Gamma brainwaves are the fastest documented brainwave frequency range, which oscillate within the range of about 30 to 100 Hz. They have the smallest amplitude on an E.E.G. in comparison to the other four basic types of brainwave frequencies. According to a popular theory [1], gamma waves may be implicated in creating the unity of conscious perception (the binding problem [2]).
Their Significance
In researches that have been done, gamma waves have showed increased mental activity/cognitive enhancement, freedom from distractibility, high levels of info-processing, learning and focus, high short-term memory ability and migraine prevention [3][4][5][6]. They’ve also shown some promise with depression and other disorders. They can certainly be very energizing as well.
Cognitive control of emotions plays an important role in maintaining emotional stability in our daily life. A study suggested that gamma brainwave activity reinforces the mechanism of cognitive control of emotion [7].
Another interesting fact is that at gamma brainwave state, neurons fire together, at the same time (as you will also see below). These fast rhythms are known to occur when people, for example, pay attention to the most relevant aspects of their surroundings – such as a person talking to them – and ignore distractions, like background music [8].
Relation to Meditation
Experiments on Tibetan Buddhist monks have shown a correlation between transcendental mental states and gamma waves. A 2004 study [9] took eight long-term Tibetan Buddhist practitioners of meditation and, using electrodes, monitored the patterns of electrical activity produced by their brains as they meditated.
The researchers compared the brain activity of the monks to a group of novice meditators (the study had these subjects meditate an hour a day for one week prior to empirical observation). In a normal meditative state, both groups were shown to have similar brain activity. However, when the monks were told to generate an objective feeling of compassion during meditation, their brain activity began to fire in a rhythmic, coherent manner, suggesting neuronal structures were firing in harmony. This was observed at a frequency of 25–40 Hz, the (typical) rhythm of gamma waves.
New research is continually being conducted, as brainwave stimulation continues the transition from a neurological curiosity to an important tool with practical and beneficial applications.
How Can we Experience Gamma Brainwaves?
As we saw above, the answer is meditation. People can train themselves to produce more of the gamma frequency, and by focusing on compassion and love is the way to do this. Another method to stimulate gamma brainwaves is by using brainwave entrainment.
The following is a session which uses isochronic tones that starts from low beta waves (12 Hz) and gradually goes to gamma waves (40 Hz) at about 20 minutes, till the end. It’s preferred to use it in the morning or afternoon, or whenever you want to be focused or energized. You can use it with or without headphones. However, if you are in a noisy environment, it is recommended to use headphones.
References:
[1] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053810099903999
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_problem
[3] http://braindynamics.iku.edu.tr/Pdf/Early%20gamma%20response%20is%20sensory%20in%20origin-%20a%20conclusion%20based%20on%20cross-comparison%20of%20results%20from%20multiple%20experimental%20paradigms.pdf
[4] http://www.transparentcorp.com/downloads/Huang-PsychologicalEffectsBrainwaveEntrainment.pdf
[5] Olmstead R. Use of auditory and visual stimulation to improve cognitive abilities in learning-disabled children. J Neurother. 2005;9(2):49-61
[6] Noton D. Migraine and photic stimulation: report on a survey of migraineurs using flickering light therapy. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 2000;6(3):138-142.
[7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22254657
[8] http://sfari.org/news-and-opinion/news/2009/laser-technique-pins-source-of-brain-waves-linked-to-autism
[9] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC526201/
More sources that might interest you:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma_wave
http://www.livescience.com/14806-gamma-brain-learning-running.html
http://www.omharmonics.com/blog/gamma-brain-waves/
http://www.transparentcorp.com/research/gamma-brain-waves.php
http://www.brainwavesblog.com/tag/gamma-brainwaves/
http://www.gammamindset.com/
http://jonlieffmd.com/blog/neuronal-networks-brain-waves
photo: bigstockphoto.com
shares
Science
Brainwaves
Related Posts
Sound Therapy: an Amazing Tool to Change Your State of Mind & Enhance Well-being
October 19, 2014