Research has proved that brain waves in meditation progress through different phases. Measuring these brain waves has gained a lot of popularity in recent times, with the medical community wanting to understand exactly how meditation helps in bringing down stress levels and produce health benefits.

Among the most common brain waves activated during meditation are the 'alpha' waves. The nervous system is altered and calmed by these alpha brain waves. When this is done regularly, changes occur in the body the blood pressure comes down, and so does the heart rate. This results in lowering stress hormone. The mind becomes calmer.

Types Of Brain Waves...

Beta waves are considered similar to the normal state of the brain in its waking state, when it can think and perform various activities in a conscious manner.

The alpha waves relate to real relaxation, when the brain slows down from beta. There is a refreshing flow of energy as a sense of calm settles in. This is the state where meditation begins to affect you and is the starting point which progresses into intense states of consciousness.

Theta waves are associated with total relaxation, promoting creativity, enhancing the problem solving ability and making learning happen faster. Although it is almost a state of sleep, the brain opens up to highly alert state where it is receptive. It is like being awake during a dream. It is a very intuitive state.

Delta waves are associated with deep sleep but in a state of awareness and the ability to reach the subconscious mind. Only highly experienced practitioners achieve this.

There is a major increase in gamma brain waves in meditation. These usually relate to deep focus and are not so prominent or present consistently in the brain in its normal state. But it was discovered that in the brain waves in meditation practitioners, a high level of gamma brain waves are present in the part of the brain usually linked with low anxiety or fear and low depression. This part of the brain is also related with positive emotions.

The Pattern Of Brain Waves During Meditation...

The pattern of brain waves is a combination of alpha-theta - which is ideal. Theta, with its depth relates with the subconscious mind and alpha links it to the conscious mind. As a result you will recall whatever you experienced during meditation, letting you enjoy the benefits. As we live - awake or sleeping, our brain experiences all the states - alpha, beta, theta and delta. An understanding of the range in brainwaves during various activities it is possible to gain a control over them.

Today, there are meditation machines that control the brain waves, helping the individual relax by bringing about alpha and theta states. They make use of the concept that specific brain wave patterns relate to specific mental state. You can achieve various brain waves in meditation through CDs.

We can progress through the various brain waves during our meditation, helping us lead healthy lives. By controlling brain waves in meditation we can shape our destiny, because we have a tight hold on how we think and act. We are able to reach a state of relaxation and awareness of self.