deep states training - alpha/theta
States of mind and the EEG
The very first EEG recording was made by
Hans Berger in 1924. He identified a regular, rhythmical pulse, oscillating at 10 cycles per second.
This brain wave was named ‘Alpha’.
Alpha states are associated with a deep
inner calm and have been seen to increase during meditation. Neurofeedback training can enhance alpha and thereby improve
cognitive flexibility and enhance creativity. In alpha/theta training, the
aim is to allow alpha to rise initially, before dropping away and allowing theta to predominate. In
the theta state, repressed memories and feelings can be gently processed, and the resolution of emotional issues, including
trauma, can occur without any need to ‘re-live’ events or even to speak about them. The limbic system (emotional
brain) can be cooled down, allowing the frontal lobes (executive brain) to process information and properly organise events
in memory.
This process is not only useful in a clinical setting (in the treatment of alcohol dependency and
post-traumatic stress disorder) but it has also been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for enhancing general
well-being and creativity.
‘it
has had a wonderful impact on my life…enhancing my general feeling of wellbeing…and I have no doubt that it
has had a positive effect on my performances…it is about a state of mind’ Award-winning pianist, Cassie Yukawa.
‘ With a
predominance of Theta waves (4-8 Hz), focus is on the internal world, a world of hypnogogic imagery where an ‘inner
healer’ is often said to be encountered. Alpha brain waves (8-13 Hz) may be considered a bridge from
the external world to the internal world and vice versa' White (1999)
‘..I do think the alpha-theta work has been really helpful as I feel I can let
go and relax at a deeper level with far less fear of 'going inside'...
...I also feel that my brain is working
better in so many ways ..’ AH.
"... with neurotherapy (neurofeedback) we are compressing
time, and, in less than 2 months, achieving results that adepts such as yogis experience only after many years of meditating."
Nancy White PhD. Clinical Psychologist.
Scientific research underpinning Neurofeedback as a learning paradigm for enhancing cognition and creativity
