Key brainwaves produce beneficial effects

NeuroSonica sessions may incorporate any of the following brainwave frequencies, and combinations thereof, according to the requirements and purpose of that session. All brainwave frequencies perform multiple functions and  benefits - so achieving a healthy brainwave balance is important. (For more about this see 'You and Your Brainwaves').

As there is some overlap at their boundaries, researchers may give slightly different readings and the frequency  thresholds shown below are approximations based on general consensus.

They are presented in descending order of frequency ,fastest to slowest, as measured in Hertz (Hz) or cycles per second.

GAMMA & HYPER GAMMA: ~ 38 – 100 + Hz 

• High level integration and synchronization of brain centres involved in learning, memory, thought generation, task processing, motor function; improved creativity, comprehension and concentration.

 This fascinating, high energy brainwave is increasingly used by clinicians for assistance with depression and certain learning disorders. Considered by Nobel Prize winner Sir Francis Crick and others to be the key to cognition and the  brain’s optimal frequency of functioning, 40Hz Gamma in particular has recently been shown to be an important frequency band  for higher mental functioning,  self-awareness and other aspects of heightened consciousness and peak performance. It is also known to occur when we are simultaneously processing information in both hemispheres. Higher than normal resting levels of Gamma have been found to occur in the frontal lobes of Buddhist monks with extensive meditation experience. Whales and dolphins are also known to operate in this frequency. Gamma is typically most present during the formation of new brain circuits and is also  thought to have 'anti-depressant' effects. Some researchers believe increasing Gamma levels may be helpful for Alzheimer's disease and even Autism. N-Vital, N-Gym and N-Lifter all include Gamma in some of their sessions.

BETA: ~ 15 – 38 Hz

• Focused, analytical, rational, wide awake, alert awareness; concentrated, focused mind; heightened sensory perception, emotional stability.

Beta is a 'fast' high frequency bandwidth typically associated with our normal state of alert, eyes open waking consciousness in which our neocortex (new brain) is actively firing.  In Beta a person is aware of self and surroundings, alert and active, with increased mental ability and focus, peak states of concentration and visual acuity. However certain higher levels can create anxiety or agitation and are never used in our sessions. Beta based protocols are commonly used to with  assist with ‘slow wave’ conditions like Depression and AD/HD as it is generally under produced in these conditions. It is also used for improving general brain fitness, performance and focus, especially at an optimal 18.5 Hz. It is also an excellent frequency to 'wake up' your brain when you are feeling tired. It is typically seen on both sides of the head in symmetrical distribution although most evident frontally. All our suites include Beta in some of their sessions.

SENSORY MOTOR RHYTHM (SMR ) ~ 12.5 – 15 Hz

• Physical and mental calm, non-impulsive, external awareness, quiet alertness.

SMR brainwaves (a sub-band or slow form of Beta) are characterised by a state of being relaxed but at the same time alert, focused and attentive. They occur most often when the body is inactive, and as they reduce the urge to move, can be helpful in overcoming sleep related problems such as 'restless leg syndrome'. High SMR levels are typically found in athletes and other physically healthy people - which may also account for their generally healthy sleeping patterns. It is also believed that sufferers of AD/HD can be helped by increasing these brainwaves. This general purpose bandwidth has many useful applications including  benefits for concentration, reading speed and energy levels, as well as offering help for insomnia, depression, anxiety and stress. All of our suites contain SMR in at least one session.  

ALPHA: ~ 8 – 12.5 Hz

• Relaxed, tranquil consciousness; pleasant inward awareness; 'super learning'; body/mind integration.

Alpha frequencies have many applications and benefits. Alpha is associated with a relaxed waking state and typically occurs when we shut our eyes, calm down and begin to withdraw from external sensory stimulation and the electrical activity that it produces. It is the dominant rhythm in normal relaxed adults, especially so beyond the age of 13. (Unfortunately, today's stressful and demanding lifestyle leaves many of us "Alpha challenged"). Creative people tend to increase Alpha when they are listening or arriving at a solution. Alpha contains the window frequency known as the Schumann Resonance - the resonant frequency of the earth's electromagnetic field of which we are a part. Excellent for relaxation, visualization and creating 'super learning' states, Alpha also has had a  long clinical association with anxiety and stress relief and, more recently, for helping with autism, depression and AD/HD. It is dominant in light meditation, contemplative prayer and states of relaxation and is associated with serotonin production. Alpha is typically abolished by opening the eyes and active cognition. It is believed that Alpha brainwaves in the right (emotional) hemisphere of the brain should typically occur 10 to 15 % more than in the left in order to ensure a sense of wellbeing. This is one reason reducing Alpha levels in the left hemisphere and replacing them with faster Beta has proven useful for treating depression. Every suite contains at least one or two Alpha based sessions.

THETA: ~ 4 – 8 Hz 

•  Increased memory, creativity, imagery and visualization; free-flowing lucid thought; spatial navigation tasks; ‘super learning’, inspiration, drowsiness and heightened suggestibility.

Descending from Alpha, we move down into Theta and the deeper subcortical regions of the brain. Classed as 'slow wave' activity, these sleep inducing, low-frequency brainwaves are associated with creativity, dreamlike 'flow states', memory consolidation, vivid imagery, extrasensory perception skills and a great deal of other sub-conscious activity. Dominant in deep meditation, trance and REM states, Theta states are also associated with the production of many vital neurochemicals including vasopressin & catecholamine. It is also thought to be the optimum level for deep thought and the reception of information beyond normal consciousness as well as the gateway for learning and memory. In fact, many therapists consider that working with clients in Theta provides the optimal state for changing unwanted sub-conscious behaviours and programs. Additionally, it is also believed to reflect activity from the limbic system. Theta is abnormal in healthy awake adults but perfectly normal in children up to 13 years which may help account for their heightened uptake of information and learning. However, over production of Theta (especially during the day) is commonly linked with 'slow wave' conditions like depression, AD/HD and  PTSD. As always, a healthy balance of appropriate brainwaves is crucial for optimal functioning. Every suite contains at least some Theta in their relaxation sessions - but especially N-Calm and N-Sleeper. 

DELTA & SUB-DELTA (EPSILON):~ 0.1– 4 Hz

•  Deep dreamless sleep, regeneration and self-healing 

Delta and Sub-Delta are the slowest / lowest frequency brainwaves in which we are usually completely  unconscious and catatonic. They are predominant during deep, restorative non REM sleep stages 3 and 4 when there is very little activity in the neocortex (new brain). Delta/Sub-Delta tend to be the highest in amplitude and the slowest waves and the dominant rhythm in infants up to 1 year. Associated with feelings of deep peace, Delta brainwaves are known to assist with pituitary release of HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and assist with immune functioning ,healing and regeneration and to soothe the limbic /emotional system. Delta also contains a window frequency associated with heart/brain coherence. All suites contain at least some Delta/Sub Delta in their relaxation sessions, but especially N-Sleeper.