Alpha brain waves are important to our health, happiness, and wellbeing. Cycling at a rate of 8-13Hz, alpha brain waves are generated in both hemispheres of our brains. Research suggests that when in balance, alpha brain waves enhance our day with relaxed clear minds that provide fertile ground for creative thinking and gives us the competitive edge during performance based activities. Conversely, when these brain waves are out of balance it tends to leave us feeling stressed, anxious, unfocused, and decreases our body’s immune defenses.

Why Boost Alpha Brain Waves?

• Less stress, anxiety, and tension - Alpha brain waves are associated with a relaxed state of mind. When we have healthy, balanced levels of alpha waves, our feelings of anxiety and stress fade thus allowing tension to melt from our muscles and minds.

• Balances Mood – Generally speaking, when we feel particularly stressed and anxious, we get cranky and moody. By giving our alpha brain waves a boost, we mellow our moods to a level of peacefulness that allows us to interact smoothly with our co-workers and families.

• Positive Thinking - Having a “can-do” attitude towards life’s pursuits can be very empowering. Healthy alpha brain waves have been linked to a more positive state of mind and an overall enhanced sense of wellbeing.

• Improved Problem Solving Skills – When our minds are relaxed and free from stress and anxiety, our thoughts flow without effort. For example, when we experience “writer’s block”, our beta brain waves are generally dominant. This may leave us stressed, anxious, and feeling a sense of urgency that can interfere with our productivity. By balancing our alpha brain waves, we are more likely to return to this effortless state of flow where we’re sure to impress our teachers and employers with our ability to rapidly solve the problem at hand.

• Enhanced Learning Skills – When alpha waves are dominant in the brain, research suggests we are more capable of “super learning” skills. This is a state that allows us to retain more of what we learn, with less effort. A skill that is certainly handy when learning a new language, memorizing information for a tough exam, or getting up to speed on a new project.

• Higher Levels of Creativity – Want to impress? A generous supply of alpha brain waves has been associated with increased levels of creativity. These abundant levels of alpha waves have been seen in the brains of artists, musicians, and people who think outside the box. Creative problem solvers make highly desirable employees. If you’re feeling stuck in and intellectual or creative rut, try boosting your alpha brain waves.

• Peak Performance – Everyone wants to be the best at whatever sport they pursue, but what makes the difference between amateur and elite athletes? It has been strongly suggested that alpha brain waves are the key. Researchers have shown that elite athletes have a surge of alpha brain waves just prior to their free throw, making a putt for birdie, or scoring the winning goal. This sort of effortless precision requires tremendous focus while remaining calm and relaxed. Amateur athletes, on the other hand, tend to have a surge of beta brain waves as they attempt their shot. This creates a level of stress that often causes them to “choke” at that critical moment. Properly priming your alpha brain wave frequency may give you that competitive edge.

• Stronger Immune System, Healthier Hearts – When we decrease our stress levels, we decrease the amount of the stress hormone cortisol being released into our bloodstreams. Too much cortisol has a negative impact on our immune systems and our hearts. Research has shown that the amount of cortisol floating around in our bloodstreams has as direct relationship to how much fat is deposited into our arteries. Fat in the arteries equals heart disease. And though we can’t see into the walls of our arteries to measure what stress is doing to us internally without the aid of expensive tests, we can see the external manifestation of too much cortisol; it’s that layer of fat around our waists that we lovingly refer to as our “spare tire”.

References:

Young, Janet A & Pain, Michelle D 1999. The Zone: Evidence of a Universal Phenomenon for Athletes Across Sports. Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

Madden, R, et. al. Low intensity electrostimulation improves human learning of a psychomotor task. American Journal of Electromedicine, 4(2):41-45, 1987. Doctoral dissertation, City University Los Angeles, 95 pages, 1987. Presented at The New Brain Technologies and Accelerated Learning Conference at the University of Hawaii, April, 1987.

Kennerly, Richard. QEEG analysis of cranial electrotherapy: a pilot study. Journal of Neurotherapy (8)2, 2004.

Gilula, Marshall F. and Barach, Paul R. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation: a safe neuromedical treatment for anxiety, depression or insomnia. Southern Medical Journal. 97(12): 1269-1270, 2004.

Mayo Clinic Staff. Stress: Unhealthy response to the pressures of life. Letting stress get the best of you may be doing more harm than you think. Take control by understanding the stress response and how your body reacts. Mayoclinic.com Sep 12, 2006

For your reference, we are providing a brief description of the four basic brain wave patterns, two of which you will find mentioned in the article above. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

There are four basic brain wave patterns measured in the standard EEG (electroencephalogram): Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta. Each oscillate at different rates and each have their own characteristics that impact our daily lives.

• Beta is the fastest at 14-30 Hz. It is characterized by waking activity involving a strongly engaged mind, busy or anxious thinking, and muscle tension. Caffeine intake will force us into this state as will a strong smell or taste of pepper or peppermint.

• Alpha is a bit slower at 8-13 Hz. It is characterized by relaxed and effortless alertness. In this state we release more endorphins and experience heightened creativity and inspiration. The scents of lavender and rose stimulate both alpha and theta brainwaves, thus invoking states of relaxation and wellbeing.

• Theta, cycling at 4-7 Hz, is the dominant brain wave when daydreaming, in a state of light sleep, and when under hypnosis.

• Delta is the slowest at 0.5-3 Hz and is representative of deep, restful, dreamless sleep. The amount of delta brain waves we can access during the day is indicative of how much empathy we have for others.