Alpha Brain Waves are brain waves within the documented frequency range of 8 Hz to 12 Hz on an E.E.G. and were the first brainwave frequency range to be discovered. In 1908, an Austrian research psychiatrist was the first individual to find "brain waves." He happened to have found the range of brain waves cycling at a rate of 8 Hz to 12 Hz per second. He named them Alpha Waves ("Alpha" translates to "first" in Greek) due to the fact that they were the first brainwave range to be found and observed in an electroencephalograph (E.E.G.).
Thousands of brainwave researchers have taken the time to learn more about our brainwave frequencies and states of consciousness. Researchers have found that Alpha Brain Waves are associated with states of peace and relaxation. Not everyone even has Alpha Brain Waves due to the fact that they diminish when you get stressed out, nervous, or tense. If this is the case, your brain will shift to a fast-paced state of mind consisting of Beta Brain Waves.
When you take the time to breath deeply, meditate, or close your eyes, there will be a big increase in the amount of alpha brainwave activity inside your brain. Alpha Brain Waves are not the slowest brain waves though. Theta Brain Waves, which cycle from 4 Hz to 7 Hz (e.g. 4-7 times per second) are associated with early stages of sleep. Even slower than Theta Waves is range of Delta Brain Waves which cycle from 1 Hz to 4 Hz (e.g. 1-4 times per second). Delta Brain Waves are associated with deep sleep and being completely unconscious.
If you want to improve the overall functioning of your brain and improve the quality of your life, you should work to increase your Alpha Brainwave activity. This will do all of the following: improve your ability to learn, significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, bring you to a state of peak performance and mental processing, enhance your immune system, allow you to think outside the box (i.e. be more creative), and help you stay relaxed.
Due to the fact that many people are short on Alpha Brain Waves, it is a good idea to learn how they can be increased. People who suffer from anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, or other stress related problems usually are not able to reap the benefits of the alpha brain waves range. Though each brainwave state has benefits, it is most common that people are lacking the alpha range.
Just like each and every gear is important in the shift process of gear shifting on a bike ride, each brain wave frequency range is important to have in your brain in order to optimally deal with life's experiences. People who are able to shift their brain waves from a highly focused, motivated, fast-paced and excited (Beta) state to a more relaxed, flowing, calm state (Alpha) -- are able to better deal with stressful situations and cope with life. Unfortunately though, not everyone has the ability to get out of the overstimulated state of mind (Beta).
Alpha Brain Waves can be of benefit to you because they will help you stay relaxed and will literally melt away all of your stress. They have been documented to improve learning, memory, and social interaction. They also have been known to cure anxiety and insomnia in some individuals. It is known that people who have lower anxiety tend to have significantly more Alpha Brainwave activity than those who are nerved up.
Another interesting benefit from Alpha brain waves is that they have been known to boost your immune system. This basically translates to you getting sick less often. If you take some time to think about this statement, it makes perfect sense due to the fact that people who are stressed out (e.g. in a Beta state) tend to get sick a lot. Staying calm and relaxed will build up immunity and you sure won't be getting sick as often.
Alpha Brain Waves have also been associated with creativity. Researchers have discovered that most creative individuals tend to have more Alpha activity than those who are too logical and unoriginal. So if you were to work on increasing your Alpha waves, you would almost positively be increasing your ability to tap into a highly creative state. Problem solving, "super learning, and peak performance have also been known to skyrocket as a result of an increase in Alpha Brain Waves.