At any given time, our brains are operating within one of four brainwave frequency ranges. The faster frequencies correspond to greater alertness such as in Beta where our brainwaves cycle from 15 to 40 times per second (“Hertz” or Hz). On the other end of the scale is Delta which usually corresponds to when we are asleep.
The four brainwave frequency ranges are:
- Beta (15 – 40 Hz)
- Alpha (9 – 14 Hz)
- Theta (5 – 8 Hz)
- Delta (1 – 4 Hz)
Our brainwave frequency is constantly shifting, adjusting to the alertness required by the tasks that we are performing, the emotions that we are feeling or the rest that we require.
It is interesting to note that our brains are predisposed to perform better for specific tasks at certain frequencies. These are summarized below and then each is explained in detail.
Beta: alertness, intense mental activities, logical and analytical functions
Alpha: daydreaming, relaxed, even during smooth rhythmic physical movement
Theta: creativity, drowsiness, near-sleep
Delta: sleeping or profound relaxation/meditation.
Beta waves are the fastest and shortest cycle. These correspond to a highly alert state of mind. When you are engaged in a an active conversation or debate then you are in Beta. When you are performing arithmetic or other calculations then you are in Beta. Your critical mind is fully engaged and your mind is least suggestible.
Alpha is the next slower state after Beta. In Alpha state you are awake but relaxed such as when daydreaming. You could also be performing an activity but you would be in an effortless and calm frame of mind. You could even be performing a relaxing rhythmic exercise such as comfortably jogging or slowly rowing, provided that your mental state remains in a calm flow. Your mind becomes more suggestible in this state.
Theta is the next slower state after Alpha. Here you will definitely be very relaxed and may even be on the verge of falling asleep. You mind is most suggestible in this state and is ideal for receiving suggestions such as from affirmations or a self hypnosis recording. Belief systems and behavioral changes can be influenced by suggestions during this state. Some people also claim that this is where most psychic experiences occur.
Delta has the slowest brainwave cycle and usually corresponds to sleeping. Skilled practitioners of meditation, however, have demonstrated an ability to retain awareness during Delta. Such people report a sense of profound relaxation, tranquility and peace.
If you have an interest in changing some aspect of your behavior or beliefs, then remaining in a Theta or low Alpha state while playing back recorded affirmations or suggestions from a self hypnosis session would be ideal. In fact, the objective of a hypnosis induction is precisely that – to relax you so that your brain shifts to a low alpha or theta pattern thereby making you more suggestible and increase the effectiveness of the suggestions.
It is interesting to note the phenomena of brain entrainment – also sometimes referred to as brainwave synchronization. This means that if your brain is stimulated at a specific frequency then your brainwave frequency is inclined to shift to match it. This is what binaural, monaural or isochronic recordings attempt to do. Each of these uses a different type of auditory technology to create specific frequencies of pulsed sounds but they all aim to achieve the same thing – that is, to coax the brain’s brainwave frequency into a specific state of mind or consciousness. Brain entrainment does work and it has been scientifically proven.
It must also be mentioned that these brain entrainment recordings can be harmful for people with mental illnesses or those who are prone to seizures. If you are not prone to such conditions then brain entrainment is safe and has been used by a vast number of people throughout the world without any problems.
There are many brain entrainment recordings available that are designed to induce a specific state of mind according to the frequencies that they generate. Some are designed to help you relax, others are designed to put you into a creative frame of mind and others are designed to make you feel more alert and energized.
Some self hypnosis recordings also contain such tones in the background to enhance the trance induction. You may ask why don’t all self hypnosis recordings? There are many reasons but a major one is that, as mentioned, it may be harmful for some people such as those prone to seizures. Another reason is that some people just prefer to hear the hypnotist’s voice without any other tone playing – it can be a personal preference.
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