Alpha Brain Waves and Healing

With our many technological advances, scientists and psychologists have made many discoveries about the human brain over the last several decades.  The activity in the brain can be measured and classified into different wave patterns.  During sleep, our brain cycles through the various wave patterns and stages. In the first two stages of sleep are brain wave activity is characterized by theta waves. If someone wakes you in this stage you will not even remember being asleep.  As you fall into a deeper sleep, Delta waves are measured.  Delta waves are the slowest and have the highest amplitude of all of the measured brain waves.  During the night your brain cycles from the theta waves and delta waves until entering into REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. REM sleep brain activity looks very similar to a person that is awake with a combination of alpha and beta waves and this is the stage were dreams take place.

So, let us take a closer look at the alpha and beta waves.  Beta waves are the highest in frequency and lowest in amplitude and are asynchronous in nature.  Literally, our brain is all over the place.  Spiking as of a result of all of the processes going on at the same time.  All of our senses are at work, and our brain works hard to process this input and organize and store the information we are receiving.  As human we have some of the highest brain function and we need beta wave activity to complete the higher cognitive functions that we carryout day to day.  Tasks like driving, cooking, surfing the Internet, playing sports are just a few examples of the brain integrating many different areas simultaneously at rapid speed to complete these tasks. We are amazing creatures if you really think about how much thought goes into driving a car--pressing the accelerator and brakes,  holding the steering wheel, putting on turn signals,  reading traffic signs, all while looking out for other cars or emergency vehicles that pose a dangerous threat.  It doesn't take long after learning to drive for us to add music, passengers, temperature control, and thanks to the large number of fast food establishments we are even able to eat and drink while operating this heavy machinery. 

Aside: Be safe while driving.  Do not text and drive. Put down your smart phones, you should not be reading this blog while driving.

Now that you understand the other wave patterns, let us talk about the alpha wave. When we finally reach our destination safely and we sit still and take a minute to relax our brain waves become slower, increase in amplitude and become more synchronous.  Even though we are awake, we are at a state of peace. Synchronous waves are those that are occurring at the same rate and frequency similar to the action of a bird flapping its wings in flight. It is in this alpha wave pattern that the body begins to slow down and recover from the stressors that are present in our environment as well as the ones that naturally occur inside the body. We are in a constant struggling for reaching a balance state in our bodies and this is defined as homeostasis. So without alpha waves, we cannot achieve this balance state of well being.

Many people use drugs and alcohol to induce alpha waves brain patterns but these substances have damaging effects on your body and are counter intuitive to achieving proper health. Television also sends your brain into a low alpha brain wave pattern, which is probably why so many people spend their evening winding down in front of the TV or even fall asleep watching TV.  But too much of this low alpha wave state is not good and can out you in a fog that makes it difficult to focus  Everything needs to be in perfect balance. Some healthier alternatives to induce alpha wave brain states are meditation, prayer,getting massages, yoga, breathing techniques, sitting in a sauna or hot tub, hypnosis (self or by a professional), laying on the beach or in a hammock, or even walking if done in a relaxed environment.  Scientists have also found more alpha brain wave activity in creative people - Musicians, Artists, Writers, and Poets often report going into an altered state to produce their work.

As a massage therapist and reflexologist I have experienced this altered state.  When I first begin a massage or reflexology session I am processing a lot of information.  In a massage session, I first notice the texture, warmth, quality of the muscles making notations of anything out of the ordinary. Then using different techniques I am able to manipulate that muscle or tissue to try to bring it back to a normal state.

I am awake and I am moving, using my hands, and my brain is definitely in a beta wave state.  But then there is a shift.  Once I relax,  I am to complete the massage session without "thinking" about the process. This allows my client to reach an alpha wave state as well which promotes healing and bringing the body back to balance.  This is why I consider myself a healing artist versus a massage therapist.  Reaching this alpha wave state is very similar to a painter standing in front of a blank canvas with a palette of colors and a brush. I hope that you found this post helping in understanding the importance of slowing down and allowing our brain to recover from its daily demands.

When is the last time you spent 20 minutes in a relaxed (alpha wave) state?  Set aside 20 minutes a day for one week and see if you notice any changes in your body? Always feel free to post your comments and share what you notice after completing this exercise.  Also, if you have any questions about this article or what to find out more about natural ways of healing, inbox me: TJthehealer@gmail.com

Light & Love
TJ