Meditation has been around for thousands of years. Yet, we’ve been slow to adopt the practice in the West. Now, though, science is beginning to understand its positive effects on the brain. That’s why mindfulness and meditation are becoming increasingly popular.
Both practices are a part of my daily routine and have improved my life. I’m calmer and more present, whilst being less impulsive and reactive. My thoughts and emotions no longer dictate my actions far less than they used to.
What about our brain waves though, does meditating change them?
There is evidence to suggest that meditation changes our brain waves. A meditator can slow down their mental activity to create states of rest and relaxation. Furthermore, experienced meditators are able to produce powerful gamma waves, which have a number of positive effects.
In this post, I’ll explore all the brain wave types to give you a thorough understanding of them. Then I’ll explain in-depth how meditation can influence your brain waves.
Ready to be intrigued?
Let’s begin then.
What Are Brain Waves?
This topic is a little complex but allow me to break it down as simply as possible. Brain waves are electrical activity that the brain generates. How are they created? When neurons send electrical pulses to other neurons.
With me so far?
These electrical pulses generate a wave-like pattern, just like how sounds create sound waves. Funnily enough, both are measured in Hertz (Hz). Representing how many times they are firing per second.
For example, 100 Hz = 100 times per second.
Their speed also determines their size:
- 100 Hz = faster-moving waves with a small size.
- 5 Hz = slower-moving waves with a big size.
Are you still following?
I know this is a little technical but let’s look at an example.
Delta waves sit at around 0.5-4 Hz. They move slowly (0.5-4 times per second) and have a bigger size. This makes sense, as they are typically related to deep sleep.
Gamma waves measure between 30-100 Hz. They move much faster (30-100 times per second) and have a smaller size. Your brain generates gamma waves when you are highly focused and engaged.
Unlike sound waves, you can’t use a simple phone app to measure brain waves. Instead, electrodes are placed on your scalp to assess your brain’s electrical activity. This is known as electroencephalography (EEG)
There are 5 brain wave types in total. Depending on your mental state and what you’re doing, some will be more active than others. In general, though, your brain is a buzz of brain wave activity, as your neurons are creating electrical pulses.
Let’s look at each in more detail before we discuss how meditation can alter our brain waves.
Delta Waves (0.5-4 Hz)
Delta Waves are the largest in size and slowest in speed. Your brain generates them during dreamless deep sleep when you are unconscious. This is the third stage of sleep we go through. During this time your body rests, repairs, and heals as you release growth hormone.
In this state, you are unaware of the physical world. So, your neural activity slows down as there is no need to focus or complete tasks. But that doesn’t mean your brain isn’t doing anything.
During deep sleep, you organise and strengthen memories. Helping you to retain what you learned throughout the day. Also, your brain detoxifies to maintain its neuroplasticity and health. On top of that, you process the events of the day to integrate and regulate your emotions.
As you can see then, delta waves play a vital role in our physical and mental well-being.
Let’s move on to theta waves.
Theta Waves (4-8 Hz)
Theta waves occur when you’re transitioning into deep sleep. Think about the moment as you begin to drift off. You’re still awake, but your body is deeply relaxed, and your brain is in slow activity mode.
However, your brain can also be in this state during the day. Such as when you’re daydreaming, getting distracted, or feeling drowsy and relaxed. Moments of creativity, intuition, and imagination are also associated with theta waves.
During internal focus, spiritual awareness, and meditation, you also release theta waves. More on that later.
Next, let’s look at alpha waves.
Alpha Waves (8-12 Hz)
When you’re relaxed but awake, your brain is likely to be producing alpha waves. During this relaxed wakefulness, you may feel calm as you unwind on the sofa. Your mental activity is higher but you’re not processing much information. Therefore, you’re alert and able to function well without stress.
As alpha waves can shift in and out of theta, they can also occur before sleep and after waking. As well as during light meditation.
You may also come up with creative and innovative ideas in this relaxed alpha state. Additionally, during this calmness, you might experience happy and content moods.
Alpha waves allow you to shift easily from one task to another. They are in the middle spectrum of all the other brain wave types.
