rhythm,gamma rhythm,alpha rhythm,hypergamma rhythm,science of consciousness 
| Brainwave Frequencies | Correlated States of Consciousness |
| Epsilon/sub-Delta: ¼ cycle per sec/1 frequency per 10 sec/1 frequency per minute - .4 Hz | Very rare, exceptional, ecstatic states of consciousness; deep spiritual insight; high level of inspiration; theorized to be the state Yogi's go into when no heart beat, respiration or pulse are noticeable. |
| Delta: .5 Hz – 3.5 Hz | Deep dreamless sleep; formless/expansive awareness; very deep meditation; healing and recuperation; deep relaxation; empathy; experience of transcending time and space. |
| Theta: 4 Hz – 7.5 Hz | Hypnogogic state; dreaming sleep; creative inspiration; insight/problem solving; vivid visualization; meditation; OBE’s, shamanic journeying; learning and memory. |
| Alpha: 8 Hz – 11.5 Hz | Accelerated learning; relaxed alertness; Zen meditation; open focus; nonlinear mental activity; the beginning of drowsiness and falling asleep; can stimulate the release serotonin (vital in the regulation of mood and sleep). |
| Beta: 12 Hz – 38 Hz | Sensorimotor awareness; physical impulses; wide awake, alert, focused; analyzes and assimilates new information rapidly, complex mental processing, peak physical and mental performance, cannot be sustained indefinitely otherwise exhaustion, anxiety, and tension result. Short bursts of beta have been used for improving cognitive intelligence, as well as euphoric states of short duration. |
| Gamma: 38 Hz – 90 Hz |
Higher levels of brain organization; possesses a binding action noticeably absent in schizophrenic patients; above average integration of sensory information; hypnotic states; enhanced self awareness and insight; deep meditation; a sense of connection with the surrounding world; deepened compassion and loving kindness; clarity of mind. These brain waves are suppressed totally by anesthetic, which means they deeply influence waking consciousness and perception. Found in all parts of the brain, and are most prominent in highly developed practitioners of Tibetan Buddhist compassion meditation (metta) practice. |
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Hyper Gamma: 100+ Hz
Lambda: 200+ Hz |
Very rare; ecstatic states of consciousness; exceptional understanding and integration of sensory information; associated with the overcoming of barriers to personal development; tremendous focus/self awareness; deep feelings of love and joy. It has been theorized that Tibetan monks that walk barely clothed for days through the snow have exhibited high levels of these. They are difficult to measure and little is known about them. They are believed to be carried on the very slow moving Epsilon Waves (<0.5Hz). |
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