Alpha Brain Waves: How Can People Benefit From Them?
Written by rifqi on July 23rd, 2010 in Meditation.
Over the years research has shown that the patterns of activity in the brain change according to what we are doing. The slowest are when we are in a deep sleep and the fastest when we are most aroused. The frequencies have been organized into groups and given names. For example, the waves in the average state when we are active, taking in stimuli and thinking are called beta brain waves. Alpha brain waves are in the next slowest group and are characterized by a state of passive awareness. Having your brain in this state can bring a number of benefits.
When the brain is operating in alpha waves it is a slightly lower state of arousal than when we are normally functioning and responding to stimuli, which are beta waves. Our brain waves change constantly as we undertake different activities. It is important that our brains remain flexible and able to move in and out of the different rhythms when necessary. However as we know that alpha waves are slower than normal we can induce that state in various ways such as relaxing, meditation and through breathing.
Deliberately inducing alpha brain waves can be useful to us in several ways. Although some scientists call refer to this state as idling for the brain, it seems we can perform well in certain tasks as though the brain is passively aware. Research has shown that the brains of creative people spend more time in this state and also have bursts of alpha waves when problem solving. Some of these experiments suggest that the alpha state is more creative than the beta state. This may be because it is easier to access the subconscious or the imagination is more stimulated.
Experiments have also demonstrated improvements in learning ability and memory. Many learning tools such as language courses are sold with a tape of classical music. This is because the music induces alpha waves and the memory should be able to perform better as the person is practicing the new words. It may be that in this state the brain is more focused on less tasks and therefore better at them.
Professional athletes and musicians use an idea called muscle relaxation to improve their performances. Once they have learned a skill they try to perform it in as relaxed a state as they can and this leads to a better performance. Research has demonstrated that they also have bursts of alpha waves like creative people.
Another way inducing this state can be beneficial for people is to enable decent sleep. Just before we fall asleep and just after waking our brains have many alpha waves. It helps your brain slow down into the necessary rhythms for a good deep sleep.
Alpha wave induction can also help people with stress related problems. It calms the mind and body and even improves emotions to induce a feeling of well being.
Alpha brain waves are the pattern of activity in the brain when it is in a state of restful awareness. It is possible to deliberately induce these waves to help in certain tasks.
