Gamma Brainwaves (38Hz - 70Hz)
According to a 2009 study published in Nature, there is empirical evidence of gamma wave induction in the approximate interval of 25–100 Hz. Gamma waves are related to meditation and the heightened sense of consciousness, bliss, and intellectual acuity. They are the fastest brainwaves frequencies and are associated to the language skills and better cognitive abilities.
In the light of a 2008 study of neuroscience at Rutgers University in Newark, children with higher language and cognitive abilities have correspondingly higher gamma power than those with poorer language and cognitive scores. In accordance with the research having strong bursts of gamma appears to assist the brain in making the neural connections needed for effective language development. Another interesting study has shown that advanced Tibetan meditators produce higher levels of gamma than non-meditators both before and during meditation.
Beta Brainwaves (12Hz - 38Hz)
The Beta brainwave state is associated with a heightened state of alertness and focused concentration. So individuals in this state are awake and alert. This is generally the mental state most people are in during the day.
Stimulating Beta activity can improve our emotional stability, energy levels, attentiveness and concentration. Low Beta (12 - 20 Hz) is related to improved mental focus while high Beta (20 -38 Hz) is good to stimutate alertness, but may cause agitation. This type of brainwave is associated to a mind engaged in work.
Some benefits of increased Beta brainwaves may include positive thoughts, energy boost, think logical and quickly and high levels of focus. Too many Beta brainwaves may lead to anxiety, stress and insomnia.
Alpha Brainwaves (8Hz - 12Hz)
Alpha is the first brainwave pattern that can be reached during the meditation practice and is associated with increased creativity, improved the immune system and release of serotonin. When Alpha waves are produced, we feel alert but relaxed. Alpha brainwaves are mood elevators and are also used to reduce headaches.
Theta Brainwaves (3Hz - 8Hz)
Some benefits of reaching the theta state may include healing, deep levels of relaxation, peak levels of creativity, learning and improved memory. Theta brainwaves are associated to inner guidance, visualization, intuition, dreams and release of the Human Growth Hormone. Theta brainwaves induce relaxation and deeper sleep and are associated to lucid dreaming.
Theta meditation reduces stress and awakens intuition. They are helpful to achieve a pre-sleep or pre-awaken state of mind. Theta is uncommon in awake adults but normal in children up to 13 years. It may explain the reason for their high learning ability. Nonetheless, over production of Theta is linked with depression. Theta state is also related to the production of vasopressin and catecholamine.
Delta Brainwaves (0.5Hz - 3HZ)
Some benefits of increased Delta brainwaves may include boosted immune system, deepest levels of mind and body relaxation, connection with the unconscious mind and hGH release. It is also associated to a faster language retention. Curiously, sleep walking and sleep talking are most likely to occur during a Delta sleep state.
