Beta Brain Waves

WHAT ARE BRAINWAVES?

All of our thoughts, emotions and behaviors are based on the communication between the neurons of our brain. Brainwaves are generated by synchronized electrical impulses from neuron masses that communicate with each other.

Brainwaves are detected with sensors on the scalp. They are divided into bands to describe their functions (below), but they are better viewed as a continuous spectrum of consciousness; slow, high and functional, fast, subtle and complex.

It is a practical analogy to regard brainwaves as musical notes: low-frequency waves are like a deep-going drum rhythm, while higher-frequency brain waves are more like a subtle flute. Like a symphony, the highest and lowest frequencies meet and unite with overtones.

Our brainwaves change according to what we do and feel. When slower brain waves dominate, you may feel tired, slow, lazy, or dreamy. The highest frequencies are dominant when you feel connected or hyperactive.

The following descriptions are just general descriptions: In practice, things are much more complex and brainwaves reflect different aspects when they occur in different parts of the brain.

The speed of brainwaves is measured in Hertz (cycles per second) and divided into bands that limit slow, moderate and fast waves.

INFRA-LOW (<0.5 Hz)

Infra-low brain waves (also called slow cortical potentials) are believed to be the basic cortical rhythms that underlie our superior brain functions. We know very little about infrared brainwaves. Because of their slowness, they are difficult to detect and measure, so few studies have been done. They seem to play an important role in brain time and network function.