Alpha waves and relaxation
The brain contains a huge network, billions, of interconnecting brain cells called neurons. They communicate using electrical impulses which travel along the neurons and chemical transmitters which form a bridge at the junctions (synapses) between them.
The effect of this activity produces electrical patterns in the brain that have a cyclical or wave like shape. These brainwaves can be recorded by placing sensitive recording equipment on the scalp known as an EEG or Electroenchephalogram. Depending on our activities, stress levels and state of mind brainwaves vary in frequency and pattern. There are four main patterns:
Alpha waves- 7-13 hertz occur when we are physically and mentally relaxed although aware of what is happening around us.
Beta waves30-60 hertz occur when we are consciously alert or if we are stressed, tense, or afraid.
Delta waves – 0.1-4 hertz and occur during deep sleep, catalepsy, and if we are unconscious
Theta waves 4-7 hertz occur when we are drowsy with reduced consciousness.
For many of us, our brains work in Beta mode most of the time we are awake. However, we learn, concentrate and analyse problems most effectively in the relaxed but conscious state of Alpha mode. If we consciously train ourselves to diminish our brainwave frequency to Alpha using relaxation skills we optimise our performance.
Effective relaxation also produces significant increases in the levels of certain powerful chemicals in our brain- beta – endorphins, nor adrenaline and dopamine. This effect can last in individuals for hours up to days after relaxation. These chemicals are linked to pain relief, mental clarity, storage of memories and creativity.
All these are functions happen in the right hemisphere of the brain. This hemisphere also creates images, visualises, makes links and deals with emotions- particularly good humour and pleasure.
Play Pause Unwind draws on this science in our relaxation training – pleasant memories, visualisation, sound frequencies and rhythms, conscious physical and mental relaxation all help to optimise effectiveness and facilitate learning.
