With the help of sound we can change our brain waves. Brain waves are patterns of electrical activity in the brain generated by synchronized electrical impulses when neurons communicate with each other.
The more we are involved in thinking and analysis processes, the higher and faster these waves become. On the surface this isn’t a problem, but just as we need balance in every area of our lives, so does our brain.
Most of us live most of our lives in a state where our brain waves are primarily in beta: excited, alert, focused, but also somewhat stressed.
When we relax, meditate or sleep, we change the frequency of our brain waves. This means that electrical activity in the brain decreases, and this can lead to a significant increase in feel-good chemicals such as endorphins and dopamine. In meditation in general we focus on something, such as our breathing, a candle flame or a mantra. In this way we manage to slow down our electrical patterns in the brain and stabilize the amplitude of our brain waves in the alpha, theta or even delta wave range.
– Gamma brain waves – Frequency: 32 – 100 Hz.
Associated condition: increased cognition, learning and problem-solving tasks.
– Beta brain waves – Frequency: 13-32 Hz
Associated condition: normal waking consciousness, active thinking and being stressed.
– Alpha brain waves – Frequency: 8-13 Hz
Associated state: physically and mentally relaxed.
– Theta brain waves – Frequency: 4-8 Hz
Associated condition: creativity, insight, deep meditation, healing and reduced consciousness.
– Delta brain waves – Frequency: 0.5-4 Hz
Associated condition: deep and dreamless sleep
In a Sound Bath meditation the same thing happens as in a silent meditation, with the advantage that we achieve a brainwave shift much sooner and easier than without sound.