Understanding our Brain Waves:
In order to function and carry out everyday tasks our brain communicates through brain waves which are electrical impulses in the brain. An individual’s emotions, thoughts and behaviors are reflected by the activity of neurons within our brain. However, not all brain waves are the same in speed and frequency. Brain waves are grouped in five groups known as: delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma. Lets start of with Gamma waves which are observed at 35Hz and aid with concentration, and problem solving. Next are the Beta waves which are seen at 12-35 Hz and are anxiety dominant, active, and external attention. Alpha waves are at 8-12 Hz and shows a very relaxed, passive attentive state. Theta waves observed at 4-8 Hz also show a deeply relaxed, and inwardly focused state. And lastly the delta state at 0.5-4 Hz shows a sleep brain state.
Measuring speed and Power of our brain waves
While the frequency each brain wave is found does not really change the power and speed of the waves does in fact change. The speed of our waves shows us how quickly the neurons are talking to each other. The slower speed waves are delta, theta and alpha while the faster waves are beta, high beta, and gamma. When our brain waves change, it the power of the brain waves that are seen to change. Therefore the power of the low speed waves increases at relaxation or a sleeping state while the power of high speed waves would increase when trying to focus on a task.
How can Neurofeedback Training help?
Since different type of brain waves affect different behaviors and can have the capability of influencing our mood, focus and attention it is important that they are regulated. For example an increase in beta waves can result in anxiety. Therefore, neurofeedback training is able to be used to regulate one’s brain waves. At NorCal Brain Center we offer Neurofeedback training after an initial diagnostic to help regulate an individual’s brain waves. To be a bit more detailed, neurofeedback training is a personalized therapy that tracks and actively tries to regulate certain brain waves. This ensures your mood, behavior, attention and focus are at their peak to ensure you are able to thrive everyday.
