In recent years, academic studies done by physicians, psychiatrists and scientists worldwide have revealed that we humans are capable of altering the functioning of our brain, and that intelligence is not only affected by genetic factors.
Brain functioning involves the transferring of electrical signals, leading to the emergence of electromagnetic waves called 'brain waves.' Exploring them involves the use of an Electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures and records the electrical activity along the scalp resulting from changes in these electrical currents. It converts this data into four different types of brain waves.
The Beta brainwave is the fastest type of brain wave. It affects the unconscious part of our psyche relating to our ability to receive information through all of our senses. It also relates to short-term memory.
Alpha: Occurs when one is relaxed. During this state, the brain is able to best receive information – called the 'Super Learning' state. Accordingly, this wave relates to learning. The ability to retrieve information, and this brain wave, is found especially with a happy, smart child who learns quickly, and with adults with a balanced mind, such as those doing meditation. It is also found prior to falling asleep when the body and mind are relaxed. For medical treatment, this brain wave is suitable for applying hypnotizing therapy.
Theta: Found during deep relaxation. This wave is related with retrieving information within the subconscious mind and the ability to solve problems, along with along with high-level meditation and the ability to recall long-term memories. Theta brainwaves reflect the condition of one’s subconscious mind.
Delta: The slowest brainwave, occurring during deep sleep. However, during such a state, the subconscious mind (and information collected while one was awake) are still being processed.
If brainwave functioning is brought to a lower frequency, such as in the Alpha state, one will become a more calm and cheerful person with a creative mind and high concentration, memory and intelligence levels. This is usually found in priests, Buddhist monks or those regularly practicing meditation.
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Adjusting your brainwaves first involves being in a peaceful environment away from electromagnet fields such as those from a microwave, electrical wiring, transformers and computers.
Recent reports from Germany, Russia and Switzerland are indicating that a microwave has highly negative impacts on brainwaves. Therefore, it should not be used for preparing a baby’s food (i.e. heating the water in a feeding bottle).
Listening to or creating music, especially classical such as that of Mozart – together with practicing meditation, doing yoga and even getting in-touch with natural environments – helps with producing Alpha brainwaves.
Research is also revealing that sound waves created from the base and drums stimulates areas of the brain stem and spinal cord related to one's ability to balance. Whereas, instruments such as the flute, guitar and violin stimulate brain functioning related to the limbic system, which is located in the central part of the brain and related to our emotions.
Stringed instruments with high-pitched tones (including the harp, organ and bell) stimulate functioning of the neocortex, directly related to one’s intelligence. And sounds from the popular, piano stimulate all parts of the brain equally.
However, since each type of musical instrument has different effects on the brain, carefully selecting which instrument is right for you (or your children) is very important.
In medicine, some of these activities have been applied as a form of therapy. Music therapy is used for stimulating certain personality developments, as well as for decreasing unpleasant behaviors in children (such as aggression and hyperactivity). Furthermore, applying this therapy to adults can stimulate the healing of physical ailments, as well as calm the mind – helping with sleep and reducing stress, phobias and other psychological disorders.