In the last blog, I discussed the powerful ways in which Nature heals and transforms us. The key resides in our brain being able to drop in to the healing and soothing brain wave state, known as Alpha waves. This issue explores exactly what the various brain waves are along with the deep and intimate connection between our human brain and body. You may have heard the phrases “Your psychology influences your biology,” or “You can think your way into disease.” Well, scientific research now validates much of the mind-body connection and deep understanding of how your brain waves are the key to your health and wellbeing. In the growing medical field of psycho-neuro-immunology (PNI), there appears to be a correlation between the various brain waves with one’s health and wellbeing. Let’s briefly explore the four brain waves and their function in our health.
At its most fundamental level the universe is merely energy that fluctuates and manifests at various frequencies. The same holds true for all living matter, including your brain, and some suggest even the human heart. (More on that in a later blog) The machine that measures brain waves is known as an Electro-Encephalo-Graph (EEG) and organizes the brain waves based on their wave-frequency in Hertz/sec. The four commonly accepted brain waves among scientists are: Alpha, Beta, Theta, and Delta, with some suggesting another possible Gamma state.
The brain waves are further divided into “waking versus non-waking” states of consciousness. Beta and Alpha waves are produced when we are awake, while Theta and Delta during sleep. Beta waves are predominant when our mind requires focus, attention, and alertness. They are also produced when the brain is in high stress or “fight-or-flight” mode, in turn, triggering adrenalin and cortisol into the body for survival. We experience Alpha waves, on the other hand, when our mind and body are awake yet calm and relaxed. Think of the difference you feel when stuck in a traffic jam late for your flight or relaxing on the beach hearing the waves and watching the sunset. In the first scenario, your brain is functioning in Beta waves, while in the latter in Alpha. The other two brain waves, Theta and Delta, are generally found when we are asleep, although there appear to be exceptions to this observed in the waking state of deep meditation or conscious breathing. Generally, the brain produces Theta waves during light sleep and when we dream, while Delta waves are found in deep, dreamless sleep.
So what then is the connection between these four brain wave states with our health and wellbeing. The answer resides in allowing all four brain-wave states to be in balance and equally manifest throughout our day. Unfortunately, our fast paced, technologically driven lifestyle creates a disruption in this important harmony. When our brains and bodies are in constant stress and amped up due to the fast-paced, caffeine-addicted, plugged-in, multi-tasking life that we have created, we spend our day predominantly in a Beta-wave state. Furthermore, Beta-waves are accompanied with the release of cortisol, the stress-hormone that eventually may lead to chronic anxiety, illness and disease. The famous Stanford neurobiologist Dr. Robert Sapoltsky’s enlightening book Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, observes that in the animal kingdom those animals that are prone to aggression, anger, and violence, due to an increase in cortisol and adrenaline, are also the ones with the weakest immune systems. (Watch video here) It now appears that the same observations are found in our human biology. When we are constantly in stress, anxiety, anger, fear, or worry, our immune system and health are considerably weakened.
The good news is that Alpha waves can counter the chronic harm of being in continual Beta-wave states. Alpha waves produce beta-endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, neurotransmitters that enable us to become relaxed, calm, and centered during the stress experienced throughout our day. When the alpha and beta waves are equally in balance throughout our waking day, we experience psycho-physiological coherence, a deep and profound state of integration of the body and brain. The longer we can remain in psycho-physiological coherence, the stronger our immune system becomes enabling us to be whole and healthy. So how can we experience more Alpha to balance out the Beta-waves in our daily life? The answers can be as simple as being in Nature, making love, laughter, deep-breathing, or meditation. (Watch Video to Learn How)
The important thing is to cultivate balance in your day between work, rest, and play. The human brain, thus, can be a very valuable organ in our quest for a healthy body, mind, and spirit! As Dr. W. Ross Adey, of the Brain Research Institute at UCLA, says, “The ultimate creative capacity of your brain may be, for all practical purposes, infinite.” I refine this statement by saying, “The ultimate HEALING capacity of your brain may be, for all practical purposes, infinite!”
Keep on LIVING YOUR LIGHT® in balance of brain and of body.
Dr. Jay Kumar
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