The brain is made up of millions of brain cells called neurons, which use electricity to communicate with each other. This electrical activity is displayed in the form of brainwaves. An EEG (Electroencephalograph) a recording device measures the brainwaves of different frequencies within the brain through the use of electrodes placed on the scalp. According to their frequency brainwaves are divided into four categories, ranging from the most activity to least activity. The EEG frequency bands are: BETA 13-40Hz, ALPHA 8-13Hz, THETA 4-8Hz, and DELTA less then 4Hz.

DELTA:(0.1-3Hz) The lowest frequencies are delta. These are less then 4Hz and occur in deep, dreamless sleep, non-REM sleep, trance and unconscious. THETA: (4-8Hz) Theta activity has a frequency of 4 to 8Hz and is seen in connection with memory, daydreaming and intuition. These waves are strong during internal focus, meditation and spiritual awareness. ALPHA: Alpha waves range between 8 to 13Hz. It is associated with relaxation, visualization and creativity, and is the gateway that leads into deeper states of consciousness. Alpha state can be increased by deep breathing with closed eyes and internal focus, or decreased by thinking and calculating. (See; ALPHA state exercise below) BETA: Beta waves range between 13-40Hz and occur when the mind is in hightened state of alertness and focused concentration.  Besides these four frequency bands there is also a fifth type of brainwave called GAMMA: The gamma brainwave state corresponds to frequencies of 40Hz or higher. These are the most rapid in frequency and occur during moments of precognition and high-level information processing.

EXERCISE: TO BRING INTO AN ALPHA STATE: Take long deep breaths without forcing, let the breath flow naturally. In your mind’s eye visualize/imagine the colours in the same order as outlined below(starting from red) and count backward from 10 to 1 with each colour. Without forcing the visualization “see” the numbers drawn in the colours. RED-ORANGE-YELLOW-GREEN- BLUE-INDIGO-VIOLET. To return back from alpha state count from 1 to 10 without the colours.

For more information on self-hypnosis or autosuggestion contact Yaman Konuralp.