Brainwaves and levels of consciousness

The electroencephalograph (EEG) machine was first discovered in the 1930s to measure the electrical impulses that the brain generates. The impulses are measured in cycles per second (or HZ) to determine the brainwave frequency, and the amplitude measurement determines the volume.

Laboratories around the world have completed studies and experiments to better understand the four main brainwaves patterns that create the four levels of consciousness known as beta, alpha, theta and delta, and the following provides an outline of each of the levels.

Beta waves are experienced during our waking state. When we have many thoughts, thrashing their way to our consciousness, colliding into one another and we are unable to focus on any one of them, high beta waves result. Continuous high beta can result in the overproduction of the "stress hormone" cortisol. Medical research has identified stress as a 21st century disease and regular meditation practice is used as an aid to regulate the cortisol hormone and aid in the restoration of balance.

What are the triggers that create high beta in your life?

Alpha waves are experienced during our relaxed state of awareness. When we are daydreaming, we can feel a sense of lightness, similar to a light meditation state. Alpha waves are also predominant during a single point of focus such as swimming, walking, etc. Research indicates that the alpha state forms a bridge to the deeper levels of consciousness. When the bridge is too narrow, research indicates visualisation exercises will expand the alpha bridge to experience the deeper connections.

Theta waves are experienced during high meditation state where insight, creativity and intuition are experienced.

Delta waves are experienced during deep meditation states where total detachment and a profound state of peace is experienced. Delta waves are also present during deep sleep or comatose state.

It is important to note that while we are experiencing predominately beta waves in our waking state, alpha, theta and delta waves flare into our consciousness. An example of our consciousness at work is when an answer you know very well eludes you. The harder you concentrate, the more beta is generated and the answer becomes even more elusive. Then finally, you let go and declare "it doesn’t matter", out of the blue, the answer you knew all along is drawn to your conscious mind like a magnet. Well it doesn't actually come from out of the blue, it comes from the theta level of consciousness.

Regular meditation practice regulates the electrical impulses forming gentle pulsating rhythms to experience a state of calm and wellbeing. The partnership between science and spiritual practice continues to provide evidence that meditation works at the source of our being where the potential of possibility lays.

Annual conferences take place where Buddhist monks and academic cognitive scientists gather to speak together about what takes place in the brain during meditation: a pathway to integrate ancient wisdom and spiritual practice into 21st century living and wellness.