Communication between neurons in our brain is the basis of all our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Electrical pulses from several neurons interacting with one another in synchrony provide the basis of brain waves. Depending on our actions and emotions, brain waves alter.
Types of Brainwaves
- Gamma waves: The fastest brain wave is called a gamma wave (frequency > 25 Hz). It is responsible for learning, remembering, and processing new information.
- Beta waves: This brain wave is most apparent when we are awake and thinking clearly or solving problems.
- Alpha waves: When we are alert and relaxed while sleeping, responding to visual input, or actively thinking about something, this wave frequently happens.
- Theta waves: They manifest while a person is dreaming, in a light sleep stage, or in a peaceful, meditative state of mind (sometimes referred to as being on “autopilot”).
- Delta waves: These brain waves occur during the stages of deep sleep (think stage 3, or slow wave sleep).
Theta Waves
Many aspects of cognition and behaviour, such as learning, memory, and spatial navigation in many animals, are controlled by the theta rhythm, a neuronal oscillation in the brain generated by theta waves. The electroencephalogram (EEG), which is recorded from inside the brain or from electrodes attached to the scalp, is one electrophysiological technique that can be used to record it.
Theta brainwaves have frequencies that range from 3.5 to 6.75 Hz. Typically, this state only appears during sleep or deep meditation. When a person is in a theta state, they are deeply relaxed. Dreaming, creativity, and intuitive discoveries are all linked to the theta state.
Types Of Theta Waves
There are two types of theta rhythm. They are the hippocampal theta rhythm and cortical theta rhythm. The hippocampal theta rhythm is a robust oscillation found in the hippocampus and other brain structures in many species of mammals. Cortical theta rhythms are low-frequency components of scalp EEG commonly recorded in humans.
Peculiarities of Theta Waves
According to Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist, theta waves are crucial frequency for memory retrieval, increased levels of creativity, emotional experiences (both positive and negative), healing, and imprinting new memories into ideas.
Research On Theta Waves
An investigation of theta waves was conducted by a research team at the University of Montreal Mental Health Institute. The researchers evaluated 10 men and fourteen women, implanted electrodes on their scalps, and monitored electrical activity in their brains in response to distressing images. They concluded that theta waves could serve as a sign of emotional control. Their ability to distinguish between the emotional induction and regulation stages sets their study apart and proves that theta waves are only present during the regulation phase.
As per the research, those who produce more theta waves are more creative and have more ideas. This could result in new therapeutic possibilities for those who encounter disruptions in the emotional regulation process, such as severe anxiety and schizophrenia because theta waves are a marker of successful emotional control. Theta waves communicate ideas to our subconscious mind.
Without ever realising it, we all experience theta wave activity. However, according to neuroscientists, by actively using your creativity, developing new skills, engaging in personal growth activities, meditating, and listening to calming sounds, you can achieve this peaceful state of mind more frequently and benefit from it all.