Brain Waves, do they matter?

Hey Muse,

WHAT ARE BRAIN WAVES?

Our life vibrates in the particular rhythm of our brain waves.

At the basis of all our thoughts, emotions and behaviors there is a communication between neurons within our brain. Brain waves are produced by electrical impulses synchronized by masses of neurons communicating with each other.

A useful analogy for brain waves is to imagine them as musical notes - low frequency waves are like the beating of a drum that penetrates deep, while higher frequency brain waves are more like a flute with a high pitched sound. Like a symphony, the higher and lower frequencies connect to each other through harmony.

Our brain waves change based on what we are doing and how we feel. When slower brain waves are dominant we can feel more tired, slow, lazy, or dreamy; while the higher frequencies are dominant when we feel alert and active.

THE DIFFERENT BRAIN WAVES

1. Delta waves (1 to 3 Hz)

Delta waves have the greatest amplitude and are related to deep sleep (but without dreams). Interestingly, they are very common in infants and younger children, so as you grow and age, you tend to produce fewer delta waves. The truth is that over the years we have lost our ability to sleep and rest.

On the other hand, it should also be noted that these waves are mainly related to involuntary body activities, such as heart rate or digestion.

What happens if delta waves show very high peaks in an electroencephalogram? It can indicate brain injury, learning problems or be an indicator of severe ADHD.

What happens if delta waves show low peaks in an electroencephalogram? It is possible that it indicates lack of sleep, problems activating and revitalizing the body and mind.

An adequate level of delta waves supports the immune system and takes care of it, as well as our rest and our ability to learn.

2. Theta waves (3.5 to 8 Hz)

The second type of brain wave varies from 3.5 to 8 Hz and is mainly connected to our imagination, reflection and sleep. As a curiosity, note that Theta waves usually show high activity when we experience deep emotions.

A simple example where we can be aware of when these waves take over is when we finish making an effort or activity that has required a lot of energy. Just then, when we relax and let our imagination "fly", the Theta waves acquire a greater presence in our brain.

3. Alpha waves (8 to 13 Hz)

Alpha waves occur in that intermediate twilight where there is calm, but not sleep, where there is relaxation and a state conducive to meditation. We can experience it even when we are on the sofa watching TV or lying in bed, but without falling asleep.

A high level of Alpha waves prevents us from concentrating or having enough strength to perform a task. A low level comes with anxiety, stress and insomnia.

4. Beta waves (12 to 33 Hz)

With Beta waves we refer to very interesting, at the same time complex states, this must be said. States that connect to daily activities in which we put all our attention, when we need to remain vigilant and to be aware of multiple stimuli.

Common activities like driving, taking an exam, giving a presentation, etc. These are all moments of maximum activation. However, an excess, a neural hyperactivation, can cause a state of anxiety or harmful stress. A low level of Beta waves, in turn, would lead us to a state that is too relaxed, relaxed, even depressive. An optimal level of these waves helps us to be more receptive, focused and also to improve our ability to solve problems.

5. Gamma waves (25 to 100 Hz)

It must be said that neuroscientists are discovering more information about these brain waves, but until recently not much was known. Furthermore, it is very difficult to capture them in electroencephalograms. They originate in the thalamus and move from the back of the brain forward and at an incredible speed. They are related to tasks with high cognitive processing. They concern our learning style, the ability to assimilate new information and also with our senses and our perceptions.

It is known, for example, that people with mental or learning problems tend to have below-average Gamma wave activity. Happiness states also show high peaks in these brain waves, and the REM sleep phase is often characterized by high activity in this frequency range.

Gamma were initially considered only as a "background noise of the brain" until the researchers found that she was very active in states of love, altruism, and higher virtues. Gamma rhythms are said to modulate perception and consciousness, and a greater presence of Gamma refers to expanded consciousness and spirituality.

In conclusion, knowing the different types of brain waves allows us to understand our thought processes, our emotions, the activities and the dynamics that generate a type of "energy" in our brain. The secret, therefore, is to be aware of it, learn to relax, be more receptive, intuitive or favor that emotional control, in which our anxiety works in our favor and never against us.

ALTERING BRAIN WAVES

As a general rule, any process that changes perception changes brain waves.

Chemical interventions such as drugs or recreational drugs are the most common methods of altering brain function; however, brain wave formation is our choice.

Traditional oriental methods include meditation and yoga in order to keep brain waves in balance. Among the more recent methods there are low cost methods to temporarily change the state of brain waves. If you are trying to solve a particular difficulty or to refine the function of brain waves, there are targeted, rapid and long-lasting brain training strategies and methods such as neurofeedback and PEMF.

L-THEANINE (AND THE ALPHA WAVES)

What is theanine?

L-theanine is an amino acid contained in green tea, which stimulates the alpha waves of the brain thanks to which it has great relaxing properties. It represents approximately one or two percent of the weight of the leaves in dry tea.

L-Theanine is said to be as relaxing as meditation. It increases energy without alterations, makes you calm without causing sleep, improves concentration and brings a good mood.

There are multiple studies on the numerous health benefits of green tea, many of which are related to theanine, a unique neurologically active amino acid.

It is the most common amino acid in green tea leaves, giving it the typical "umami" flavor, known as "the fifth flavor" in addition to the traditional four (sweet, salty, sour and bitter).

In our daily life we are exposed to many factors that cause stress, to which are added deficiencies of nutrients, typical of inadequate nutrition, lack of sleep and other similar situations, which arise in physical and mental problems.

Because of this, more and more people are turning to drugs to find peace and fight stress. However, the drugs have many side effects that can be dangerous to health.

Wouldn't it be better to find a natural product without side effects? Many have already found it: it is L-theanine, which is becoming more and more popular every day thanks to its beneficial effects against much-hated stress.

Theanine properties

The calming effect of green tea may seem contradictory, considering that it contains caffeine, which is stimulating. However, this is explained by theanine, which slows the stimulating effect of caffeine on the nervous system.

Scientific studies carried out on patients have shown that after 30-40 minutes after drinking tea (L-theanine) two different mechanisms are activated that relax the body

First of all, amino acids are activated which stimulate alpha brain waves, relaxing deeply and raising the index of mental attention as well as that of meditation.

Secondly, theanine is part of the process of formation of gammaaminobutyric acid, a GABA inhibitory neurotransmitter that activates two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, causing a deep sense of calm.

Do you like tea? What’s the brain wave you’d be more interested to work on?

Much Love,

Manuela