The brain is a complex system with resonant-dynamic response. Due to external conditions, he can change the rhythm of his work. Its structure is endowed with natural electropolarization, depending on the functioning of which the potential of the energy system changes.
Today, there are four main brain rhythms, including the alpha rhythm. Consider what it is and why it is so important to be able to be in this rhythm.
Basic brain rhythms
Today, there are 4 main types of electrical oscillations of the human brain. They have their own frequency range and state of consciousness.
- The alpha rhythm appears during rest in the waking state.
- Beta rhythm - normal when awake.
- Delta rhythm occurs in deep sleep.
- Theta rhythm is typical for light sleep or deep meditation.
Alpha Brain Rhythm Discovery
Alpha waves were discovered several decades ago by the German psychiatrist Hans Berger, whenhe noticed fluctuations, the frequency of which was about 10 per second. Their amplitude is very small, only up to thirty millionths of a volt.
It is interesting that the alpha rhythm is observed only in humans. Not surprisingly, a quarter of a century later, a whole branch of science called electrocephalography, or EEG, appeared.
Studies of alpha-rhythm and Earth-ionosphere resonances
In 1968, D. Cohen, using a non-contact method, detected magnetic oscillations around the head, which appeared along with electrical biopotential oscillations of the brain. In frequency, they coincided with those that are recognized to be called "alpha-rhythms of the brain." He called these oscillations the magnetoencephalogram.
Another scientist, Gray W alter, before him, back in 1953, suggested that the ability of the brain to perceive electrical influences makes it possible to connect with the penetrating energy of all things. It is known that the wavelength of the electromagnetic nature, which corresponds to the frequency of the alpha rhythm, is close to the circumference of the Earth and the resonance of the "Earth-ionosphere".
What is at stake becomes clear after studying the works of Schumann, who in 1952 predicted and then experimentally proved the existence of Earth-ionosphere resonances. These frequencies were called standing waves in the spherical waveguide "Earth-ionosphere". The length of the electromagnetic wave of the main resonance is close to the circumference of the Earth. Schumann, together with Koening, recorded that during the day the so-called "trains" were activated, the amplitude of which reached 100µV/m, at a frequency of 9 Hz, which lasted mostly three tenths to three seconds, but sometimes thirty seconds. The most intense spectral lines were in the range from 7 to 11 Hz. Most often, during the day, the frequency spread is observed in the range from +/- 0.1 - 0.2 Hz.
During the day, the strongest resonant oscillations of the Earth-ionosphere are recorded. On calm days at a frequency of 8 Hz, the spectral density of oscillations is 0.1 mV / m Hz, and during magnetic storms, the readings increase by 15%.
Most experts agree that excitations of electromagnetic oscillations are associated with discharges of atmospheric electricity. We are talking about lightning that occurs on the surface of the entire globe.
The Essence of Alpha Rhythms
In the human brain, manifestations of brain activity, as well as alpha rhythms, reflect rather complex psychophysiological processes. Experimental and statistical data suggest that the alpha rhythm can be congenital and even hereditary.
Scientists Warren McCulloch and Gray W alter put forward a hypothesis that with the alpha rhythm, internal scanning of mental images occurs when focusing on some problem. An interesting match was found between the period of inertia of visual perception and the frequency of alpha waves.
Biorhythms during sleep and wakefulness
When a person closes his eyes, his alpha brain rhythms become stronger. And when the eyes are opened, for most people these waves disappear. Based on this GrayW alter suggested that the alpha rhythm is a scanning search for solutions, disappearing when they are found.
Alpha waves begin to gradually be replaced by theta rhythm when drowsiness appears. And in a calmly sleeping person, delta waves predominate, which, nevertheless, can be supplemented during sleep by other rhythms, such as the sigma rhythm.
Gray W alter is sure that sleep is a legacy of man's past times, when he needed to get rid of vigorous activity. At the same time, delta waves, as it were, guard the brain.
Abstract thinking and speed of reaction
Alpha brain rhythms are very individual in people. Studies have shown that the majority of people in whom they were expressed had the ability to think abstractly.
Among the subjects, although not often, there were people who had completely absent alpha rhythms even when they closed their eyes. It was typical for such people to think with the help of visual images, but it was problematic for them to solve abstract questions.
The alpha-rhythm index, according to the scientist, affects the speed of mental and sensory reactions. With a faster rhythm, the efficiency of decision-making and activities increases.
From what has been said, it becomes clear that the alpha rhythm is associated with thinking that occurs in the brain. The ability of imagination, foresight and calculations was inherent in man even in the early stages of history. But the mechanisms of control and abstract thinking were acquired somewhat later. We call thesequalities by the will of man.
The difference between man and all other creatures
Alpha rhythm is the norm for a person. This is what distinguishes us from the animal kingdom. In the brains of animals, only separate and irregular separate elements of such processes were recorded.
It was Kening and his assistants who first discovered the connection between the alpha rhythm of the human brain and the main resonant frequency of the Earth in 1960. As a result of mass studies carried out for a long time, it was found that with an increase in field strength, a decrease in the response by an average of 20 ms was observed. When there were irregular fluctuations from 2 to 6 Hz, the time increased by 15 ms.
Special meaning of alpha rhythms
Alpha rhythm in children is formed by 2-4 years. In an adult, it is observed when he closes his eyes and does not think about anything. At this time, its bioelectric oscillations slow down, and the waves, which fluctuate from 8 to 13 Hz, increase.
According to research, in order to absorb new information, you need to stimulate alpha rhythms in your brain. When relaxing, without focusing on anything, a state of peace sets in, which is called the "alpha state". In the practice of martial arts, it is also called the state of the master. It is at such moments that the muscle response increases tenfold or more, unlike normal beta rhythms.
A he althy person in a state of wakefulness is dominated by alpha and beta rhythms. And the more the first, the lessthe body is subject to stress, the more a person has the ability to learn and fully relax. At such moments, the body produces enkephalins and beta-endorphins. These are a kind of natural "drugs", that is, substances that are responsible for relaxation and joy.
Alcoholics and drug addicts are not able to enter the alpha rhythm without additional stimulants. But in a state of intoxication, the power of the alpha range increases greatly. This explains their addiction.