Beta Waves (12-30 Hz)
Beta waves are considered as fast activity. During this state, you are thinking, problem-solving, making decisions, and processing information. As beta waves have the largest range, they can be divided into three sections:
- Low beta waves are associated with a relaxed yet alert state. For example, when you are doing activities that require some focus and attention. That could include reading, talking, or some simple problem-solving. However, being low beta for long periods can be a sign of depression.
- Medium beta waves occur when you are more active and alert. This is when you need to do tasks that require more focus, concentration, and engagement. For example, studying, doing academic work, or analysing information. Anything that requires sustained attention, critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving
- High beta waves are generated during hyperarousal and heightened alertness. You may be doing goal-oriented tasks that require more attention and mental activity. Although, you might also be restless, stressed, anxious, or overthinking in this state.
As you can see there are distinctive differences between the beta wave categories. And being at either the low or high can have consequences. But to keep things simple, think of beta waves as being involved with more active mental engagement.
All that’s left, are the powerful gamma waves.
Let’s learn about them next.
Gamma Waves (30-100 Hz)
Gamma brain waves are the fastest and smallest in size. They are often associated with high brain function, cognition, and memory. As well as enlightened states of awareness and inner peace.
Most people only experience short bursts of gamma lasting milliseconds. This can occur when you solve a problem, or get intense stimuli from your senses. Yet, experienced meditators seem to generate gamma waves in their normal state, which seems superhuman.
Whilst the science is quite new, it seems the gamma state involves super focus, increased intuition, self-awareness, and coherence. Almost like your mind and body are in a state of flow, working together effortlessly.
Pretty incredible, right?
Now you know all the brain wave types. So, let’s get to what you came here for next. Understanding how meditation can influence your brain waves.
Can Meditation Change Your Brain Waves?
As you can see, brain waves are quite complex. We are only just beginning to understand their relevance and the role they play. What does that mean for meditation then? And how does it influence our brain waves?
Meditations involving relaxation can slow your brain waves down. This means beta waves will reduce as theta waves increase. Indicating a state of wakeful but calm rest, whilst reducing stress and anxiety. As you go deeper into this relaxation state, theta waves will also become more dominant.
This explains why somebody in a deep meditation can feel like they’re in a light sleep. Providing rest, inner peace rest, and tranquillity, whilst reducing stress and anxiety.
The effect of meditation on the brain gets even more fascinating though.
Remember I spoke about experienced meditators and gamma waves earlier? Well, anybody can experience these powerful surges of gamma. It comes with practice, time, and dedication.
Thanks to people like Dr. Joe Dispenza, there is scientific proof of this. In his studies, he’s witnessed how theta and beta waves begin to resonate with each other, which creates immense standing gamma waves.
It’s as if the energy generated through meditation builds and builds. When it does, your brain waves become coherent and produce a huge amount of energy in the brain. As it synchronises, a state of ecstasy and bliss occurs, produced by the nervous system.
These gamma waves form new pathways in our brain, creating permanent positive changes. This flow gamma state is also associated with more awareness and consciousness.
If there was ever a great reason to meditate, then perhaps this is one to inspire and motivate you.
Meditation Can Have a Profound Effect on Your Brain
Brain waves play pivotal roles in how we operate. Whilst there are 5 different types, remember that your brain is buzzing with varying frequencies. But others are more dominant depending on what you’re doing.
As a rule of thumb, large slow brain waves are for rest. Whilst small fast ones mean your brain is more active and engaged.
Meditation is a powerful tool that anybody can use to change their state. Including you. By meditating you can slow down your brain waves, bringing you peace and tranquillity. And through dedicated practice, you may be able to experience the power of gamma waves.
This can lead to coherence within your mind, creating positive changes within your neural pathways.
We’re fortunate to live in such a revolutionary time. One where we can use science to understand the ancient benefits of meditation. Giving us a glimpse at the true potential of our own minds. This seems to be something we’re only beginning to understand.
So, whether you’re an experienced meditator or just starting, I urge you to keep going. Use this knowledge to inspire and motivate your journey going forward.
Embrace the practice with dedication and openness. Who knows what you will uncover?
I hope you enjoyed this article. Did it surprise you how meditation can influence our brain waves? Let me know in the comments.
Chris from Mindful Way to Be
