Deep meditation brain waves – Lightbulb moments occur in a longer meditation
Ever had a brain wave? That light bulb moment, which feels like a palpitating sensation inside your head? It doesn’t happen that often (well, definitely not to me) and I do wonder what actually is happening.
The brain is an active and complex organ; research has shown that the brain always shows some level of electrical activity, whether we are mentally active, resting or asleep. Brain activity is measured through the use of EEG (electroencephalography), where electrodes are placed in standard locations of the scalp.
Scientist has discovered brain waves as early as 1920s, with the first publication in 1931 by Berger, a German neurologist. Berger measured what is now called Alpha waves (frequency range of 812 Hz*), which are manifesting when a person is in a wakeful relaxation with eyes closed, like during a meditation. Alpha waves are reduced when someone opens his eyes, sleeps or feels drowsy.
When this happens the brain increases Beta waves (12-30 Hz ). Beta states are associated with normal waking consciousness and active, busy or anxious thinking. Beta waves occur when the brain is working on goal-oriented tasks, such as planning or reflecting actively over a particular issue.
Delta waves (0-4 Hz) are associated with the deepest stages of sleep. There is little delta during relaxing and meditative activities, confirming that meditation is different from sleep.
Theta waves (6-10 Hz) relate to active motor behaviour, such as walking. It is measured in the hippocampus, that part of the brain that is linked to memory and spatial navigation.
How does meditation relate to brain waves?
Meditation is a technique to stimulate the intensity of both Alpha and Theta waves, reducing the Beta and Delta activity.
The strongest and clearest evidence is related to Alpha waves. Alpha waves are more active during meditation and characteristic of wakeful rest. The amount of alpha waves increases when the brain relaxes from intentional, goal-oriented tasks. An abundance in alpha waves leads to the stimulation of Theta waves.
Theta waves originate from a relaxed attention that monitors our inner experiences. Scientific studies have shown they indicate deep relaxation, but also support processing of mental experiences and occur more frequently in highly experienced meditation practitioners.
How is this information relevant for meditation practice?
Being a bit more familiar with the working of our brain, it is easier to understand how meditation practice affects our mental states. As brains are always active, you can now guide that activity in a way that will support us in achieving what you want.
For instance, if you need to de-stress or a rest, a gentle light meditation will give you what you need.
If you want to absorbe and process intensive learning or experiences, you help yourself by practicing a longer meditation that activates your theta waves.
Whatever your need, any meditation will calm down the beta and delta and regular practice will help you to generate more light bulb moments.
There is binaural meditation music available to make it easier to get to the right ways. Check this out: https://unifycosmos.com/binaural-beats-meditation-program/
Interested to learn to meditate? Contact me on 07967717131.
* Hz refers to the number of transitions or cycles per second.
